Penny and Her Doll
By Regan McMahon,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Cute mouse seeks name for new doll in OK sequel.
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What's the Story?
Penny is smelling roses in the family garden as her mother weeds when the mailman delivers a big box that contains a beautiful doll from Penny's Gram, all dressed in pink. Penny spends the rest of the book (three short chapters in all) trying to pick the perfect name for her. When she tells Mama she can't think of a name, Mama reassures her: \"You will.\" She shows the doll all around the house, and then finally takes her to the garden, saying, \"This is where I was when I got you,\" and it comes to her: She names the doll Rose and excitedly tells her family.
Is It Any Good?
Penny is irresistible, and kids will relate to her pint-size troubles. She shows her doll around her home, from kitchen to bathroom to bedroom, but can't be satisfied until she's named this new member of the household. The story doesn't have as many emotional layers as Penny and Her Song, and parents may find the story predictable and the message less than earth-shattering: "Everyone needs a name." But it's still engaging and good for early readers. Author-illustrator Kevin Henkes' expressive illustrations capture all of Penny's emotions, from delight to worry.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how it feels to want the right name for your toy or doll. Why is that important? What is it about the right name that makes you happy? How did you come up with the names for some of your favorites?
If you read Penny and Her Song, how do you think Penny and Her Doll compares? Do you like it as much?
How do you like reading books with chapters, instead of larger picture books that have fewer words?
Book Details
- Author: Kevin Henkes
- Illustrator: Kevin Henkes
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Cats, Dogs, and Mice
- Book type: Fiction
- Publication date: August 21, 2012
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 4 - 8
- Number of pages: 32
- Available on: Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
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