CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The penguins at Shedd Aquarium are about to be even more famous!
Shedd Aquarium, in partnership with Tommy Nelson, announced Thursday a new picture book, “Edward and Annie: A Penguin Adventure,” that illustrates the penguin field trips that went viral as the COVID-19 pandemic first emerged.
The book, which is now available for presale, will launch on March 1 and is written by award-winning author and Chicago suburb resident Caryn Rivadeneira, with charming artwork from accomplished illustrator Kat Tanis.
Rockhopper penguins Edward and Annie soared to superstar status in the spring of 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when Shedd Aquarium was closed to outside guests, the aquarium said in a news release.
Because there were no humans roaming, Edward and Annie could freely explore the exhibits and visit other aquatic animals across the building. Their adorable field trips, which are a regular part of the birds’ welfare plan at Shedd, were documented on video and soon after, went viral online, soliciting responses from all seven continents. This new children’s book beautifully captures their adventures, reminding readers that adventures are best enjoyed with a friend.
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“Edward and Annie’s field trips illustrate the curiosity that the aquatic animal world can inspire in all of us,” said Peggy Sloan, Chief Animal Operations Officer at Shedd Aquarium, in a statement. “We are thrilled to see Edward, Annie and so many other incredible Shedd residents immortalized in a new book that will inspire the next generation of animal lovers.”
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Shedd Aquarium has also made a commitment that a portion of proceeds from the sale of this book will support penguin conservation in the wild and ongoing penguin care at Shedd Aquarium.
Beyond connecting nearly two million guests to the aquatic animal world each year, Shedd Aquarium is committed to scientific research, rescue, and rehabilitation and aquatic conservation. The aquarium helped rehabilitate and release endangered African penguins in South Africa from 2014 until early 2020. Back at home, Shedd works alongside accredited aquariums and zoos to build genetically diverse and sustainable populations of Southern rockhopper and Magellanic penguins in human care.
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About the book
When no one comes to visit the aquarium, penguin pair Edward and Annie ponder – “Where did everyone go?” This colorful romp through Chicago's Shedd Aquarium takes children of all ages on an adventure of wonder through the marine world. As Edward and Annie explore the unknown parts of their aquarium home and meet the other wonderfully unique creatures living there, these penguin friends discover that the world is much bigger and more interesting than they ever knew. After much excitement and many surprises, they return to the penguin habitat for the best end to any day: a cozy rest at home.
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