Literary Classics Book Review - Gold Medal Award

 

  Wonderful Review of 

In and Out, All 'Round About - Opposite Friends:

On Amazon:

5.0 out of 5 starsA great message for kids

ByLiterary Classics Book Reviewson June 26, 2017

Format: Paperback

In and Out All ‘Round About - Opposite Friends, by Penelope Anne Cole, is a children’s rhyming picture book. With an overall message of friendships that ring true and above all else, acceptance of one another, this is a great read-aloud book for children. Young audiences will love the rhyming cadence along with the colorful illustrations. This book is sure to be a great tool for creating dialogue and helping youngsters contemplate the importance of embracing those characteristics and qualities which make us unique. Vibrant and expressive illustrations by Agy Wilson are an excellent addition to this book.

Literary Classics Gold Medal for "In and Out, All 'Round About - Opposite Friends"

 In and Out, All 'Round About - Opposite Friends

Received a 2017 

Literary Classics Gold Medal for Rhyming

I'm so pleased the my picture book, "In and Out, All 'Round About - Opposite Friends," won a Literary Classics Seal of Approval and went on to win a Gold Medal in the Special Interest Category of Rhyming books. Here is the Literary Classics Review:

In and Out All ‘Round About - Opposite Friends, by Penelope Anne Cole, is a children’s rhyming picture book.  With an overall message of friendship that ring true and above all else, acceptance of one another, this is a great read-aloud book for children.  Young audiences will love the rhyming cadence along with the colorful illustrations.  This book is sure to be a great tool for creating dialogue and helping youngsters contemplate the importance of embracing those characteristics and qualities which make us unique.  Vibrant and expressive illustrations by Agy Wilson are an excellent addition to this book which has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

Magical Max and Magical Mickey's Big Surprise won Book of the Year!

BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD 

from

CREATIVE CHILD MAGAZINE AWARDS PROGRAM

for

I'm very happy to announce that "Magical Max and Magical Mickey's Big Surprise," the fifth book in my Magical series, won Book of the Year from Creative Child Magazine's Award Program!  

Now all of my Magical books have won awards. Here's a synopsis of each book, in order:

Magical Matthew:  Matthew has a secret.  He fixes things magically.  Matthew secretly fixes things by magic for his family and friends.  Later he expands his good deeds. First in the Magical Series. Ages 5-8.

Magical Mea:  Magical Mea wants to test her magic ability. What can she do? What might happen to a little girl on the loose with magic? Second Magical book. Ages 5-8.

Magical Mea Goes to School:  Mea’s now in Second Grade. She wants more play time after school, but her big brother Matt wants her to practice using her magic secretly. Third Magical book. Ages 5-8.

Magical Max and Magical Mickey:  College bound Matt, and middle school Mea, are surprised when Mom announces she’s having twin boys. Everyone wonders will they be magical, too? Fourth Magical book. Ages 5-8.

Magical Max and Magical Mickey’s Big Surprise:  Twins Max and Mickey know they’ll soon lose their magic. They’re working hard on a surprise graduation gift before their magic runs out Fifth Magical Book. Ages 5-8.

Penelope Anne Cole

Tri-Valley Writers Conference 2017 Prose Award

San Mateo County Fair Short Story Award 2017

Award Winning Author of Magical Matthew, Magical Mea,
Magical Mea Goes to School, Magical Max and Magical Mickey, and

Magical Max and Magical Mickey’s Big Surprise

In and Out, All ‘Round About – Opposite Friends

What’s for Dinner? and ¿Qué vamos a comer?:

For Halloween: Ten Little Tricksters and Diez pequeños bromistas

New:  My Grandma and Me Coloring Book

Coming Soon:  My Grandma’s Pink House
Web/Blogs:  http://www.penelopeannecole.com/
FREE Skype Author School Visits

 

A Five Star Review for Magical Matthew

Another great 5-Star Review on Amazon

 

 

5.0 out of 5 starsMagic for Good

ByAnn B.on August 26, 2015

Format: Hardcover|Verified Purchase

 

I bought this book series for my 8 year old daughter. She was captivated by the illustrations and enjoyed following Matthew on his magical adventure. I image she would like some magical superpower of her own! I enjoyed the fact that Matthew chose to use his magic in a positive way, and I was delighted that Grandma Nonie guided Matthew to make his own decisions. My daughter’s favorite part of the book was the surprise ending with Matthew’s sister, and she knew there was more fun to come in the second book, Magical Mea.

