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 seven picture books are available on Amazon. Visit my Books page to find direct links, meet the characters and explore the complete Courage to Be ME series.
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.
The Courage to Be ME Series
Whether it's a girl who discovers boxing, a golden retriever facing a health scare, or a little girl
with an invisible pig — every story in this series celebrates the courage it takes to be yourself.
Piper's Perfect Pick · Heart Trouble for ZZ · Fried Taters · LilliMae's Safari Hat · Old Long
Snout · Kiki Finds Her Way · Jenny's Journey of Faith
