Audrey Penn facts for kids

Audrey Penn is an American writer who creates wonderful books for children. She is most famous for her picture book, The Kissing Hand. This book features friendly raccoons who act like people.

About Audrey Penn

Audrey Penn grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland. She did not start her career as a writer. In the 1970s, Penn was a talented ballerina. She danced for famous groups like the New York City Ballet. She also danced with the Danny Diamond Dance Theatre, Stuttgart Ballet, and the National Ballet.

From 1973 to 1976, she was a choreographer. She helped the US Figure Skating team prepare for the Pan American Games. She also worked with the 1976 Olympic Gymnastics Team.

Becoming a Writer

In 1980, Audrey Penn became ill. She developed Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, a condition that affects joints. Because of this, she could no longer continue dancing ballet. Many painful surgeries followed, and she could not walk for weeks. This difficult time led her to write more books. Some of these early books include Blue Out of Season and No Bones About Driftiss. Today, Penn lives in Maryland with her husband and their three children.

Awards and Recognition

Audrey Penn's books have won many special awards. Her very first book, Happy Apple Told Me, was written in 1975. It won the Midstate Library Association Award. It was also nominated for the Caldecott Medal Award.

Her second book, Blue Out of Season, also won the Mid-State Library Association Award. It received the Very Special Arts Recognition Award too.

Best-Selling Books

The Kissing Hand is her most well-known book. It became a number one best seller on the New York Times Best Seller list. This book also won the Distinguished Achievement Award for Excellence in Educational Journalism. In 2004, A Pocket Full of Kisses also became a New York Times number one best seller.

Books by Audrey Penn

Audrey Penn has written many engaging stories for young readers. Here are some of her popular books:

• Apple Told Me (1975)

  This story takes readers on a magical adventure to the stars.

• Blue Out of Season (1984)

  This book is about special creatures called flukes. They control the different seasons of the year.

• No Bones About Driftiss (1989)

  A group of kids finds some dinosaur bones. They decide to turn their discovery into a museum.

• The Kissing Hand (1993)

  This beloved story is about a raccoon named Chester. He is scared to go to school and wants to stay home. His mom helps him feel better. She gives him a special kiss in his hand. Whenever he feels sad, he can put his hand to his face to feel his mom's love.

• Sassafras (1997)

  This book is about a skunk who doesn't like his natural smell. His friends help him understand that what makes him different also makes him special.

• A.D.D. Not B.A.D. (2002)

  Jimmy has A.D.D. Other students don't understand why he does certain things. Their teacher creates a plan to help everyone understand what it feels like to have A.D.D.

• Feathers and Fur (2003)

  Tuesday is a cat who is excited for 11 duck eggs to hatch. Tuesday has mixed feelings about whether to eat or greet the new ducks.

• The Whistling Tree (2004)

  Penny is curious about her family's past. Her great-great uncle shares stories about her history.

• A Pocket Full of Kisses (2004)

  This book is a sequel to The Kissing Hand. Chester has a new baby brother named Ronny. Chester wishes Ronny would disappear. He has to learn how to deal with his mom giving Ronny a kiss on the hand.

• Mystery At Blackbeard's Cove (2004)

  This is an adventure story. Four kids are chased into a tunnel by a scoundrel.

• A Kiss Goodbye (2007)

  This book continues the Kissing Hand series. Chester is sad because he has to move out of his den. Tree cutters plan to cut down his tree. Chester must learn to cope with leaving his good friends behind.

• Blackbeard And The Sandstone Pillar Part I: When Lightning Strikes (2007)

  This chapter book follows kids searching the world for treasure. Their search leads them to find a sandstone on a secret island.

• Blackbeard And The Sandstone Pillar Part 2:The Gift of Silence (2007)

  This is a continuation of the story. The kids return the pirate treasure. They discover that the sandstone they found has secret powers.

• Chester Raccoon and the Big Bad Bully (2008)
• The Miracle Jar: a Hanukkah Story (2008)
• Chester Raccoon and the Acorn Full of Memories (2009)
• A Bedtime Kiss for Chester Raccoon (2010)

Upcoming Books

• Blackbeard's Legacy: Shared/Time
• Chester the Brave