A 5- Star Review of 

In and Out, All 'Round About - Opposite Friends

	10/30/2016
Rating:  5 Stars!
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers’ Favorite "In and Out, All 'Round About: Opposite Friends" is a children's picture book for grades K-3 written by Penelope Anne Cole and illustrated by Agy Wilson. They may not always agree and often seem to be going in totally different directions, but the girl and boy in this tale are the best of friends. These opposite friends are seen as they grow up together, from the early days of playing on jungle gyms and climbing trees, to running and playing on the city streets where they live. They seem to work in an easy and instinctively cooperative fashion, even when they disagree or have the inevitable arguments. One set of panels has them disconsolate over losing a soccer game and jubilant over a victory. Another has them camping out under a starry sky, and while one is reading and the other gazing at the stars, their contentment with each other's company shines brightly. Penelope Anne Cole's picture book for children, grades K-3, "In and Out, All 'Round About: Opposite Friends," celebrates friendship and the joy it brings to those lucky enough to have a best friend. This story is a perfect primer for new readers. Cole chooses her word pairs carefully and doles them out sparingly, making sure each set makes the biggest impact on the reader. Her story is filled with movement and the easy give and take that characterizes a good friendship. We see her friends running down city streets, playing sports and board games, even dressing up as grownups, and you can tell they will stay friends for life, in spite of distance, difference or other barriers. Agy Wilson's illustrations fit the story line perfectly and add to the feeling of motion Cole’s words evoke throughout the text. Each panel is rich in detail, and anyone who's ever spent any time in San Francisco will no doubt delight in recognizing some familiar landmarks, city streets and intersections. "In and Out, All 'Round About: Opposite Friends" is most highly recommended.

Here's a Great 5-Star Review on Amazon

5 Star Review by Regan W. H. Macaulay on October 11, 2016

Format: Paperback

Penelope Anne Cole’s "Ten Little Tricksters" is an adorable rhyming and counting Halloween-themed picture book! Excellent use of rhythm and rhymes that match up uniquely with each group of little tricksters, from ten little ghosties to one little pumpkin. The illustrations by Kevin Collier are a bewitching seasonal treat—including “creaky” skeletons and “screechy” bats. Children will love counting down to Halloween with this delightful tale and parents will not be able to resist reading its catchy verses aloud!

 

*******

Tags:

Ten Little Tricksters, out trick or treating, on Halloween, by Penelope Anne Cole, spooky creatures, count down to ten, reverse counting, pumpkin, black cats, witches, skeletons, zombis, black bats, ogres, monsters, goblins, and ghosts.   

ANOTHER 5 - STAR REVIEW FOR

MAGICAL MAX AND MAGICAL MICKEY'S BIG SURPRISE

5.0 out of 5 stars Sad But Great

By Janet Ann Collins on September 19, 2016

Format: Paperback

I'm sorry this is probably the last book in the series. It's a good one. I won't give away the plot, but I LOVE the surprise the boys make for their friend's graduation gift.

*****  

I responded to Ms. Collins that I would continue the series if I get another good book idea!  Penelope Anne Cole

 

*******

Tags

children's books, Magical Max and Magical Mickey's Big Surprise, Max, Mickey, Mea, Matthew, Lily, Grandma Nonie, Mom, Dad, magic, helping, fixing, surprises, graduation, family, siblings, friends, friendship, caring, sharing.

AMAZON REVIEW - 5 STARS

5.0 out of 5 starsA fantastic book for teaching children from all backgrounds to get along!

ByDebra Allardon August 29, 2016

Format: Paperback

What a wonderful book by Penelope Anne Cole for teaching children to get along in spite of our differences. The two children in the book are different in gender, race, likes, looks, and feelings, but none of that matters. They put their differences aside and enjoy playing together. This is a great book for Kindergarten through early elementary school children. Teachers may want to read it to their classes during discussions of diversity. It’s also a great book for teaching opposites. The wonderful illustrations by Agy Wilson are colorful and beautifully enhance the book’s theme. I plan to read and discuss it with my 5 year old grandson before he heads off to Kindergarten next week. We need more books to encourage people to get along. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

 

*****

 

Deb Gardner Allard is the author of 

"Baby Poopsie Loves Ears." 

 

 www.debgardnerallard.com 

 

****

Tags:

Opposites, friends, multicultural, fussing, fighting, playing, running, learning, growing, kids, childrens, rhyming, San Francisco, Washington, D.C.

