This post is sponsored by Little, Brown & Co. The opinions in this post are 100% mine. You can read my full disclosure policy here.
You may know James Patterson as a best-selling mystery author. Now he’s showing us his fun side by teaming up with his son, Jack Patterson on their brand new book, Penguins of America. If we take humans out of the picture and sub in penguins, well, we can laugh at ourselves a little more easily.
That’s how I’ve felt reading this book: lighthearted and happy. We need to celebrate life more, not be so serious, don’tcha think? My kids have read this one and laughed with me, too, which makes it even more FUN for dear ‘ole mom.
Read more about Penguins of America below, check out how the dog walking picture inspired me to get a little silly with my pup, Sam, and I have a great giveaway for you as well!
Penguins of America by James Patterson and Jack Patterson
Penguins of America released on May 1 so you can find it in bookstores and online now. I love how James Patterson partnered with his son Jack to just have FUN with it and bring a smile to our collective faces.
PENGUINS OF AMERICA is James Patterson’s first book with his son, Jack. His son’s love of penguins was the original inspiration for the book. When Jack was 5 years old, he told his father he should write a book about penguins. Twelve years later, we have PENGUINS OF AMERICA, a collaborative creation between father and son.
Penguins – our lovable, cute, flightless friends who are constantly dressed for a formal occasion – have always fascinated humans. As we shuffle through life one day at a time, it’s easy to take things far too seriously, but when we see penguins taking a walk in our shoes it’s impossible not to recognize how silly we can actually be. Featuring humorous illustrations with captions that show penguins in the day-to-day situations that we’ve all experienced – from a relaxing day at the beach to a stressful morning commute – PENGUINS OF AMERICA is a hilarious and charming send-up of daily life.
If you think this is a fun concept for a book, you’d be right.
You can learn more on the official Penguins of America website and by joining James Patterson on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
10 Thoughts Your Dog is Having on His Daily Walk
There were a number of photos in Penguins of America that really spoke to me, but this one really grabbed me! You might know I’m slightly OBSESSED with my dog, Sam. He’s little but he’s fierce. He’s totally harmless when we take walks but he’s also totally rude, especially to bigger dogs. Because he gonna prove himself and do NOT TALK TO HIS MOTHER. He’s got control issues. We’re working through them.
As a little dog owner, I cracked up at this photo and got to thinking about what dogs are REALLY thinking about on their daily walks. Other than going potty 400 times, but you know that’s top-of-mind for all of them.
So I took a stab at it. What else would you add to my doggie stream of consciousness?
10 Thoughts Your Dog is Having on His Daily Walk
- I have to pee.
- Wow, who’s the new dog on the block? Cute little lady! Let me get a sniff of her.
- Just take the leash off. I’ll stay with you. Promise.
- I have to pee. Yes, again. Have we met?
- That big dog thinks he’s tough. I’M TOUGH. Don’t you even think about coming near my mother.
- It’s a #2 this time. Get the bag ready. Don’t make a scene with it. I don’t need to be embarrassed out here.
- Stop walking for a minute and just let them pet me. They love me. People are just drawn to me. I don’t know what it is!
- Can you carry me? Let’s keep walking, but you carry me. I’m not obese like the vet said I was. You can do it.
- When we get home, let’s eat. I’m starving. I’m thinking steak. Rare.
- That was so fun. Can we go again tomorrow?
You can see Sam adores Penguins of America, too (especially when he can nap and read at the same time).
The Giveaway
The generous folks at Little, Brown & Co. are sponsoring a great giveaway for my fellow dog lovers! One lucky reader will win a copy of Penguins of America, plus a $50 Petco gift card! This giveaway is open to US residents ages 18+ only and will end at 11:59pm ET on May 29, 2017. Good luck!
Dana Rodriguez says
I think people need to lighten up in general. Live life to it’s fullest!
Angela Williams says
In general people are too uptight and should enjoy every moment they are given.
Cynthia R says
I think people need to lighten up about being fair and equal. There is no such thing. We got fussed out for saying ladies instead of the general term “personnel.” Since when is ladies a derogatory term.
Jeanna says
I think people need to lighten up about what other people are doing & saying and worry about themselves!
Kris I. says
When something goes wrong, people need to lighten up. we are only human!! People don’t need to be nasty to others because someone forgets something or messes up a order, etc.
BusyWorkingMama says
People need to lighten up about traffic! Too much road rage!
HS says
People need to lighten up about sharing too much privacy.
Cheryl B says
I think people need to lighten up with all the negativity. Can’t watch tv anymore without seeing or hearing something negative.
mami2jcn says
People need to lighten up about politics.
Barbara Montag says
People need to lighten up with getting everything done no matter what comes up during the day.
kelly tupick says
I think people need to lighten up the presidential election!
Richard Brandt says
People need to lighten up about facing the facts.
Audrey Stewart says
The people that keep stealing my cat dishes from the woods. I feed feral cats, that I’m trying to trap, and some person is making it difficult.
Mary W says
People need to lighten up about being so religiously correct and conservative. Lighten up and let some sunshine and rainbows into your life. Love, laugh and live. And let others live too.
Stephanie Phelps says
I think people need to lighten up on all the negative press and lets here some of the good that is happening in the world today and not always the bad things!
Susan P. says
Everyone does need to lighten up! People are so angry and discouraged but there can still be joy and laughter, too.
Elena says
I think people need to lighten up about the fact that other people can have different opinions and views
janetfaye says
People need to lighten up about being right and learn to laugh more.
Emily Smith says
I think people need to lighten up about politics.
Marilyn Nawara says
I think they need to lighten up on the Trump Mania
Ellie Wright says
People need to lighten up about politics. I don’t even want to watch the news anymore.
shelly peterson says
People could lighten on the politics.
Rust says
People need to lighten up about politics.
Anita Duvall says
All people need to lighten up on Anger and Resentfulness. Everyone should be happy!
Jennifer Figueroa says
I think others need to lighten up about the choice of our President, you did not hear a bunch of belly aching over the last President, everyone had to suck it up and continue soldiering on . The people spoke via the election
Tina W says
People need to lighten up on thinking others need to act/pray/believe just like they do.
sheila ressel says
People need to lighten up on bullying!
Laurie Nykaza says
I think people need to lighten up about politics!
Carolsue says
YES! People need to lighten up about POLITICS.
KENNETH OHL says
the small things if you and your family are healthy this is the main thing for sure
Heather Hayes Panjon says
Everyone needs to lighten up with everyday life, take the time to enjoy it.
patricia caradonna says
People need to lighten their hearts and enjoy life to the fullest. Live peacefully and be kind to one another.
Accept those that are different.
Jackie says
I think people need to lighten up about politics and realize everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
Gina M says
I think people need to lighten up about themselves! No one is perfect, and we have to laugh at ourselves and embrace our imperfections.
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com
Amy Z. says
I think people need to lighten up about judging others!
Kelly D says
I think people need to lighten up when they are driving. There are a lot of bad situations caused by angry drivers.
Steve Weber says
People need to lighten up about 2 things
1. sports
2. politics
Tammy Shelton says
I think people should lighten up on trying to be perfect.
Will G says
People should lighten up on politics.
Kristen says
People need to lighten up about thinking everything is wrong if it is not done THEIR WAY.
Keri justice says
People need to lighten up and not take everything said so serious. Let kids be kids in general. Smile more. Have fun!
wendi says
they need to lighten up on following what the media is trying to trend with! Why be a follower make yourself a leader !
Julie Lundstrom says
I think people need to lighten up about difference. We are all not the same and we need to except people that look different or believe in different things then we do.
Rachel says
I think people need to lighten up in regards to driving in rush hour traffic.
Nicole Martin says
I think people just need to lighten up in general. Life is too short to worry about the little things…
Melissa Storms says
People need to lighten up about politics and stop trying to destroy each other over it.
Natalie says
I think people need to give people working in customer service or cashiers a break! Stop getting so frustrated if you have to wait in line!
Dan Dykstra says
One thing is people need to lighten up with their driving. Road rage is a problem.
laura bernard says
People need to lighten up about things they cant change!
Sandra Watts says
People need to lighten up about most everything. Everyone is so stressed and uptight!
Edye says
Life in general! People take it way too serious 😉
Katie Bellamy says
Everything! People seem to be way too sensitive nowadays!
Cheryl says
I think people need to lighten up about most, well everything — at least I do. I’m much too serious.
Barbara Riffe says
People need to lighten up , when it comes to picking life battles to fight. Don’t stress the small stuff, leave your energy for the big and most important moments of life.
Kim Henrichs says
Traffic. Seriously why are people so crazy and uptight in traffic? If you’re always late, leave earlier!!
E says
People need to lighten up about about practically everything in today’s ultra PC, ultra offended world of snowflakes.
Nannypanpan says
I think people need to lighten up about party lines and just choose the best candidate
Tabathia B says
I think people need to lighten up about kids and sports
Holly Thomas says
People need to lighten up in general.
Mary Cloud says
Politics – everyone is always fighting over politics and offended over everything.
Karla R. says
I think people need to lighten up in general, not take life too seriously and enjoy it.
Terra Heck says
I think they need to lighten up about opinions. A lot of people are serious and dead-set in their ways. If someone has a different opinion, people often times get their panties in a bunch. Thanks.
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com
Terry says
I think people need to lighten up about speaking before thinking. Today there are really very few filters.
Starla says
This is going to be so cute! Lighthearted and fun is the best.. such a relief in this mean, crazy world. I think people need to lighten up about politics!
Robin Abrams says
I think people need to lighten up in life in general. We need to just relax and take one day at a time
DealinDiva says
I think people need to lighten up about politics. I have seen some serious fights over it and lots of friend loss.
Susan Smith says
People need to lighten up about politics.
Susan Christy says
Everything! You can hardly talk without offending someone anymore.
Lesley F says
People need to lighten up about most things. Enjoy life more and don’t take everything literally constantly.
wen budro says
I think that people need to lighten up about the rat race and materialism and all of that human noise. If we could just live in the now- like dogs- we’d see how much time and energy we put into that nonsense.
Sarah Mayer says
People need to lighten up about what they DON’T have and what they WANT.
amanda whitley says
i think people need to lighten up about humor and most things they read on the internet since half isnt true.
Seyma Shabbir says
People need to lighten up about politics. Neither side follow through with their promises! LOL
Fiona N says
In my opinion, people need to lighten up about being equal for everything, especially for LGBT
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