The Penguin's Secret Garden

Pip is a curious penguin living on the icy coast of Antarctica, recognizable by his black back, white belly and the round white patches around his eyes that give him a permanently surprised look. Every day he waddles to the sea to fish, yet his thoughts keep drifting toward the snowy hills beyond the familiar fishing spots. One morning he finally sets out to see what lies there, climbing a slippery ice hill and squeezing through a narrow gap between two tall rocks.

Beyond the rocks he finds a sheltered valley where green plants grow, a hidden garden unlike anything on the ice. There he meets Pearl, a small petrel who explains how the rocky walls block the cold wind and hold the sun's warmth, and who admits the plants need care she cannot provide alone. Pip offers his strong beak and willing flippers, and together they clear snow, gather moss and leaves as blankets, build stone windbreaks and learn what each plant needs. This gentle tale by Çınar BİBER can be read on Masalcı Baba.