Pick up a penguin

PENGUINS: The Ultimate Guide does what it says on the tin. Covering all 18 species of penguin and incorporating no fewer than 400 high-quality photographs, this glossy coffeetable book dives into the family’s science and conservation, alongside the expected species profiles.

Containing an abundance of information on size and appearance, breeding behaviour, range and habitats, this book also explores the struggles faced by several species. Expect fascinating facts about which is the fastest species, penguins’ bills, unusual colour variants and odd moult strategies. It’s likely that any question you had about the family is answered within.

The book is split into three distinct sections. The first, by accomplished wildlife photographer Tui De Roy, provides a personal overview of penguin species and stories about what makes each so special, completed with a number of beautiful photographs. The second consists of a series of chapters written by several scientific experts on different elements of penguins’ life histories, including such varied topics as penguin-human interaction and an archaeological timeline of the family’s evolution.

Last but not least is a who’s who of all the world’s penguin species. Starting with a table organised by status, population estimates, ranges and main threats, this is followed by a double-page spread dedicated to each species. Full of detail, this includes all the information you would expect to see in a bird guide: a range map, photos, descriptions, voice, breeding habitats and so on. Completing this book is a short directory on some of the best places in the world to see penguins.