Penguin Bloom: The Odd Little Bird Who Saved a Family [Paperback] Cameron Bloom (author), Bradley Trevor Greive (author)

I thought this was going to be a warm tale of an animal (in this case, bird) rescue. It was much, much more: the true tale of lives of true love coming to a crashing halt due to an accident. Presented with the interwoven rescue, yes, of an avian chick blown out of a tree and also needing rescue.The photographs by one of the authors are quite remarkable, captivating, and ultimately touching, as is the narrative he tells.The magpie, Penguin, is named by the three young sons of this family, amidst the horror and shock of nearly losing their mother.The photographs of how this bird becomes totally at one with this family are both simple and breathtaking.Without spoiling the complete tale, let me just say that it moved me in unexpected ways and shed light in places I had never been before, mentally or physically. A beautiful story I recommend highly. I don’t think I will ever be without it.

I love this book and have nothing but praise for this unique read. It is a love story first off with a tale of tragedy and struggle woven into the fabric of the Bloom family’s lives. It’s a story of hope and faith. Once Sam decided she wanted to continue her earth-walk after her accident, she was like a cork in water – she couldn’t be kept down. She is strong and driven by her love of life, family and a bird in pied feathers - they kept her a full participant in life. Sam is a fighter and you can’t help but cheer her on and fall in love with Penguin the magpie as you read their story. Against all odds, Sam is one of life’s winners – as are all the members of her brave loving family. Sam and Penguin are survivors. Angels come in all sizes, shapes, and forms. Penguin certainly qualifies as an avian angel with her loving spirit and wings. This is a truly awesome story of a young family of five (6 including Penguin), that met with tragedy head-on and conquered what was left in its wake.The story is told mostly from Mr. Bloom’s point of view and his captivating beautiful photos throughout the book illustrate his deep love of his subjects.Sam’s frank discussion and advice to spinal injury survivors and their caregivers is inspiring. I was deeply touched by her statement that right after her injury she preferred the company of new friends or strangers who only knew her since her accident but hadn’t know her previously as there was no history to that relationship – no expectations.

This is a quick read with great photos. I was intrigued with the idea of a careless bird being cared for and raised by a family and how it affected the family's life. Cameron, the husband, quickly tells the story of their courtship, marriage, personalities, and adventures before the magpie comes into their lives. He explains the horrific accident in Thailand that leaves his wife in a horrible.and terrifying state. Then Cameron tells of his wife's struggles to deal with her new body mentally and physically. Up to this point.there aren't many of his wife's photos, especially not facial shots. But one of the things that really made this story pop was the photography. It really helped tell the story. The last section was from the wife Sam who very succinctly said how she felt at different stages after the accident, and in my opinion, was particularly exact in telling the reading what he will be experienced if their loved one experiences a similar fate as hers. She gives a list of things for the caretaker and friends to say and not say, as well as things to do and not.do. I truly enjoyed this book.

Photos are wonderful, story is awesome and inspiring!!!

Tragic story filled with love and perseverance. Great photography! I believe Penguin was sent to them as a ray of hope!

Not only did the wonderful pictures and the text tell the story of Penguin, but they also told the story of the entire family and how both they and Penguin worked their way through seemingly insurmountable challenges with grace, courage, love and laughter. The story is told both sensitively and candidly, sharing with the reader both the struggles and the triumphs. I read it in one sitting, something I seldom do, and then read it again. And I've looked at the photographs many times over, as they "tell it all." This is a wonderful book for any adult (and an adult could certainly share the pictures with a child, telling only those parts of the story they think the child might understand and be ready for.) Penguin is a very sensitive and aware creature who brings as much healing to the family as they bring to him. It is "must" reading for anyone who has suffered severe injuries or who works with those who have, as well as for those who love reading about animals who are extremely "tuned in" to the humans around them. I can't recommend it highly enough.

An incredibly beautiful and touching book. Fabulous photography. Beautifully written.

Like Sam, I suffered a spinal cord injury as the result of a fall while on vacation. Mine down an escalator when on the first day of spring break in 2018 with my granddaughter, Leanne. We had just arrived from Seattle, Washington for a busy week of planned sight seeing in Washington D.C. Following surgery I spent two months there in rehab before flying home and spending two additional months in another rehab center. I enjoyed this story and the photos of dear Penquin but appreciated most Sam's first hand description of her changed life, it all felt very real and true; my Penquin is Olivia the Cat. I have recommended this book to my spinal cord doctor and family and friends. Thank you for such a meaningful read. Virginia Young

Incredibly touching life story, especially how life can change in an instant. And how something unexpected can bring such joy to your life. Well written, emotional, and trully a great read. Movie is great too.

Just delightful. And inspiring

Leider falsch aufg englisch bestellt, aber trotzdem sehr ansprechend

Every page is a delight. Loved reading it. Salute the feisty spirit of the Bloom family. I hope everyone gets to read this amazing book!

Nella ricerca di trovare una motivazione e una speranza per una mia cara amica , nel tempo mi sono trovata a vivere un dramma analogo. Come se un destino mi avesse fatto conoscere questa storia. Non dobbiamo arrenderci ma imparare , con il dolore anche, a con-vivere con l'inaspettato.