With my husband, he is actually the one who encouraged me to write a book!
I spent 35 years as a kindergarten teacher (with an undergraduate degree in early childhood education and a master's in teaching reading, because once a learner, always a learner!). I absolutely love kids. Their curiosity, their resilience, their unfiltered joy — it never gets old.
I write for children ages 4–8, and my books are all about the same big idea: you are enough. You are brave. And you can do this. I know how important it is to build confidence early, because I've faced my own struggles with self-confidence. I want every child to have what they need to face the world with a full heart.
I write picture books for the brave little soul in every child.
Hi! I'm Peni
When I retired, I had my post-retirement life all planned out. Then the pandemic arrived and turned everything upside down. I missed being with children so much — talking with them, sharing books, watching their faces light up. That's when my husband said, 'Write a book for them, since you can't be with them.' That idea blossomed into seven picture books, a whole lot of songs, and more fun than I could have imagined.
My books are self-published and available on Amazon — just search 'Peni Clark' or find direct links on my Books page!
Here I am writing while on Safari!
I didn't always want to be a writer...
I write picture books for kids to encourage,
inspire, and motivate them not to give up!
Something we all need!
not to give up!
encourage,
inspire,
motivate
not to give up!
encourage,
inspire,
motivate
encourage,
inspire,
motivate
not to give up!
motivate
inspire,
encourage,
not to give up!
10 fun facts about me!
Want to know a little more about the woman behind the books?
(Spoiler: she once wanted to be a go-go dancer, a missionary, AND an astronaut.)
Outdoors...
I’d rather be outside than anywhere else.
Ok, so I’m scared of heights, but love climbing mountains.
I’m petrified of tidal waves, but enjoy swimming in the ocean.
And I’m freaked out by snakes, but still hike in the woods.
Don’t let your fears stop you!
3.
I drive a Jeep, am a morning person, and drink way too much coffee!
Mornings..
4.
When I was little, my dream was to be a go-go dancer, a missionary, or an astronaut!
I ended up being a kindergarten teacher. Great decision!
Dreams...
1.
I’m originally from Ohio, but now I live in Connecticut with my husband.
I have a daughter, Hannah, and a son-in-law, Arthur, who live in Massachusetts. They are both brilliant computer programmers - unlike me who is quite technically challenged!
I also have two grand kitties. Benny Boy and Charlie.
Family...
6.
I LOVE going to new places.
Three of my favorites are Alaska (loved the whales), Barbados (I learned to snorkel there), and Tanzania (the best safari ever).
Travel...
5.
I’m not too coordinated, but I do like to run and box. Lately I've discovered the joys of Pickleball! Just don’t talk to me when I’m exercising or I might trip!
I also enjoy watching the UConn Huskies women's basketball team.
Sports...
7.
More Favorites…
My favorite thing to see… a sunrise or sunset
to hear… wind chimes
to smell… a campfire
to taste… raw vegetables from my garden
to touch… a baby
10.
I adore food.
I’m a vegan, so I don’t eat animals.
My favorite foods are rice noodles, cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, hummus, grapes, and watermelon!
My favorite drink is…water!
Food...
9.
Growing up I always had pets, and still do! My first cat was called “Princess.”
Living with me now are my rescue cat, Camelot (Cami), and golden retriever, Zawadi (ZZ).
Pets...
8.
I didn’t write any books until I retired. Although I did write a very melodramatic autobiography when I was 9!
Writing...
2.
Every single book I write comes from a real moment — a hat blown off on safari, a puppy's heart scare, a 4 a.m. craving for fried potatoes. These are real stories, told with love, for little hearts that need to hear: you have the courage to be YOU.
Come on a whirlwind safari adventure in “LilliMai’s Safari Hat!” From playful elephants to curious leopards, confident lions, and charging rhinos, the hat becomes the star of every animal’s day.
Available Now!
available now!
available now!
Follow Piper as she learns to box in this heartwarming tale that will leave you cheering for Piper and inspire you to keep exploring until you, too, find the one thing that sets your soul on fire.
A routine vet visit takes a serious turn when a heart condition is suspected. This heartwarming story showcases the support of family, the power of teamwork, and the joy found in overcoming obstacles.
Available now
In the hills of West Virginia, Pammy Lee and her Mamaw share a special bond over Mamaw’s cookin’, especially her fried taters.
But when the potatoes run out, Pammy Lee embarks on a heartwarming journey through her neighborhood to find some.
Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter to receive all the update on book release, new and upcoming stories, and so much more!
more to come..
available now
Step into the whimsical world of Nellie, a quiet and imaginative girl with an unusual best friend - an invisible pig named Old Long Snout. Together, they embark on adventures and share an unbreakable bond.
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A collection of my writing resources, authorship support, advice, and some of my favorite author friends!
Resources & Authors!
From word games to coloring pages and a whole lot more! Printable activities developed by retired kindergarten teacher, Peni Clark!
Downloadable Activities!
More from Peni Clark!
You might also love
Come on a whirlwind safari adventure in “LilliMae’s Safari Hat!” LilliMae loves her hat, a versatile companion for all occasions. But when a sudden gust of wind sweeps it away during a safari expedition, her hat embarks on its own journey.
From playful elephants to curious leopards, confident lions, and charging rhinos, the hat becomes the star of every animal’s day. LilliMae’s quest to reclaim her hat leads to unexpected discoveries, resilience, and a heartwarming transformation as she realizes that sometimes what is lost can change into something even better.
Lillimae's Safari Hat
Available now
Join ZZ, an exuberant golden retriever puppy, on his unexpected journey in 'Heart Trouble for ZZ.' A routine vet visit takes a serious turn when a heart condition is suspected, putting ZZ's spirited nature to the test. All ZZ wants to do is play, but his family wants him to follow the doctor’s orders and stay calm. What’s a puppy to do?
This heartwarming story showcases the support of family, the power of teamwork, and the joy found in overcoming obstacles.
Most importantly, it reminds us to give unconditional love to our pets.
Heart Trouble for ZZ
Available now
In the hills of West Virginia, Pammy Lee and her Mamaw share a special bond over Mamaw’s cookin’, especially her fried taters.
But when the potatoes run out, Pammy Lee embarks on a heartwarming journey through her neighborhood to find some.
However, she discovers there are no potatoes to be found.
Now what will Pammy Lee do?
“Fried Taters” is an inspiring story that celebrates family, the joy of fresh vegetables, and the power of community.
Fried Taters
Available now
Step into the whimsical world of Nellie, a quiet and imaginative girl with an unusual best friend - an invisible pig named Old Long Snout. Together, they embark on adventures and share an unbreakable bond.
But when Nellie enters her beloved pig into the neighborhood pet parade, she faces a challenge unlike any other - no one else can see Old Long Snout. Will their friendship prevail in the face of disbelief? Will Nellie finally find her voice?
Experience the enchantment of "Old Long Snout" as Nellie's determination, imagination, and love are tested.
