Penny Dreadful
What’s inside...
The perfect book for girls and boys who look to find adventure and magic in surprising places! What if you were really bored with your life? What would you wish for? Penelope Grey wishes for something—anything!—interesting to happen, and here’s what she gets: Her father quits his job, her family runs out of money, and her home becomes a pit of despair. Penelope makes another wish, and this time the Greys inherit a ramshackle old house in the middle of nowhere. Off they go, leaving the city and their problems behind. Their new home is full of artists, tiny lions, unusual feasts, and true friends. Almost immediately, their lives are transformed. Penelope’s mother finds an unexpected job, her father discovers a hidden talent, and Penelope changes her name. Penny’s new life feels too magical to be real and too real to be magic. It may be too good to last, unless she can find a way to make magic work just one more time—if it even was magic. Laurel Snyder introduces a quirky cast of characters that are as pleasantly strange as they are deeply real. Abigail Halpin adds to the charm with her distinctive line drawings. Fans of Polly Horvath's My One Hundred Adventures, Ingrid Law's Savvy, and Jeanne Birdsall's The Penderwicks will be enchanted by this alternately humorous and poignant look at small-town life and what it really takes to become a happy family.
Age
8-12
Length
320 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Penelope Grey
Winston Grey
Discussion points
What do you think Penny feels when her plans don't go as expected?
Can you think of a time when something didn't go your way, like with Penny? What did you do?
How do the other characters react to Penny's ideas? Why is their reaction important?
What can we learn from Penny's adventures about trying new things?
If you were in Penny's shoes, what would you have done differently in one of her adventures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a warm and curious tone when asking the questions to make your child feel comfortable in expressing their thoughts and feelings.
Relate the scenarios in the book to real-life situations your child might encounter to help them connect with Penny's experiences.
Encourage your child to think critically by asking them what they might have done differently and why.
Praise your child’s responses to reinforce their participation, which helps boost confidence and engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: In the story, characters face consequences when they withhold the truth, encouraging children to value honesty.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by embracing transparency in their daily interactions with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: The book showcases how characters support each other during challenges, demonstrating the value of true friends.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to be supportive and loyal companions, helping them foster meaningful relationships.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: Characters in the story often overcome obstacles by facing their fears, illustrating the importance of bravery.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to confront their own fears, whether it's trying out for a sports team or standing up against bullying.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: The narrative makes it clear that every action has consequences, teaching children to think before they act.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the impact of their choices and promotes thoughtful decision-making.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Through character interactions, the book portrays how understanding different perspectives can lead to empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate diversity and practice empathy in their everyday lives, enhancing their emotional intelligence.