Books published by publisher The Penn Publishing Company

Inventor Izzy Gizmo returns in an engaging tale of creativity and determination – perfect for little makers and STEAM fans.“This ode to imagination, perseverance, and fun just may inspire young readers to do some tinkering of their own.” ―Booklist“Engaging…multicultural characters will be relatable to students. Teachers will love the message of persistence and thinking out of the box.” ―School Library ConnectionAuthor Pip Jones and illustrator Sara Ogilvie team up again to produce a wonderfully exuberant STEAM-filled story starring a very inspiring and determined heroine. Izzy Gizmo has been invited to Technoff Isle’s annual convention where the inventor of the best machine will win coveted admittance to the Genius Guild. Great inventors produce gadgets that can be put to good use, so Izzy Gizmo decides to build a recycling machine that mends broken tools. But with fearsome foe Abi von Lavish getting the best of her at every turn, can Izzy Gizmo and Fixer create the winning invention?Also available: Izzy Gizmo Activity Sheets and Teacher’s Guide available!

Puny? Poky? Clumsy? Shy? A lighthearted look at the surprising traits that help some animals survive.Written with a lively, playful voice, Pipsqueaks, Slowpokes, and Stinkers introduces young readers to a variety of “animal underdogs” and explains how characteristics that might seem like weaknesses are critical for finding food and staying safe in an eat-or-be-eaten world.Award-winning author Melissa Stewart offers readers a humorous and informative nonfiction picture book with a gentle message of understanding and celebrating differences. Stephanie Laberis’s bright, bold―and scientifically accurate―illustrations add to the fun.

In this quirky twist on the fable The Boy Who Cried Wolf, a boy’s outrageous excuses turn out to have an unexpected element of truth.Tim witnesses some strange happenings around his house, but no one believes his explanations. In fact, no matter what Tim says, his parents just punish him with chores. To save himself, he hatches a clever plan to expose the truth. Will it work, or will Tim have to spend the rest of his life raking the yard?Bubbling with wit and humor from start to finish, author-illustrator Alex Latimer’s debut picture book with wacky characters like ninjas, pirates, crocodiles, and time-traveling monkeys, will have readers of all ages laughing out loud.

This beginner’s guide offers a first glimpse into the natural world of birds.In this addition to the acclaimed About… series, educator and author Cathryn Sill uses simple, easy-to-understand language to teach children what birds are, what they do, and how they live. With beautifully detailed, realistic paintings, noted wildlife illustrator John Sill introduces readers to the diverse and natural world of birds. An afterword provides further details on the birds featured and inspires young readers to learn more.

Adorable animals make room in their den for sleepy friends.Deep in the den, ten sleepy, cuddly animals snuggle up together for the night. But as the animal friends roll over to make more room, one animal after another gently tumbles out of the cozy den…until Little Mouse is left all alone. But Little Mouse misses his friends, so he comes up with the perfect solution to his problem.John Butler’s charming version of a children’s favorite countdown to bedtime features a simple but playful text and soft, pastel-colored illustrations of bright-eyed baby animals. The result is an irresistible read-aloud story that will invite delighted responses from young children.

Winner of the VegNews 2015 VEGGIE AWARDS for Cookbook of the Year. Why wait for a trip to your favorite Ethiopian restaurant? Import the delicious flavors of Ethiopia right to your own kitchen! Kittee Berns has demystified this cuisine so you can savor authentic Ethiopian food without ever leaving home. Discover how to source and use the tantalizing seasonings and savory ingredients that are the foundation of these unique dishes.Kittee introduces the holy trinity of Ethiopian cooking: a berbere spice blend, injera (the fermented sourdough staple), and ye qimem zeyet, a veganized clarified butter. Armed with these basics, you'll be ready to dazzle your family and friends with many of the popular dishes found on veggie combo platters in restaurants all over North America. From saucy wots, spicy stews, and succulent stir-fries to traditional injera-based dishes and fusion foods that blend these unique seasonings into a range of family favorites, fans of this cuisine will be thrilled. Recipes are almost entirely gluten- and soy-free, or can be made so with easy adaptions.You'll also find tips on tools and equipment to time-saving techniques and menu suggestions. Just pull up a mesob (a traditional woven stand or basket), perch your platter on top, and get ready to party Ethiopian style!