FIVE STAR REVIEW ON AMAZON

5.0 out of 5 starsAll ‘Round About – Opposite Friends" is a book with a beautiful message in rhythmic verse

ByRegan W. H. Macaulayon August 3, 2016

Format: Paperback

Penelope Anne Cole’s "In and Out, All ‘Round About – Opposite Friends" is a book with a beautiful message in rhythmic verse. It’s about a friendship between a boy and a girl of different races who share the various ups and downs of young life. Even when they end up moving away from each other, their friendship endures.

Opposites in general, and how they fit into the lives of these two kids, are featured in verse and repetitive patterns.

Agy Wilson’s illustrations are beautifully executed—they bring the moments these two friends share fully to life.

"In and Out, All ‘Round About – Opposite Friends" is an excellent choice for schools, libraries and homes.

Please note: I reviewed a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion/review.

 

***

Regan Macaulay is the author of 

"Beverlee Beaz the Brown Burmese" and "Sloth the Lazy Dragon." 

***

Tags:

Opposites, friends, multicultural, fussing, fighting, playing, running, learning, growing, kids, childrens, rhyming, San Francisco, Washington, D.C.

 A LOVELY NEW 5-STAR REVIEW 

 

WHAT'S FOR DINNER?

 

5.0 out of 5 stars  Culturally diverse - the characters and the food!

ByRegan W. H. Macaulayon July 12, 2016

What’s for Dinner by Penelope Anne Cole presents children with an education on a wide variety of diets, and a wide variety of cultures—all in a fun story about children that students can relate to directly. Katy’s been invited to dinner at a Nigerian friend’s house, and she’s worried they may serve something strange that she will not like. Katy decides she will try what is served, after discovering a new delicious dish in her own home! She is pleasantly surprised with what is served at her friend Amaeka’s home!

Not only does this story present a variety of different dishes from various countries around the world, children also learn a little something about different cultures, too. Katy’s friends are diverse, inclusive, and as a group, they are very aware of different cultures. I particularly enjoyed the game Katy and her friends play taking turns identifying countries by what people there eat, and other fun facts (like “Where do the women wear komonos and they eat raw fish with rice and seaweed?” “Japan,” said Katy).

The colourful and detailed illustrations by Samantha S. Bell make the food look tempting and the children engaging! Teachers and their students will love this celebration of diversity—in food and characters!

Tags: 
Dinner, food, cooking, sharing, friends, family, diversity, multi-cultural, Nigeria

My 5 Day Magical Book Tour ReCap 

 

Today is Day 5, the Final Day of  my Magical Book Tour.  

Here are the blog posts for all 5 days:

 

Day One:

http://www.virtual-book-tours.com/53/meet-childrens-author-penelope-anne-cole/

Day Two:
http://workingwriterscoach.com/writers-life-author-penelope-anne-cole/

Day Three:
http://suzannelieurance-author.com/141/tradebook-tips/

Day Four:
 http://www.workingwritersclub.com/12740/blog/writing-tips-childrens-author-penelope-anne-cole/

Day Five:
http://book-reviews-and-more.com/147/go-childrens-author-penelope-anne-cole/

 WHAT'S FOR DINNER? 

Receives Children's Literary Classics Seal of Approval

 

For Immediate Release

Children's Literary Classics

pr@clcawards.org

Children's Literary Classics is pleased to announce that the children's picture book What’s for Dinner? written by Penelope Anne Cole and illustrated by Samantha S. Bell, has been selected to receive the Children's Literary Classics Seal of Approval.  The CLC Seal of Approval is a designation reserved for those books which uphold the rigorous criteria set forth by the Children's Literary Classics review committee, a team comprised of individuals with backgrounds in publishing, editing, writing, illustration and graphic design.

When Katy's friend Ameaka, who is from Nigeria, invites her to dinner she begins to wonder about what might be served.   Katy is looking forward to the experience, but she's a little fearful she might not like it and she does not want to offend her hosts.  As she and her other friends contemplate the many different types of foods served around the world they come to realize that all cultures eat foods which may seem odd to people from other regions, even their own. 

Author Penelope Anne Cole's What's for Dinner? is a wonderful way to introduce young readers to various foods and cultures while promoting the idea of acceptance and trying new things.  This book is highly recommended for home and school libraries and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.  

Children’s Literary Classics, an organization dedicated to furthering excellence in children’s literature, takes great pride in its role to help promote classic children's literature which appeals to youth while educating and encouraging positive values in the impressionable young minds of future generations.   To learn more about Children's Literary Classics, you may visit their website at www.clcawards.org or www.childrensliteraryclassics.com