PENELOPE'S AWARD WINNING BOOKS ARE ALWAYS FUN AND EDUCATIONAL
Penelope Anne Cole
Penelope Anne Cole enjoys writing children’s stories to be read aloud. “Reading to children is the best way to help them love literature.” Ms. Cole has taught and tutored at every grade level, K to 12, and community college. She also reviews children's books. When not writing or reviewing children’s books, Ms. Cole enjoys dog walking, reading, gardening, church, and choir activities. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, a member of the California Writers Club: Fremont Area Writers, SF Peninsula Writers, and South Bay Writers, and is a Reading Therapist with Read America. Ms. Cole reviews books at
A Moose at the Bus Stop by Terry Cook
A Moose at the Bus Stop, written and illustrated by Terry Cook, is a fun rhyming story about a moose that visits kids as they wait for the bus to school. The story begins with the daughter coming home from school to tell her mother the exciting news of the moose that came to their bus stop. The girl describes the moose and the feelings and actions of the kids in this adventure. Of course, her mother is skeptical that this is a true story – a wild beast that sits calmly letting kids hang their belongings from its antlers, really? If only she had proof. It’s a sweet story with a cute ending.
Children will relate to the idea of a moose come to play with them and serve as a hat rack to store their clothing, lunches, and such while they play and wait for the bus. It’s natural for kids to let their imaginations run wild. It’s also not surprising that the girl’s mother wouldn’t believe her fanciful tale. Of course, most parents love to hear the stories their kids have made up to while away their waiting time. There’s never a dull moment with a vivid imagination.
Terry Cook illustrated her book with what looks like “crayon” or colored pencil artwork, which totally appeals to children. Her pictures are realistic enough to convey the story and the emotions of the characters, but “cartoonish” enough to be entertaining and silly. At every point in the story it’s clear what’s happening and how each character is feeling.
Teachers, parents and children will all enjoy this rhyming story. It will be a fun read aloud for all. Each stanza begins with a two word introduction, such as:
Mom! Mom! Moose! Moose! Trees! Trees! Wild! Wild! Scared! Scared! Then the story unfolds as follows:
Mom! Mom! Moose! Moose!
I’ve something to tell you! A moose at my bus stop!
I’ve something to say— A great hairy beast.
I want you to listen. I am not pretending—
It happened today! Twelve feet tall at least!
The ending is perfect. The story is accompanied by "Moose Fun Facts" at the end for further discussion.
Magical Matthew
Magical Matthew, a boy with magic, secretly fixes things for family and friends. Friend Lily suspects something. Should he tell her? This sweet story about helping others deals with differences and challenges faced in growing up.
Magical Matthew can help teachers and parents show the importance of using your strengths and talents for good. It shows how good it feels to help your friends and take care of your neighborhood. This book is suitable for children ages 5 through 9.
My First Magical Books:
My first book, Magical Matthew, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, an October 2012 Release, by Guardian Angel Publishing! Magical Mea was released in May 2013!
This book series was inspired by my friend's son, Matthew, when he attained "double digits. That milestone marks the transition that all children make from being an elementary "kid," to a middle school "tween." There's the loss of innocence that we mourn, but also a growing maturity that we applaud. My book celebrates the "magic" of that transition.
The "Magical" story continues with Magical Mea being a trickster and having to learn to use her magic to help people.
I love Kevin Scott Collier's illustrations for Magical Matthew and Magical Mea. Kevin is a delight to work with and does amazing illustrations which make the story come alive in a "magical" way.
Magical Matthew and Magical Mea are suitable for children ages 4 to 9.