Neville was a penguin known for being somewhat of a risk-taker.

He was brave, bold, and beloved by all. Until the day he was eaten by a whale. Or so it seemed . . . because that was only the beginning of the story. This delightful―and daring―tale is a companion to the award-winning and best-selling Frank’s Red Hat.

Reviews

"Fans of Avery’s earlier book will be delighted to see Neville back and more resolute than ever, his tenacity a model for times when it’s imperative to persist. Playful storytelling and art blend for a paean to the power of determination."
Kirkus

"In this wonderfully sly follow-up to Frank’s Red Hat, readers get to follow Neville after Frank gifts him the titular red hat, which is what ends up attracting the killer whale in the first place. The inviting tone winks at the reader with a bit of meta-textual humor while never making Neville the butt of the joke—he is indeed brave, bold, and fearless, just not particularly adept at planning...Fans of Frank will be excited to see that Neville didn’t end up as a whale snack, and new readers will be eager to check out the other book."
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"This is a very funny picture book with a (large) touch of the absurd... Neville’s Great Escape is a funny, insightful book with great illustrations. I especially like the furniture."
Good Reading Magazine

"As a companion book to super popular Frank’s Red Hat, this one is a cracker... Kiddos will have loads of fun with this one, just as they have with Frank."
Just So Stories

"Avery is a master of offering original, whimsical, offbeat stories and this is no exception...the reader finds themselves hoping that Neville's plans will work and that the joyless Reg who is happy to play cards while he awaits his fate will be proven wrong."
ReadPlus

Awards & Accolades

Picture Book

Picture Book
Good Night, Break A Leg
Bret Shuford
Picture Book
The Story of Everything: The Story of You!
Kara Newhouse
Picture Book
Neville’s Great Escape
Sean E. Avery
Picture Book
Shabbat Is…
A. J. Sass
Picture Book
Sunflower Seeds
Ellen Heck
Lambda Literary Award Finalist 2026

Picture Book
The Bi Book
AJ Irving
Picture Book
Golden Gate: Building the Mighty Bridge
Ellen Heck
Picture Book
The Most Boring Book Ever
Brandon Sanderson
CBCA Shadow Judges Picture Book of the Year Award Winner 2023
Kentucky Bluegrass Award Nominee 2027

Picture Book
Frank’s Red Hat
Sean E. Avery
The New York Times: The Best Picture Books of 2022

Picture Book
A Is For Bee: An Alphabet Book in Translation
Ellen Heck
Picture Book
Isobel Adds It Up
Kristy Everington