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Tacky
Series · 10 books · 1988-2015

Books in series

Tacky the Penguin book cover
#1

Tacky the Penguin

1988

Tacky’s the odd bird out among all his friends. Will this nonconformist teach old penguins some new tricks and help save the day? Tacky the Penguin is a delightful tale about being true to yourself—even when it means being a little different from everybody else. Tacky likes to do splashy cannonballs and greet his friends with a loud, “What’s happening?” His fellow penguins find his odd behavior somewhat bothersome. But when fearsome poachers come to the iceberg hunting for penguins, Tacky’s odd ways may be just the thing that saves the day. From beloved children’s book author Helen Lester and cherished illustrator Lynn Munsinger, the funny Tacky the Penguin books follow the adventures of one superlative penguin and should not be missed!
Three Cheers for Tacky book cover
#2

Three Cheers for Tacky

1994

Tacky is always being teased by his perfect penguin friends. Will his eccentric ways prove that there is nothing wrong—and just enough right—with being different? This hilarious series following the adventures of one superlative penguin is a modern classic. Tacky likes his Hawaiian shirt and spontaneous dance moves, but his fellow penguins find his oddball moves concerning when they interfere with winning the Penguin Cheering Contest. Can Tacky find a way to win that’s all his own? From beloved children’s book author Helen Lester and treasured illustrator Lynn Munsinger, this laugh-out-loud tale about embracing our differences will remind everyone that being different is part of the fun.
Tacky in Trouble book cover
#3

Tacky in Trouble

1998

Tacky the Penguin goes windsurfing and ends up on a tropical island, captive to an elephant who, upon seeing Tacky’s floral Hawaiian shirt, mistakes him for a bouquet of flowers. The elephant thinks that Tacky would make a pretty centerpiece, so she arranges him in a vase and sets him on her table. Tacky’s fans are sure to delight in the show as Tacky uses all of his best penguin moves to wriggle himself out of this hilarious jungle mix-up. Only the team of Helen Lester and Lynn Munsinger could pull off a tale of such far-fetched adventure. They are masters at the art of creating silly stories and beloved characters that make children laugh out loud.
Tacky and the Emperor book cover
#4

Tacky and the Emperor

2000

It’s common knowledge that Tacky was never the best-dressed penguin, but when he and his friends prepare for the arrival of the emperor, Tacky gets carried away and ends up in more than just elegant attire! Tacky brings his own unique brand of humor and entertainment to the emperor’s visit. Here is another wacky addition to Tacky’s myriad adventures in which friendship, kindness, and laughter always win out! Tacky fans will be carried to new heights of hilarity by this Tacky tale.
Tackylocks and the Three Bears book cover
#5

Tackylocks and the Three Bears

2002

How do you keep a crowd of energetic young penguins entertained? Put on a play, perhaps? But will they pay attention through an entire performance? If Tacky’s center stage, they might. Even dressed up in his flowing blond wig and little red “skipping shoes,” everyone’s favorite misfit penguin imbues the character of Goldilocks with his own indomitable personality and style. So what if the set is in shambles? This is one performance Mrs. Beakly’s students won’t soon forget.
Tacky and the Winter Games book cover
#6

Tacky and the Winter Games

2005

"A-huff-and-a-puff-and-a-huff-and-a-puff-and-a-huff-and-a-puff" "WHAT'S HAPPENING?" Tacky the penguin wants to know. The Winter Games, that's what's happening. And Tacky and his fellow penguins Goodly, Lovely, Angel, Neatly, and Perfect have to work hard to get in shape so they can represent Team Nice Icy Land in the athletic competitions. After rigorous training, they're ready - but are the games ready for Tacky? Will his antics keep Team Nice Icy Land from winning a medal? From bobsledless racing and ski jumping to speed skating, Tacky lends his unique, exuberant style to each competition. In laugh-out-loud scenes of Tacky and his fellow penguins' athletic debacles, Tacky reminds readers of the underlying joy and enthusiasm that propells athletes to greatness. So get ready to cheer for Team Nice Icy Land and let the games begin!
Tacky Goes to Camp book cover
#7

Tacky Goes to Camp

2009

Tacky and his fellow penguins are off to summer camp in Nice Icy Land to enjoy some Rock Hopping, Line Dancing, and Capture the Ice Cube. One night, they gather around the campfire to sing, eat s’mores, and tell scary stories. But after going to bed, something straight out of one of their scary stories pays the sleeping penguins a visit. Goodly, Lovely, Angel, Neatly, and Perfect think they should hightail it out of there, but not Tacky!
Tacky's Christmas book cover
#8

Tacky's Christmas

2010

Deck the iceberg wrap a gifty Fa la la la la la la la la... Tacky, Goodly, Lovely, Angel, Neatly, and Perfect are celebrating the holiday with good cheer, singing, and lots of presents. Tacky’s present is a little bit different, and not exactly what his friends had in mind, but when the Christmas merrymaking is interrupted by hunters in search of pretty penguins, it's Tacky's gift that helps to save the day…. A bonus CD of original carols includes: Deck the Iceberg, Sandy Clawz is Coming to Town, The Six Days of Christmas, I’m Dreaming of a Green Christmas, and Oh Tackytree!
Happy Birdday, Tacky! book cover
#9

Happy Birdday, Tacky!

2013

The Nice Icy Land was crackling with busy-ness. It had taken weeks and a lot of whispery chirps for Tacky the Penguin’s friends to plan a Perfect Surprise Birdday Party for him on his special hatchday. With songs, presents, cake, fishy ice cream, and surprise entertainment from Iglooslavia’s own Twinklewebs the Dance Queen, how could anything go wrong? But it’s a comedy of errors . . . and all is far from perfect. Luckily, Tacky’s good cheer—and his flippity dance moves—save the day with a flap of his flippers and a tap of his tippywebs. Munsinger’s adorable, expressive penguin illustrations are the icing on the cake.
Tacky and the Haunted Igloo book cover
#10

Tacky and the Haunted Igloo

2015

It's Halloween, and Goodly, Lovely, Angel, Neatly, and Perfect are planning the spookiest haunted igloo ever! They've decorated with spoohooky cobwebs, they've baked some awful waffle treats, and the only thing left to do is dress up as something scary to haunt the igloo. Everything is going spooktacularly . . . until ghostly hunters show up! They want all the penguins' snacks, but their trick-or-treaters (and, of course, snacky Tacky) have eaten them all. How will the penguins get out of this mess? Tacky will teach these trick-or-treating hunters that, if they can't get treats, they're surely going to get tricked.

Author

Helen Lester
Helen Lester
Author · 32 books
Helen Lester is the author of many children’s books. Her background with children includes being a mother of two and a former elementary school teacher of ten years. While at home with her children, Helen realized the importance of quality children’s literature. Helen started her writing career as a struggling author facing many rejections by publishing companies. Her first book was finally published in 1979. Helen Lester is a full-time writer who makes her home in New York.
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