Penny and Her Sled: A Winter and Holiday Book for Kids

“A gentle story of patience.”—Horn Book (starred review)

Caldecott Medal–winner Kevin Henkes’s award-winning and bestselling mouse, Penny, stars in an irresistible story about anticipation, disappointment, and a brand-new sled. Told in five short chapters, Penny and Her Sled is perfect for reading alone, reading aloud, and sharing together.

When Penny, a sweet and curious mouse, gets a new sled, she can’t wait to use it. But there’s one big problem—there’s no snow!

Patiently, Penny waits and watches for the snow to appear. She puts on her scarf and hat. She sleeps with her mittens. Maybe if she’s ready, the snow will finally come. But day after day, the snow does not arrive. Finally, Penny decides she will use her sled for other things—it’s too wonderful not to!

With a little imagination, the sled becomes a bridge for her glass animals to cross. It becomes a bed for her doll, Rose. It becomes a magic carpet that takes Penny and Rose on adventures all around the world.

And as Penny waits for a snowfall that may never appear, she learns all about the power of patience, imagination, play . . . and spring! Told in five short chapters, and with an emphasis on family and patience, Penny and Her Sled is the perfect choice for emergent readers and for family sharing.

What can a little mouse do when the snow just won’t fall?

• A Gentle Story About Patience: Penny wants to use her new sled right away, but she has to wait, and wait, and wait for the snow to come.
• Sparks Imagination and Play: When sledding isn’t an option, Penny turns her sled into a bridge for her animal friends, a bed for her doll Rose, and even a magic carpet!
• Perfect for Beginning Readers: Told in five short chapters with simple, sweet text, this book is ideal for children just learning to read on their own.
• Social Emotional Learning: Helps young readers explore big feelings like anticipation and disappointment in a gentle, comforting way.
• A Heartwarming Family Story: Join Penny, Mama, and Papa in a cozy story that’s perfect for sharing and reading aloud together.

When Penny looked out her bedroom window, she didn’t see any snow.

Penny really wanted to use her new red sled.

Penny wished for snow every day. It was cold, the sky was gray, but where was the snow?

Days went by. Weeks passed.

Penny hoped . . . but no snow. Would the snow ever arrive?

What do you think will happen?

“Through the earnest and oh-so-lovable Penny, Henkes speaks to children’s natural sensibilities and feelings . . . A gentle story of patience . . . at its conclusion readers will be met with unexpected beauty.” - Horn Book (starred review)

“Henkes has created yet another charming tale that's acutely in touch with a child's thinking and emotions . . . Another delightful addition to the Penny series.”  - Kirkus Reviews

“Five chapters with short sentences, word repetition, and sweet illustrations on every page will have new readers enthusiastic about . . . the life of the little mouse and her family.” - School Library Journal