Audrey Penn facts for kids

Audrey Penn is an American writer who creates wonderful books for children. She is most famous for her heartwarming picture book, The Kissing Hand. This book features friendly raccoons and has touched the hearts of many young readers and their families.

About Audrey Penn

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

From 1973 to 1976, she also worked as a choreographer. She helped create dance routines for the US Figure Skating team. She even worked with the 1976 Olympic Gymnastics Team.

In 1980, Audrey became ill and could no longer continue her ballet career. This change led her to discover a new passion: writing. She began writing more books, including Blue Out of Season and No Bones About Driftiss. Today, Audrey Penn lives in Maryland with her husband and their three children.

Awards and Recognition

Audrey Penn's first book, Happy Apple Told Me, was written in 1975. It won the Midstate Library Association Award. It was also nominated for the prestigious Caldecott Medal Award.

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

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

Books by Audrey Penn

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

• Apple Told Me (1975)

  This story is about a magical journey to the stars.

• Blue Out of Season (1984)

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

• No Bones About Driftiss (1989)

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

• The Kissing Hand (1993)

  This beloved story is about a young raccoon named Chester. He is scared to go to school and wants to stay home. His mom helps him feel better by giving him a special kiss in his hand. Whenever he misses her, he can put his hand to his face and feel her 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)

  This story follows Jimmy, who has A.D.D. Other students don't always understand why he acts the way he does. Their teacher comes up with 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 waiting for 11 duck eggs to hatch. Tuesday has mixed feelings about whether to eat or greet the new baby ducks.

• The Whistling Tree (2004)

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

• A Pocket Full of Kisses (2004)

  This is a sequel to The Kissing Hand. Chester Raccoon now has a new baby brother named Ronny. Chester isn't sure how he feels when he sees his mom give Ronny a kiss on the hand.

• Mystery At Blackbeard's Cove (2004)

  This adventure story is about four kids. They 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 are planning to cut down his tree. Chester must learn how 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 journey leads them to a secret island where they find a special sandstone.

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

  This is a continuation of the adventure. The kids return the pirate treasure. They also 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