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The little penguin Written & illustrated by Tommy Kearney
for my nephew Leslie and Cassie’s family in Melbourne, Australia Isla & Layla
On an island down under, next to the sea. Lived Kulija, the little penguin and his family. They lived in the green hills, deep inside a hole. Each morning, the little penguins went for a stroll.
When Kulija walked along the grass, the little penguin’s waddle wasn’t so fast, When Kulija waddled on the sand, the little penguin was so slow over the land. 5
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But when the little penguin dived into the sea, Kulija spread his wings and was finally free!
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He soared through the ocean under the waves. Kulija swam past the corals and the underwater caves.
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Each day, Kulija chased the fish. Anchovies and sardines were his favourite dish.
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The sardines huddled together and swam in a shoal. Kulija dived at the fish, all he caught was a hole!
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Kulija had to be patient and float in the sea. A fish in the shoal wanted to be free. The sardine left the shoal to be alone at last. Kulija grabbed the fish for his breakfast!
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When Kulija was full, and he turned to swim back. A hungry leopard seal also fancied a snack!
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He saw the little penguin and gave chase. Kulija knew he had to win this race!
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Kulija, twisted and turned, swam left and right. The leopard seal kept the penguin in sight.
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Kulija swam faster and stepped up the pace. But the seal grew closer and began to outpace.
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Fearing the seal was on his tail, Kulija, the little penguin,20began to act frail.
He slowed and turned upright on his back. Flopped his wings and floated like a sack. 21
To the leopard seal, the penguin died of fright. The seal opened his jaws to take a big bite.
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When Kulija turned and pecked the seal on the nose! The seal was so shocked, he simply froze!
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Kulija immediately sprinted away. He had escaped, to live another day!
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When he got home to the island, it was at night. The sand glowed in the moonlight.
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Kulija joined the others in a parade from the sea. He was happy to be back home with his family.
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Tired, Kulija gave his wings one last spread. Waddled up the hill, then went to bed.
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