Claude is no ordinary dog―he leads an extraordinary life!When Mr. and Mrs. Shinyshoes leave for the day, Claude and his best friend Sir Bobblysock take a walk in the park. Suddenly, a woman calls for help, and they find themselves rescuing a runaway baby carriage―with the baby still inside! To reward their heroism, The Amazing Alan invites them to watch his circus. They arrive early, and, as he’s been on a cleaning frenzy lately, Claude decides to tidy up the big top. In the process, he accidentally sabotages the performers’ equipment. But the show must go on―even if Claude and Sir Bobblysock have to put on the entire thing themselves!Quirky, delightfully odd, and positively surreal, Alex T. Smith’s illustrated early chapter book series promises giggle-filled bedtime reading and a laugh-out-loud option for readers transitioning from picture books to chapter books.

The first definitive biography of music legend Stevie Wonder. Stevie Wonder's achievements as a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer are extraordinary. During a career that has spanned almost fifty years, he has earned more than 30 Top 10 hits, 26 Grammy Awards, and a place in both the Rock and Roll and Songwriter Halls of Fame - and he's not finished yet. On the verge of turning 60, he is still composing, still touring, and still attracting dedicated fans around the world. For the first time, Signed, Sealed, and Delivered takes an in-depth look at Stevie Wonder's life and his evolution from kid-soul pop star into a mature artist whose music helped lay the groundwork for the evolution of hip hop and rap. Explores the life, achievements, and influence of one of America's biggest musical icons, set against the history of Motown and the last 50 years of popular music. Based on extensive interviews with Motown producers, music executives, songwriters, and musicians, including founding Temptation Otis Williams, Mickey Stevenson, surviving Funk Brother Eddie Willis, synthesizer genius Malcolm Cecil, guitar legend Michael Sembello, and many others. Traces Stevie's personal and musical development through the decades, from the early 1960s R&B of "Fingertips" to the social and political themes of "Living for the City" and other 1970s classics, through periods of musical and personal confusion, uncertainty, and, later, renewal. Listen to Signed, Sealed, and Delivered to explore the life and work of one of pop music's most compelling masters of invention.

It is monsoon season in India. Outside, dark clouds roll in and the rain starts to fall. As animals scatter to find cover, a young boy and his dadaji (grandfather) head out into the rainy weather.The two sail paper boats. They watch the peacocks dance in the rain, just as the colorful birds did when Dadaji was a boy. They pick mangoes and Dadaji lifts up his grandson so he can swing on the roots of the banyan tree, just as Dadaji did when he was young. Finally, when the two return home, hot tea and a loving family are waiting.Author Kashmira Sheth’s affectionate, sensitive story provides a look into Indian life and the shared moments and memories that bind generations together. Illustrator Yoshiko Jaeggi’s colorful and fanciful watercolor illustrations recreate the lush Indian landscape during monsoon season, and capture the bond of love that unites a grandfather and his grandson.

Down on the farm, Stanley is sowing seeds. Will they grow?It’s going to be a busy day on Stanley’s farm! From plowing the field, to planting the seeds, to harvesting the wheat, Stanley has a lot to do. Luckily, his friends Shamus and Little Woo lend a helping hand.William Bee’s wonderful series featuring Stanley, an adorable hamster, is great for readers at a transitional age between board books and picture books. Stanley the Farmer will appeal to young children wanting to know about occupations and machines.

It’s Singapore in 1940, war is just around the corner―but 12-year-old Lizard doesn’t know that. He lives in Chinatown above a tailor’s shop, surviving on his wits and hustling for odd jobs. When he steals a small teak box containing a Japanese code book from a Raffles Hotel suite, he finds himself in a dangerous world of wartime espionage. Lizard doesn’t know who to trust. How is the mysterious book inside the box connected to his friend Lili, a girl full of secrets and fighting skills? Can he trust her, or will she betray him in the end?

Sammy Shine’s life as Hank’s pet mouse was simple and quiet―until Hank’s brother sends Sammy up in a remote controlled airplane and loses control.When Sammy Shine’s plane takes off unexpectedly, he ends up in a whole new world; no longer does he live in comfort in his shoe box in Hank’s room. Now he’s lost in the woods, with no way to get home, and a dangerous enemy. Fortunately, a group of new friends, including a mouse, an injured crow, a newt, and a shrew, will help him find and repair his plane so he can try to get back home.Inspired by a childhood experience, New York Times-bestselling author Henry Cole offers this charming illustrated novel featuring adorable animal characters, an exciting adventure, and an action-packed plot.