The Penguin Lessons

The Penguin Lessons by Tom Michell is a charming and heartwarming memoir about an unlikely friendship between a man and a penguin, and the life lessons that emerged from their time together. Set in the 1970s, the story begins when Michell, a young English teacher living in Argentina, rescues a Magellanic penguin from an oil spill on a beach in Uruguay.

After cleaning and nursing the bird back to health, Michell tries to release him back into the wild—but the penguin refuses to leave his side. Naming him Juan Salvador, Michell brings the penguin home to Argentina, where the bird quickly becomes part of the boarding school community.

Juan Salvador is no ordinary pet—he becomes a rugby mascot, a companion to students, and an unexpected source of calm, laughter, and insight. Through this touching relationship, Michell reflects on kindness, loyalty, and the transformative power of small acts of compassion during a time of political unrest.

Product Details:

• Author: Tom Michell

• Format: Paperback

• Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

• Publication Date: 16 June 2016

• Pages: 240

• Dimensions: 19.9 cm x 12.8 cm x 2.2 cm

The Penguin Lessons is a feel-good read full of heart and gentle humour—perfect for animal lovers, travel memoir fans, and anyone who believes in the magic of unexpected friendships.