Penguin Bloom

I very much enjoyed Penguin Bloom by Cameron Bloom & Bradley Trevor Greive which is a poignant true story of the Bloom family torn apart when mother, Sam, sustains a spinal cord injury after a fall from a balcony in Thailand. She is treated in Thailand and then returns to Australia for more treatment and rehabilitation.  When she returns home, one of her sons finds an injured magpie chick and brings her home to treat her.  She is named "Penguin" and she becomes part of the family.  She brings joy to the household and has a close connection with Sam.  This is a beautiful picture book with the photographs by photographer, father, and co-author Cameron who tells the story of his love for Sam and his family. Sam also tells her story which is one of courage and hope.  She finds a sport in which she can participate and by doing so, reclaims a little of her past as someone who enjoyed being fit and active.  Penguin is an amazing bird and the photos of her interacting with the family are just gorgeous.  41/2/5