ALA Booklist (Thu Dec 01 00:00:00 CST 2016)

In her comical and relatable narrative, Maynor captures what happens when two friends are faced with their differences. Penguin has found the perfect pair of pants, but Ella thinks they should both wear red tutus e're friends. And friends match!" Penguin squeezes into the tutu, and while it's uncomfortable, he wants to make sure he and Ella are really friends, so he soldiers through. Penguin endures a series of less-than-ideal activities, since Ella is so insistent that they have everything in common ("That's us. Matchy matchy"). Bonnet's playful depictions zero in on Penguin's amusing facial expressions and contortions as he attempts to wear a tight-fitting tutu ("He wobbled and wiggled"), eats a peppermint candy ("Hoo boy!"), and finger paints ("Ew"). Eventually, Penguin shares how he really feels about those experiences, but can the pair remain friends if they don't match? The end result will leave young Ella and Penguin fans warm and fuzzy. Little ones who liked Ella and Penguin Stick Together (2016) will likely be delighted by the return of the darling duo.

Horn Book (Tue Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2017)

Ella insists that friends' clothes and activities need to match, which leaves Penguin feeling uncomfortable in an ill-fitting tutu, eating "too minty" peppermints, and growing bored finger painting--all endeavors Ella loves. Though didactic, the text is ultimately reassuring about what friendship does and does not have to entail. The watercolor and pencil illustrations convey emotions clearly, especially Penguin's.

Kirkus Reviews

The kindly duo from Ella and Penguin Stick Together (2015) explore another friendship theme.Penguin has found the perfect pair of striped pants to wear. But Ella is wearing a tutu and thinks that Penguin should wear one, too. After all, friends have to match. Penguin doesn't want to disappoint, so he carefully squeezes into a tutu, his rosy cheeks growing redder with effort. A small "pfff" escapes his beak. When it is time for a snack, Ella suggests peppermints. Penguin decides he likes peppermints, too. "Because we're friends! So we match!" Ella, the face of perfect contentment, delights in her candy, but Penguin spits his out in a minty rush. "Haaaaah! Hehhhhhh! Huuuuuh!" Poor Penguin, while getting the short end of the stick in every situation, is a comedic gem. Bonnet renders Penguin's face into many agonizing contortions until suddenly he explodes in frustration: "This tutu is TOO TOO TIGHT!" Penguin and Ella's friendship seems doomed. Friends have to like the same things, don't they? Luckily, they realize they don't have to match all the time. Maynor's childcentric text is funny and empathetic. Ella is depicted as a little, light-skinned girl with dark hair, and Penguin is, well, a penguin. Understanding each other's unique needs is a tricky lesson to navigate—Ella and Penguin do so with charm and wit. (Picture book. 3-6)

School Library Journal (Thu Dec 01 00:00:00 CST 2016)

PreS-Gr 1 Ella wants her best friend, Penguin, to like everything she likes. The child thinks that friends should match in every way. However, when Penguin wears a tutu that's just like Ella's, he does not feel comfortable. When Penguin eats peppermint treats, just like Ella, he ends up spitting them out because they are so strong. When Penguin tries to finger paint, just like Ella, he can't bring himself to dip his fingers in the cup. As Ella dabs and dashes, swooshes and swishes, Penguin gets more and more upset. Finally, he admits that he doesn't share Ella's preferences, and the two conclude that they cannot continue their friendship. After shedding some tears, they come to the realization that friends do not have to be alike in all ways. The characters' emotions are portrayed through simple, expressive watercolors. Visibly joyful, Ella and Penguin revel in their differences. VERDICT A sweet, age-appropriate exploration of sharing, celebrating differences, and creating meaningful friendships. Susan Small, Salve Regina University, Newport, RI