Penny and Her Sled

August 1, 2019
Penny waits all winter long to use her new sled. After a six-year break (Penny and Her Marble, 2013), anthropomorphic mouse Penny returns for some seasonal fun. It begins with Penny waiting for snow so she can use her new sled. Her parents both say it will snow soon, but she can't wait. Penny tries everything to will the snow to fall, even wearing mittens to bed. But, as winter continues, there's still no snow, and Penny must partake in other winter activities with her family. With no snow in sight, she finds new ways to use her sled. Penny uses it to make a fort for her baby siblings and a magic carpet ride for her doll, but she eventually plays with the sled less and less. Soon spring arrives, and Penny proclaims she is done waiting for snow. Mama suggests she wait for something else, and Penny discovers something worth waiting for. Henkes has created yet another charming tale that's acutely in touch with a child's thinking and emotions. Through five short chapters, readers experience lessons in patience, creativity, and resourcefulness. In classic Henkes style, the bright watercolor-and-ink illustrations add lovely visual accompaniment. The details in emotions and actions are excellent picture clues for early readers. Another delightful addition to the Penny series. (Early reader. 5-8)

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October 1, 2019

PreS-Gr 2-The blurb in each of the "Penny" series titles asks the question "What do you think will happen?" encouraging predictions and discussion by readers and listeners. In this, the fourth Penny book, the young mouse is met with a situation that causes her consternation. It's winter and she has a new red sled. All she requires now is snow, but that doesn't appear to be arriving anytime soon. Weeks pass and she waits for the precipitation to arrive, both patiently and then not so much, but it is not forthcoming. She imagines her sled is sad, leaning forlornly against the wall in her bedroom, so she decides to put it to use and, in the process, entertains her younger siblings, her doll Rose, and herself. Thinking outside the box, Penny devises many ways her sled can come in handy. When spring arrives, her mother devises the perfect way to end the snowless winter and welcome a new season. VERDICT Five chapters with short sentences, word repetition, and sweet illustrations on every page will have new readers enthusiastic about another episode in the life of the little mouse and her family.-Maryann H. Owen, Oak Creek Public Library WI

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2019
Preschool-G Little mouse girl Penny is eager for snow. So eager, she pulls her sled everywhere. She also talks snow to her parents, her baby siblings, and her doll, Rosie. But snow is not happening, no matter the gray damp skies and her parents' insistence that the wet flakes will eventually drop. Contrary to expectations (of both Penny and perhaps readers), winter passes with no snow at all. When spring becomes closer, Mom has a different idea about impending snow. She encourages Penny to watch for the snowdrops that will eventually grow in the garden. Penny, appearing in her fourth book, is always an appealing little heroine, and once again Henkes uses warmth and humor in both the simple text and familiar art to demonstrate a child's emotions and reactions to both expectation and hope. Penny's speculation about snow does take up most of a story that at times needs a little bit more. Still, the snowdrop resolution will get children thinking about how to deal with disappointment and to keep open to surprises.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)