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.)

Starred review from November 1, 2019
In her first easy-reader outing in six years (most recently Penny and Her Marble, rev. 3/13), Penny waits for snow. It's winter, and the young mouse wants nothing more than to use her new sled. Although her parents reassure her that "it will," to Penny it seems as if "it would never snow." (And, in a very Henkes-esque twist, it actually doesn't.) Wearing mittens to bed and sitting bundled up on her sled in the living room do not bring the snow, and so Penny fills her waiting days with ice-skating and hot-cocoa drinking. Realizing that snow might never arrive, Penny resiliently decides, "I will use my sled for something else," and her imagination turns the sled into a bridge, a house, a bed, and a magic carpet. As winter comes to an end, Penny's mother encourages her to watch and wait for spring. Penny's initial hesitation at this idea is replaced with wonder as her waiting is rewarded with a different type of snow. Through the earnest and oh-so-lovable Penny, Henkes speaks to children's natural sensibilities and feelings-the tediousness of waiting, the frustrations of unmet expectations, and the startling joy of delayed gratification. Colorful illustrations sing with emotion and movement, extending the simple text and giving further insight into Penny's wishing, waiting, watching, and welcoming. It's a gentle story of patience, and at its conclusion readers, like Penny, will be met with unexpected beauty. Emmie Stuart

(Copyright 2019 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

July 1, 2019
In a gentle story of patience, young mouse Penny (Penny and Her Marble, et al.) has a new sled, but it seems as if "it would never snow." Eventually, Penny uses her imagination and turns the sled into a bridge, a house, and more. In a Henkes-esque twist, it never does snow; Penny's waiting is rewarded with a different type of snow in spring. Colorful illustrations sing with emotion and movement, extending the simple beginning reader text.

(Copyright 2019 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)