Over the last few weeks, Grade 5 has been learning a lot about animals, from farms to birds. Therefore, I’d like to share a true story that celebrates the friendship between nature and humans. Penguin Bloom is an extraordinary account of recovery, hope and courage as one injured bird and her human family learn to heal and celebrate life.
The main character, Samantha Bloom, was vacationing with her husband and their three young sons in Thailand when she suffered a devastating accident. She breaks her back from leaning against a faulty balcony railing and falls through it, which inflicts paralysis on her from the chest down. A year later, her children bring home an injured magpie they have found. She cautiously approaches the magpie and begins to get acquainted with the new family member. They name it ‘Penguin.’
I watched it early this year, and it’s just a heart-warming story that is 100% worth a second watch. I was impressed by Penguin’s resilience and the magic of nature. When something is wrong with Sam, Penguin is the first to notice and alert the rest of the family. The way Penguin looks at Sam as if it understands her pain. The depiction of different emotions is delicately crafted, immersing the audience in the scene.
Highly recommended!
