The Adventures of Penguin and Panda: In the Dark - Brenda Maier - ★★★★

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AUTHOR: Brenda Maier
ILLUSTRATOR: Fanni Mézes
SERIES: The Adventures of Penguin and Panda, #4
GENRE: Children's Graphic Novel
PUBLICATION DATE: October 7, 2025
RATING: 4 stars.


In a Nutshell: The fourth standalone graphic novel in the Penguin and Panda series. Amusing stories, cute illustrations, good life lessons. A fun option for beginner readers.


The format of this book is the same as the earlier three graphic novels of this series. There are four stories set around the two titular characters. Each story is a good combination of entertainment and wisdom. The life lessons from each story are practical and relevant to the target age group.

Penguin and Panda are still as cute. Their friendship and bond comes out excellently in this book. Sometimes, Penguin is at fault, and sometimes, Panda is the one to make mistakes. However, even when they are upset, they remember to apologise and make amends. A good lesson for littlies to remember.

Those who have read the earlier books might be curious about Fred, the egg that Panda adopted in the second book. Well, Fred the egg is still an egg! I guess we need to demand a fifth book just to clear the mystery of Fred’s identity.

The language in these is quite easy, perfect for beginner readers just transitioning from picture books to chapter books.

There are some interesting facts about penguins, pandas, and one more surprise animal at the end.

The illustrations are cute. Penguin still rocks those little purple ponytails of hers. Panda is as goofy as ever. The art style is simple, with the animals’ expressions adding much to the overall feel of the book.

Definitely recommended. This would be a nice option for readers aged 5-8 years.

My thanks to Marble Press for providing the DRC of “The Adventures of Penguin and Panda: In the Dark” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.


Interested in checking out the entire series? Here are the first three books:

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