Penny and Her Song
#2 of 389 in Penny Series
on Goodreads (1,625)
What’s inside...
When Penny comes home from school, she is eager to sing her beautiful song. However, her baby siblings are sleeping and her parents are concerned that her singing might wake them up. Despite this, Penny's desire to sing her wonderful song is strong. This charming tale by Caldecott Medalist and bestselling author Kevin Henkes explores themes of family, consideration, and self-expression.
Discussion points
What do you think Penny felt when she had to wait to share her song?
How do you think the song made Penny's family feel when they finally heard it?
Why is it important to share things that are special to us with others?
What would you do if you were in Penny's shoes and had to wait for the right moment?
Can you think of a time when you shared something special with others? How did it make you feel?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about waiting and sharing, relating them to Penny's experiences.
Discuss the importance of family and how sharing special moments can strengthen relationships.
Ask your child to think of a special song, dance, or story they would like to share with their family.
Create a supportive environment where your child feels comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Patience
Explanation: Penny waits patiently for the right moment to share her song with her family, demonstrating self-control and respect for her parents' instructions.
Real-World Application: Children learn the virtue of waiting patiently for the appropriate time to speak or act, which is crucial in school settings and social interactions.
Example Lesson: Value of Expressing Creativity
Explanation: Penny creates her own song, showing creativity and self-expression through music.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore artistic ways to express themselves, whether through music, drawing, or storytelling, enhancing their creative skills.
Example Lesson: Family Involvement
Explanation: Penny involves her entire family in singing her song, which celebrates togetherness and family bonding.
Real-World Application: Promotes spending quality time with family members and engaging in activities that strengthen familial bonds.
Example Lesson: Handling Disappointment
Explanation: Initially, Penny is disappointed when she cannot share her song, but she copes with her feelings positively until an opportunity arises.
Real-World Application: Teaches children how to manage feelings of disappointment and turn them into opportunities for patience and resilience.