Reviews

Penny and Her Song by Kevin Henkes

danicamidlil's review against another edition

3.0

I listened to Kevin Henkes read his new book aloud at the PLA conference in Philly! So awesome!

crystal_reading's review against another edition

4.0

Fun and relatable storyline.

pagesofpins's review against another edition

1.0

Penny wants to sing her song to the family, but no one will listen. Lots of repeating words to help readers learn, and short chapters divide up this simple story. Kevin Henkes provides his charming mouse illustrations to yet another book, which hopefully will distract from the dull storyline. I especially liked when Penny was making faces in the mirror! However, the characters didn't stand out, the conflict didn't seem like much, and hopefully Henkes next foray into early readers has more depth.

imaclogger23's review against another edition

funny inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

katy_irene's review against another edition

5.0

What happens to Penny is familiar to most children, but the story is unique and memorable. Penny is a great character with lots of admirable personality traits. Elements of classic Henkes are there, so fans of his picture books will be happy to see he has some fabulous early readers.

And here are the things liked as a librarian. Penny's song incorporates and mirrors important early literacy skills. I really like that the cover art is the generally same but done in different tones, it's eye-catching when they're all together. It's always good to know of a new early reader series that isn't comparable to Elephant & Piggie or connected to Disney. I can see this series working with a lot of different reading tastes.

readingthroughtheages's review against another edition

3.0

Very cute story for young children. Little girls will love Kevin Henkes' illustrations and will connect to young Penny and her desire to sing a song that she came up with! Kids will understand when Penny is frustrated because it's not the right time to sing, or because her little siblings are still asleep. And they will be happy for Penny when she is so thrilled everyone loves her song and they all sing along.
Kevin Henkes delivers another cute story that will delight the younger siblings who have loved his other determined mouse character, "Lilly". Preschool-kindergarten children will enjoy Penny (and it looks like another Penny story will be coming out soon!) and first graders will enjoy reading this quick "chapter" book on their own.

daisycakesco's review against another edition

4.0

Penny comes home from school with a song to share. But the babies are sleeping, so she can't sing to her parents right now. And dinner isn't the right time either. Singing to herself doesn't feel right. But, after being patient, she's given the chance to sing - and then the whole family joins in! A sweet story about patience and its payoff - and an early reader, too!

jessalynn_librarian's review against another edition

4.0

Penny badly wants an audience for her new song, but she must be patient and wait to sing until after the babies wake up and dinner is eaten. Cozy illustrations show her patience paying off and the whole family joining in the singing at last.

ajacks's review against another edition

4.0

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juliap's review against another edition

i just love penny