Book Review – Call the Puffins Series Round Up

Today I have decided to do an overview of one of my favourite series for young readers, Call the Puffins by Cath Howe and Ella Okstad.

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Title: Call the Puffins

Written by: Cath Howe

Illustrated by: Ella Okstad

Published by: Welbeck Publishing

The Call the Puffins! series is a heart-warming and engaging collection of stories for younger readers, featuring charming characters, important life lessons, and delightful illustrations. Set on the Island of Egg, each book follows the adventures of a group of rescue puffins as they navigate challenges, learn valuable lessons, and prove their capabilities through teamwork and perseverance.

One of the standout features of this series is its strong emphasis on themes of bravery, empathy, and teamwork. The stories highlight how differences can be strengths, as seen through characters like Muffin, who initially worries about her uniquely curved feet, and Tiny, whose oversized wings make flying difficult. However, through determination, friendship, and encouragement from their mentors, they learn to embrace their individuality and contribute to the rescue team in their own ways.

The books are also incredibly accessible to children developing their reading skills. With short chapters, a larger font, and engaging storytelling, they are well-suited for independent readers or as a shared reading experience in the classroom. The balance of adventure and gentle life lessons ensures that the stories remain exciting while reinforcing positive messages.

Ella Okstad’s black and white illustrations further enhance the reading experience. They capture the puffins’ personalities beautifully, bringing the characters to life with adorable and expressive artwork. The inclusion of maps at the beginning of the books adds to the immersive world-building, helping readers visualize the Island of Egg and its key locations. Additional non-fiction elements, such as puffin facts and real-life photographs, provide further educational value and may inspire young readers to learn more about these fascinating seabirds.

The series is expertly paced, with great foreshadowing throughout, offering just the right amount of excitement and danger to keep children engaged without overwhelming them. The stories emphasize the importance of following rules for safety, considering the well-being of others, and understanding that guidelines exist not to spoil fun, but to ensure everyone’s security.

With a lovable cast of characters, engaging narratives, and a strong moral core, Call the Puffins! is a fantastic series that fosters resilience, inclusivity, and cooperation. Tiny and Muffin make a dynamic duo, and the introduction of new characters with distinct traits ensures that each book feels fresh and engaging. Overall, this series is a joy to read and an excellent addition to any young reader’s collection.

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You can read my individual reviews of each of the books in the series on my blog here:

I have also previously interviewed Cath Howe about her teacher resource, Let’s Perform for Writers’ Forum. You can find out more about this interview here: An interview with… Cath Howe.

You can buy copies of all the Call the Puffins! books by Cath Howe and Ella Okstad from your local bookshop, or online at uk.bookshop.org.