Children’s Book Review: Isabella and Penelope by Maggie Grinnell
Isabella lost her father in a plane crash but a friendly catepillar Penelope comes to her, they become friends and she helps Isabella understand the loss but Penelope changes herself, see and read the story.
Isabella & Penelope by Maggie Grinnell is a children’s book about a little girl named Isabella and Penelope, a caterpillar. Isabella lost her father in a plane crash, and because of her sadness, she stops talking. With Penelope’s support and friendship, Isabella is able to overcome her grief and loss. Even though this children’s book includes a challenging subject, about the loss of a parent, the author does it in a way as not to overwhelm the reader and in a way that parents can open up a dialogue of this sensitive subject with their children.
Young readers will follow Isabella and Penelope as they both transform. Isabella into a happy child again and Penelope as a butterfly. The caterpillar’s transition into a butterfly is significant because, as Penelope helps Isabella understand and cope with the loss of her Father, Penelope changes herself. This is a perfect book for parents to read along with their children.
Where Can I Find Children's Book Isabella and Penelope?"
You can find Isabella and Penelope by Maggie Grinnell on Amazon.
About the Children's Book Author, Maggie Grinnell
“I enjoy writing picture books and poetry. I love dancing and singing to 80’s music. I have
been writing since 1992.”
Rapid Fire with Maggie Grinnell
Q. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
Maggie: I was always curious as a little girl. If I couldn’t find a story, I would create one. But in college, I really focused on improving my craft.
Q. What do you think makes a good story?
Maggie: I think keeping the reader intrigued. I can’t tell you how many books I stopped reading after the 1st chapter because the story wasn’t keeping my attention.
Q. Describe what your ideal writing space looks like?
Maggie: My ideal writing space would be a love seat or a nook, by the beach, mountain, or city by a window with a great view.
Q. What do you love most about the writing process?
Maggie: I love creating, using my imagination.
Q. Tell us about your plans for the future? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Maggie: In 5 years, I plan to have a book tour and maybe write my autobiography.
Q. How did you become involved in the subject or theme of your book?
Maggie: My dad passed away. Since I experienced his death as an adult, I wondered how a little girl would deal with her dad dying and how she would overcome the grief.
Q. What does your creative process look like?
Maggie: My creative process starts with my imagination, and then real life comes in. I write longhand and then type out what is written. I write short stories because I like to get to the end of the book quicker.
Q. Can you tell us about one of the most rewarding moments you have had as an author?
Maggie: I have written a pirate book. Someone I went to high school with who is a teacher, invited me to speak to her elementary class. So I dressed up as a pirate and even brought some pirate friends with me. As I was leaving the school, I felt two small arms around my waist.
I turned around, and this little girl had wrapped her arms around me, not wanting me to go. I told her I needed to get to my ship, and she wanted to come. It touched me that she really enjoyed having me there.
Q. Are you working on anything at the present that you would like to share with your readers about?
Maggie: I am. The story is about a squirrel, a cat, and a little girl. The squirrel gets abandoned by his family. The cat, during a storm, runs from the house and gets lost. The girl is sad because she hasn’t been adopted, so she ran from the orphanage. They all meet in a park during a storm. A star has fallen and needs the belief of a child. When the little girl believed on the star, the star went back to the sky. The moon showed them the way home. The little girl gets adopted, and the cat and squirrel live together.
Q. What do you hope your readers take away from this book?
That it is ok to silently grieve, but it is also ok to reach out to anyone or anything.
Don't Forget To Join Maggie Grinnell on Social Media!
All in all, my family and I have really enjoyed this book and we know you will too! Please feel free to leave me any comments or questions about this review. I look forward to hearing from you!
* This book was kindly sent to me by Author, Maggie Grinnell in exchange for an honest review.
