Penguins and Golden Calves: Icons and Idols in Antarctica and Other Unexpected Places

In "Penguins and Golden Calves," beloved author Madeleine L'Engle recounts her adventurous trip to Antarctica at age seventy-four, using it as a springboard for a deeply spiritual and reflective discussion. She explores the concept of "icons" as everyday "windows to God," illustrating how common elements like family, words, and even penguins can lead to a richer faith. L'Engle also distinguishes these icons from "idols," which are things worshipped for themselves rather than as reflections of the divine. Through personal anecdotes, delightful language, and insightful metaphors, this book encourages readers to discover God's presence in their daily lives and foster a deeper understanding of their own spirituality. It's a thoughtful read for older elementary and middle schoolers interested in faith and personal reflection.

Despite protests and warnings from friends and family, author Madeleine L’Engle, at the age of seventy-four, embarked on a rafting trip to Antarctica. Her journey through the startling beauty of the continent led her to write Penguins and Golden Calves, a captivating discussion of how opening oneself up to icons, or everyday “windows to God,” leads to the development of a rich and deeply spiritual faith. Here, L’Engle explains how ordinary things such as family, words, the Bible, heaven, and even penguins can become such windows. She also shows how such a window becomes an idol–a penguin becomes a “golden calf”–when we see it as a reflection of itself instead of God.