In the icy waters of the south,
Where the winds are fierce and the waves a-mouth,
There are some creatures, cute and small,
Who swim and play and have a ball.

Some are black, some are white,
And all of them are quite a sight,
With feathers sleek and eyes so bright,
These little birds are such a delight.

The penguins, they are called,
And they swim in waters so cold,
Their wings like fins, they gracefully glide,
In search of fish and krill to provide.

Some of them huddle together,
To keep warm in the chilly weather,
While some go off on their own,
In search of food to call their own.

So if you see a penguin waddle by,
Stop and watch, and do not be shy,
For they are a marvel to behold,
A wonder of nature, all white and all bold.

Reflections

1. What were some of the challenges the penguins faced in their icy environment, and how did they overcome them?
2. How do you think the penguins communicated with each other, and why do you think it was important for them to work together?
3. Why do you think the penguins liked to swim and play so much, even in such cold water?
4. What are some things that humans can learn from watching and studying the behaviors of penguins?
5. If you could be any animal in the world, would you choose to be a penguin? Why or why not?