Penny and Her Sled by Kevin Henkes
Published by Greenwillow Books on October 29th 2019
ISBN: 0062934538
Pages: 56
Goodreads

Another solid offering from Henkes starring the delightful and determined Penny the mouse. Henkes familiar black ink drawings filled in with watercolors in a pastel palette, clear font, and short chapters add to the appeal of this early reader chapter book. Penny has her sled and is ready for snow. But when will it come? As Penny waits (and waits), she finds other uses for her sled until she finally abandons it in a corner and plays with other things. Mama suggests that she wait for something else instead of snow, something like Spring or, more specifically, the first flowers that bloom in Spring, snowdrops. Penny agrees and is rewarded for her patience. Delayed gratification is not something that most children understand or appreciate, but Henkes captures Penny’s impatience and disappointment while gently offering a reasonable and pleasing alternative. This should resonate with beginning readers who will see that while some things are beyond our control, if we are flexible in our thinking and are open to a new way of looking at something, we can find joy and satisfaction.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth