What do you think?
Rate this book
Penny Draws #3
Penny Draws a Secret Adventure
The third book in the humorous, heartfelt, highly illustrated series about a girl who doodles to cope with her anxiety, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Sara Shepard.
Little by little, Penny Lowry is making it through the fifth grade—with a bit of help from her friends Maria, Kristian, and Rocco, as well as her lovable dog Cosmo. And there's a lot of change to deal with this year! Penny's newborn twin brother and sister have everyone in her family on their last nerve with their crying. Her friends Maria and Chloe are spending a lot of time together without inviting Penny along, making her worry they might be getting tired of her. And on top of everything, Penny and her friends discover a very old map in her attic that sends them on a wild scavenger hunt all over town in search of treasure!
Can Penny get her worries about her friends and family under control, and lead her group of friends to find the hidden treasure?
Little by little, Penny Lowry is making it through the fifth grade—with a bit of help from her friends Maria, Kristian, and Rocco, as well as her lovable dog Cosmo. And there's a lot of change to deal with this year! Penny's newborn twin brother and sister have everyone in her family on their last nerve with their crying. Her friends Maria and Chloe are spending a lot of time together without inviting Penny along, making her worry they might be getting tired of her. And on top of everything, Penny and her friends discover a very old map in her attic that sends them on a wild scavenger hunt all over town in search of treasure!
Can Penny get her worries about her friends and family under control, and lead her group of friends to find the hidden treasure?
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2024
5 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Sara Shepard
131 books14.8k followersSara Shepard graduated from NYU and has an MFA from Brooklyn College. She has lived in New York City, Brooklyn, Tucson, Arizona, Philadelphia, and now lives in Pittsburgh, PA. Sara's Pretty Little Liars novels were inspired by her upbringing in Philadelphia's Main Line.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 1, 2024
I just got the first two books in this series in a jiffy, read them as soon as I got this ARC! I am totally loving this series more so because of our main character Penny and her story telling of the many things going around her. Everything is from her perspective and I do feel that the author is being really honest with this character which I truly appreciate.
Penny continues to write to her dog about her everyday life while she and her parents are a bit overwhelmed with the newly born twins. She’s trying to be in her best behaviour at home and at school considering how she doesn’t want others to feel burdened because of her.
I do feel that the story is developing well considering how Penny has grown into a beautiful person and by now she has more control over her anxiety considering how difficult it was for her to open up to her friends and other adults around her.
This part of the series has a fun mystery adventure that the characters have to come together and explore. Go for this series! It’s so much fun. It’s short and well written for young readers.
The illustrations are really fun and hilarious!
Thank you, Penguin Young Readers Group, for the advance reading copy.
Penny continues to write to her dog about her everyday life while she and her parents are a bit overwhelmed with the newly born twins. She’s trying to be in her best behaviour at home and at school considering how she doesn’t want others to feel burdened because of her.
I do feel that the story is developing well considering how Penny has grown into a beautiful person and by now she has more control over her anxiety considering how difficult it was for her to open up to her friends and other adults around her.
This part of the series has a fun mystery adventure that the characters have to come together and explore. Go for this series! It’s so much fun. It’s short and well written for young readers.
The illustrations are really fun and hilarious!
Thank you, Penguin Young Readers Group, for the advance reading copy.
April 16, 2025
Reads with the little.
March 26, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this title. Penny and her friends find a treasure map and follow the clues in this chapter book with illustrations in the style of Timmy Failure. Penny reminded me of a slightly older Clementine or Dory Fantasmagory.
I was surprised to learn it was by Sara Shepherd of Pretty Little Liars fame who I had mixed up with Sara Varon of Chicken and Cat and Robot Dreams fame. I definitely plan to go back and read books 1 and 2 in this series and look forward to reading the next book, Penny Draws a Class Trip.
I was surprised to learn it was by Sara Shepherd of Pretty Little Liars fame who I had mixed up with Sara Varon of Chicken and Cat and Robot Dreams fame. I definitely plan to go back and read books 1 and 2 in this series and look forward to reading the next book, Penny Draws a Class Trip.
March 26, 2024
I received this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange of an honest review.
I was so excited to see a new Penny Draws book on Netgalley. I read book 1 in Dutch in November 2023 and I was eager to read more about this character! So imagine my delight seeing a new book up on Netgalley. OK, it was book 3, so I was a bit worried that maybe I would have missed things, but seriously? I just stepped in and it was as if I hadn’t left. Well, OK, the babies were born, but that is it, haha.
😍 Penny is such a sweet character. At times a bit much, yes, I have to be honest here, but in most I could understand her fears and her worries, I could understand that life is very overwhelming. I am happy that she had people around her she could talk to + had her own methods to try and get things a bit quieter in her head.
😍 Love that mom and dad allowed the kids to think of some names and I love that while there were some funny names between the choices the kids really tried their best to think of some good names that also had a meaning/meant something nice. It was really sweet. Yes, this could have gone all wrong, but the parents already warned them (because they were a bit slow with picking) that otherwise they would pick something, so I knew things would be fine.
😍 The treasure hunt and what that led to was just a lot of fun. You can sing me up any day for things like this. I just love it when children’s books feature treasure hunts, especially when they are old treasure hunts set in place by people who lived in the house before. The only things the previous tenant left is some paint and some stuff we may need for the home. I wouldn’t have minded a fun trip through the village/neighbourhood. Yes, I am an adult. But I am still a child at heart. It was a lot of fun seeing the kids decipher the hints, try to figure out the clues, and visit places. Sadly, I wasn’t a fan of the baddie that tried to get between things, I will talk about in the next section.
😍 I loved that Penny found some fantastic friends. Yes, she had some worries, but she also has a great group that really cares about her and tries to understand Penny and her fears/anxiety. I loved that they tried to help her out and that they were there for her.
😍 It was just the cutest that she was writing her diary to her dog, Cosmo. That was so sweet.
😍 On that note, extra points for the goofball that is Cosmo!
😍 I loved that Penny tried to figure out the baby thing herself. Yes, maybe it was a bit much for her, but I did like that she didn’t immediately went to an adult, but instead tried it herself for a bit. I am happy that in the end she and her mom had a bit of a chat.
😍 The illustrations! So much fun! They really made the book a party to read and brought the story further to life.
😍 That it is a diary-form book. I just love those!
😍 Yay for Miss Hines and how sweet she is!
😍 The babies were so cute. Congrats to Penny’s family, hopefully though the girl baby stops crying, but given what is said at the end I am sure things will quiet down, hopefully.
🤔 I would have liked Maria and Chloe to just be a bit clear about things. They know their friend is so anxious and I would have just liked to see them invite Penny or at least talk to her a bit more.
🤔 Grace/the babysitter the bitch .
But all in all, this was oodles of fun and I just flew through the book! I would love to read the second book, hopefully I can find it + of course, I need more books with Penny and her family! I would recommend this one to all~
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I was so excited to see a new Penny Draws book on Netgalley. I read book 1 in Dutch in November 2023 and I was eager to read more about this character! So imagine my delight seeing a new book up on Netgalley. OK, it was book 3, so I was a bit worried that maybe I would have missed things, but seriously? I just stepped in and it was as if I hadn’t left. Well, OK, the babies were born, but that is it, haha.
😍 Penny is such a sweet character. At times a bit much, yes, I have to be honest here, but in most I could understand her fears and her worries, I could understand that life is very overwhelming. I am happy that she had people around her she could talk to + had her own methods to try and get things a bit quieter in her head.
😍 Love that mom and dad allowed the kids to think of some names and I love that while there were some funny names between the choices the kids really tried their best to think of some good names that also had a meaning/meant something nice. It was really sweet. Yes, this could have gone all wrong, but the parents already warned them (because they were a bit slow with picking) that otherwise they would pick something, so I knew things would be fine.
😍 The treasure hunt and what that led to was just a lot of fun. You can sing me up any day for things like this. I just love it when children’s books feature treasure hunts, especially when they are old treasure hunts set in place by people who lived in the house before. The only things the previous tenant left is some paint and some stuff we may need for the home. I wouldn’t have minded a fun trip through the village/neighbourhood. Yes, I am an adult. But I am still a child at heart. It was a lot of fun seeing the kids decipher the hints, try to figure out the clues, and visit places. Sadly, I wasn’t a fan of the baddie that tried to get between things, I will talk about in the next section.
😍 I loved that Penny found some fantastic friends. Yes, she had some worries, but she also has a great group that really cares about her and tries to understand Penny and her fears/anxiety. I loved that they tried to help her out and that they were there for her.
😍 It was just the cutest that she was writing her diary to her dog, Cosmo. That was so sweet.
😍 On that note, extra points for the goofball that is Cosmo!
😍 I loved that Penny tried to figure out the baby thing herself. Yes, maybe it was a bit much for her, but I did like that she didn’t immediately went to an adult, but instead tried it herself for a bit. I am happy that in the end she and her mom had a bit of a chat.
😍 The illustrations! So much fun! They really made the book a party to read and brought the story further to life.
😍 That it is a diary-form book. I just love those!
😍 Yay for Miss Hines and how sweet she is!
😍 The babies were so cute. Congrats to Penny’s family, hopefully though the girl baby stops crying, but given what is said at the end I am sure things will quiet down, hopefully.
🤔 I would have liked Maria and Chloe to just be a bit clear about things. They know their friend is so anxious and I would have just liked to see them invite Penny or at least talk to her a bit more.
🤔 Grace/the babysitter the bitch .
But all in all, this was oodles of fun and I just flew through the book! I would love to read the second book, hopefully I can find it + of course, I need more books with Penny and her family! I would recommend this one to all~
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
March 12, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this arc in exchange for my honest review.
A super cute and creative cover with a great story inside, written in diary style (but directed at Penny’s dog Cosmo) and with cute basic drawings on almost every page!
This is my first Penny Draws book and I was pleasantly surprised! It was easy to read and follow even tho I haven’t read the first books. The sneak peak at the end, into the next book made me excited to read that one too! I also loved to read about where some of the character’s names came from :).
This story starts with Penny’s parents coming home from the hospital with her new brother and sister (twins!). At first Penny is really excited to be their new big sister but she soon starts thinking her little sister doesn’t even like her because she won’t stop crying. Penny tries so hard to change that.
Penny is a worrier and she’s insecure. Do people like her? Do they wanna be her friend? Does she have any talents?
When she finds a box filled with keys and wonders if one might fit on the mystery box (from the previous story), it’s the start of a fun neighborhood treasure hunt with her friends! This was fun to read about and I love what this lead too!
The biggest lesson I got from this is the importance of communication :). Penny learned by talking to others about her worries, that’s she’s not the only one worrying and having certain troubles and that she has some great friends who love to help her!
A super cute and creative cover with a great story inside, written in diary style (but directed at Penny’s dog Cosmo) and with cute basic drawings on almost every page!
This is my first Penny Draws book and I was pleasantly surprised! It was easy to read and follow even tho I haven’t read the first books. The sneak peak at the end, into the next book made me excited to read that one too! I also loved to read about where some of the character’s names came from :).
This story starts with Penny’s parents coming home from the hospital with her new brother and sister (twins!). At first Penny is really excited to be their new big sister but she soon starts thinking her little sister doesn’t even like her because she won’t stop crying. Penny tries so hard to change that.
Penny is a worrier and she’s insecure. Do people like her? Do they wanna be her friend? Does she have any talents?
When she finds a box filled with keys and wonders if one might fit on the mystery box (from the previous story), it’s the start of a fun neighborhood treasure hunt with her friends! This was fun to read about and I love what this lead too!
The biggest lesson I got from this is the importance of communication :). Penny learned by talking to others about her worries, that’s she’s not the only one worrying and having certain troubles and that she has some great friends who love to help her!
March 7, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book in exchange for my review! All opinions are my own.
This was a very cute children's book. I liked the unique illustrations. I think this would be suited more for older children than younger children.
–
Connect with Me <3
My blog is https://bookreviewsbyjules.blogspot.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4... (follow me and/or send a friend request!)
Instagram/bookstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookreviews... (I follow back all Book accounts)
Substack: https://bookreviewsbyjules.substack.com/ (feel free to subscribe!)
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookreviewsby...
StoryGraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile...
This was a very cute children's book. I liked the unique illustrations. I think this would be suited more for older children than younger children.
–
Connect with Me <3
My blog is https://bookreviewsbyjules.blogspot.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4... (follow me and/or send a friend request!)
Instagram/bookstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookreviews... (I follow back all Book accounts)
Substack: https://bookreviewsbyjules.substack.com/ (feel free to subscribe!)
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookreviewsby...
StoryGraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile...
April 9, 2024
What worked:
The format of this book is easy to read and should appeal to reluctant readers. The narrative is written as if Penny is talking to her dog Cosmo and almost every page has some type of drawing. Many of the illustrations are written as comic strips or with voice bubbles to fill in parts of the story not written in paragraph form. The chapters are fairly short so young readers can quickly finish them and feel frequent success.
A big internal conflict affecting Penny is an overactive brain when it comes to worrying. It’s not as bad as in the previous books but it still magnifies concerns that come up. Luckily, she still has a feelings teacher at school who helps her adjust to the new twin babies who’ve just joined the family. Two new babies in the house almost guarantee one of them will be crying at any time. Another major problem for Penny is that two of her friends are practicing for a spelling bee without her. Penny doesn’t like spelling and she doesn’t think she minds them getting together but she’s afraid she might be losing her importance as a friend. She previously lost her friend Violet to another girl so Penny fears it might be happening again.
The secret adventure arises when Penny finds a treasure map in a box, located in the back of her garage. The map shows locations around town but it was created decades ago. It references places inside her house, at school, and in the neighborhood so Penny wonders how the person knew about them back then. Readers will follow Penny and her friends as they solve the clues left at each location in order to locate the treasure. Penny also learns about the special relationships in her life and the true meaning of friendship. The treasure map takes Penny and readers to places they’d never expect.
What didn’t work as well:
The secret adventure feels more like a neighborhood scavenger hunt than an actual adventure. The biggest drama in the narrative comes from Penny’s lack of self-confidence so some readers may want more.
The final verdict:
This book is best for readers in elementary school due to the writing style and format of the book. The casual tone will be appealing to young readers and Penny is easy to root for. Overall, the book tells a fun tale of friendship and I recommend you give it a shot.
The format of this book is easy to read and should appeal to reluctant readers. The narrative is written as if Penny is talking to her dog Cosmo and almost every page has some type of drawing. Many of the illustrations are written as comic strips or with voice bubbles to fill in parts of the story not written in paragraph form. The chapters are fairly short so young readers can quickly finish them and feel frequent success.
A big internal conflict affecting Penny is an overactive brain when it comes to worrying. It’s not as bad as in the previous books but it still magnifies concerns that come up. Luckily, she still has a feelings teacher at school who helps her adjust to the new twin babies who’ve just joined the family. Two new babies in the house almost guarantee one of them will be crying at any time. Another major problem for Penny is that two of her friends are practicing for a spelling bee without her. Penny doesn’t like spelling and she doesn’t think she minds them getting together but she’s afraid she might be losing her importance as a friend. She previously lost her friend Violet to another girl so Penny fears it might be happening again.
The secret adventure arises when Penny finds a treasure map in a box, located in the back of her garage. The map shows locations around town but it was created decades ago. It references places inside her house, at school, and in the neighborhood so Penny wonders how the person knew about them back then. Readers will follow Penny and her friends as they solve the clues left at each location in order to locate the treasure. Penny also learns about the special relationships in her life and the true meaning of friendship. The treasure map takes Penny and readers to places they’d never expect.
What didn’t work as well:
The secret adventure feels more like a neighborhood scavenger hunt than an actual adventure. The biggest drama in the narrative comes from Penny’s lack of self-confidence so some readers may want more.
The final verdict:
This book is best for readers in elementary school due to the writing style and format of the book. The casual tone will be appealing to young readers and Penny is easy to root for. Overall, the book tells a fun tale of friendship and I recommend you give it a shot.
September 30, 2024
We first met the loveable Penny in the first two books, Penny Draws a Best Friend and Penny Draws a School Play. By book 3, Penny has a lot more people in her life: a quirky group of friends, and an expanded family. And there’s no shortage of life events, school projects, and social situations to worry about.
Penny’s anxiety felt like a main character in the first two books, and a catalyst of much of the story. But in book 3, it feels more like a side character – albeit an important one. Throughout book 3’s adventure, Penny struggles with feeling like a burden to her friends, managing her feelings of envy towards others, and separating her anxiety from herself. In one memorable illustration, Mrs Hines (the school’s ‘feelings teacher’) informs Penny, “You shouldn’t be ashamed about worrying.” Penny replies, “I know, but do you ever get TIRED of yourself?”
Throughout this series, I appreciate that the message isn’t simply ‘get help for your anxiety and it will go away’. We see such messaging all too often in both children’s and adult stories. Anyone who’s struggled with anxiety (myself included) will know that it’s not that straightforward. Instead, Penny Draws teaches readers that you can live with anxiety, that it will wax and wane, but there people in your life and strategies that can help. Even though anxiety may feel overwhelming, you are still a worthwhile person, and true friends will love you as you are. To quote one of my favourite clichés – which makes an appearance in this book – sometimes the real treasure is the friends we made (or the friendships we strengthen) along the way.
Overall, Penny Draws a Secret Adventure continues the legacy of the Penny Draws series, with all of its heart and humour.
Thank you to Text Publishing for providing us a copy of the book in exchange for a review.
Review by Elise from Novel Feelings blog and podcast - where two psychologists take a deep dive into your favourite books
P.S. Did you know that we interviewed author Sara Shepard on the podcast in 2023 about the Penny Draws series? Check it out!
Penny’s anxiety felt like a main character in the first two books, and a catalyst of much of the story. But in book 3, it feels more like a side character – albeit an important one. Throughout book 3’s adventure, Penny struggles with feeling like a burden to her friends, managing her feelings of envy towards others, and separating her anxiety from herself. In one memorable illustration, Mrs Hines (the school’s ‘feelings teacher’) informs Penny, “You shouldn’t be ashamed about worrying.” Penny replies, “I know, but do you ever get TIRED of yourself?”
Throughout this series, I appreciate that the message isn’t simply ‘get help for your anxiety and it will go away’. We see such messaging all too often in both children’s and adult stories. Anyone who’s struggled with anxiety (myself included) will know that it’s not that straightforward. Instead, Penny Draws teaches readers that you can live with anxiety, that it will wax and wane, but there people in your life and strategies that can help. Even though anxiety may feel overwhelming, you are still a worthwhile person, and true friends will love you as you are. To quote one of my favourite clichés – which makes an appearance in this book – sometimes the real treasure is the friends we made (or the friendships we strengthen) along the way.
Overall, Penny Draws a Secret Adventure continues the legacy of the Penny Draws series, with all of its heart and humour.
Thank you to Text Publishing for providing us a copy of the book in exchange for a review.
Review by Elise from Novel Feelings blog and podcast - where two psychologists take a deep dive into your favourite books
P.S. Did you know that we interviewed author Sara Shepard on the podcast in 2023 about the Penny Draws series? Check it out!
March 26, 2024
PENNY DRAWS A SECRET ADVENTURE is a continuation of Sara Shepard's Penny Draws series, featuring fifth grader Penny Lowry along with her family and friends. Written in a diary format (to Penny’s beloved pet dog Cosmo) with simple supporting illustrations, the story picks up with a new addition to Penny’s family—twin siblings! As Penny and her family adjust to the new arrivals, she and her friends work together to solve the mystery of a locked box found in her house. Once opened, the box leads the friends on a treasure hunt and as they follow the clues through their community. Penny once again comes face to face with some of her anxieties and insecurities. Her feelings will be relatable to many readers, and they will be reassured as Penny works through them with the help of her friends and trusted adults.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of the book to read and review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of the book to read and review.
August 20, 2024
Book 149 of 300 ~ 2024
🌟🌟🌟🌟
This was too cute, and I had to try my luck to get a review copy, and I succeeded!
Was wondering why the author sounded familiar and found out that this was the same author who wrote #prettylittleliars
Penny shows us what it is like to deal with anxiety and how her friends help her. Also, I found out this was like the third or fourth book in a series, so I'm gonna try to read the rest.
Cute doodles, too. Love it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#book149of300 #amreading #tbrpile #instareads #readstagram #reading #bookreview #bookreviewer #booklover #booksAreLife #booksForTheWin #thisbookfairyisreading #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramfeature #bookshelf #booksofinstagram #bookish #bookworm #goodreads #booklovers #theSGbookfairyReads #theSGtrekkiereads #bookaholic #bookaddict #bookchallenge2024 #reviews #lovebooks #booknerds
🌟🌟🌟🌟
This was too cute, and I had to try my luck to get a review copy, and I succeeded!
Was wondering why the author sounded familiar and found out that this was the same author who wrote #prettylittleliars
Penny shows us what it is like to deal with anxiety and how her friends help her. Also, I found out this was like the third or fourth book in a series, so I'm gonna try to read the rest.
Cute doodles, too. Love it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#book149of300 #amreading #tbrpile #instareads #readstagram #reading #bookreview #bookreviewer #booklover #booksAreLife #booksForTheWin #thisbookfairyisreading #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramfeature #bookshelf #booksofinstagram #bookish #bookworm #goodreads #booklovers #theSGbookfairyReads #theSGtrekkiereads #bookaholic #bookaddict #bookchallenge2024 #reviews #lovebooks #booknerds
March 12, 2024
Poor Penny, not only does she have 2 new babies in the house that won't stop crying, and the one thing that calms them breaks for a bit, her two best friends are into a spelling bee and don't have time for her and she has a babysitter who ignores her. Luckily she has other friends and faithful dog Cosmo who after she finds a box of keys to a box with a treasure map and off they go to find the hidden treasure. This is a book of mystery, jealousy, friendship and kindness. I thought the rough drawings were a nice change. This was a fun story and I think older children with relate and like this book.
March 12, 2024
This comic/doodle filled middle grade fiction book follows the life of Penny, a fifth grader with anxiety as she navigates friendships and life challenges. Penny draws comics to process and manage her anxiety. The story was cute and I believe it will be appealing to elementary readers. The comics, while not a true graphic novel, will be engaging for reluctant readers, with regular pictures between and integrated into the story.. Penny has a trusted adult at school that she's goes to see when her anxiety becomes a struggle. It's nice to see books like this normalizing the process of learning to manage mental health challenges.
March 21, 2024
This comic/doodle filled middle grade fiction book follows the life of Penny, a fifth grader with anxiety as she navigates friendships and life challenges. Penny draws comics to process and manage her anxiety. The story was cute and I believe it will be appealing to elementary readers. The comics, while not a true graphic novel, will be engaging for reluctant readers, with regular pictures between and integrated into the story.. Penny has a trusted adult at school that she's goes to see when her anxiety becomes a struggle. It's nice to see books like this normalizing the process of learning to manage mental health challenges.
Thanks to Net Galley for the EAC.
Thanks to Net Galley for the EAC.
September 11, 2024
The best book in the series by far. Sara Shepard does not disappoint, that's for sure! I really enjoyed how she brought in the mystery element that made this book so much better. Also, now I need a Bob the Potato series as I would eat that up (haha), as I'm sure many kids would as well. Anyway, I need more mystery in these books as it was fabulously incorporated (as Sara Shepard always does) and I need more of it! In this book, Penny's character growth is really apparent, along with many other characters. I am loving this series and can't wait to read more! Give these books to your children as they are truly fabulous in every way possible.
May 30, 2024
Penny Draws A Secret Adventure
Penny's family has brought home newborn twins from the hospital and Penny is adjusting to the new family dynamic. She copes with the transition by drawing cute stick figures and through searching for a treasure that goes with a map she found. Recommended for ages 8-10 by the SEPALIB reviewers association.
Penny's family has brought home newborn twins from the hospital and Penny is adjusting to the new family dynamic. She copes with the transition by drawing cute stick figures and through searching for a treasure that goes with a map she found. Recommended for ages 8-10 by the SEPALIB reviewers association.
April 30, 2025
In this installment, Penny finds a secret note with clues in her attic that lead to a treasure. She and her friends decide to go look for it. There are discussions of friendships, anxiety and more. I really enjoy this series. This wasn't my favorite, but I loved the message that sometimes its about the journey more than the prize.
April 25, 2025
Five stars read by myself
Want to read
November 25, 2025Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
February 11, 2026
love this easy read series
January 22, 2024
Penny Lowry is back for another adventure in her fifth grade life. Her household has just grown by adding infant twins, and she is determined to look past the frequent disruptions to discover the secrets inside a mysterious box in her attic. Penny and her friends finally get the box open, and inside, they find a map that leads them on a secret journey around their town. But it is unclear what treasure might be found at the end of their path, and they must uncover a series of clues even while navigating the daily life of a fifth grade student. As this is the third book in its series, it is best to have read the first two before reading this one to provide overall context and character foundations. However, readers will be able to follow the story even if they have not experienced the earlier installments. Penny manages persistent feelings of anxiety by writing in her journal, which becomes the stream-of-consciousness narrative that guides the story. It is encouraging, also, that she has multiple means of managing her large feelings, including several supportive adults who are never far away. Comic book-style panels are inserted frequently within the text, which gives the novel a hybrid quality that will appeal to a wide range of readers. The story moves quickly, and readers will find familiar elements in Penny and her friends as they interact with one another and their environment. Filled with moments of humor, friendship, jealousy, and conviction, this is a fun and lighthearted addition to library collections for young middle grade readers.
January 14, 2024
I received an electronic ARC from PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group through NetGalley.
Penny is back and readers learn about the challenges of bringing twin babies home. Life changes dramatically and Shepard's humor shines through. Penny and her friends also locate the key to unlock the mystery box and discover the first clue in a Treasure Hunt. After several near misses, they do locate the clues and find the "treasure." Though it's not what they expected, each friend gains confidence in themselves and shares more with the others. Penny struggles with her worries and with feeling like she isn't worth being with. Readers see why she feels this way but can also see that she is building up problems in her thoughts. I appreciate her seeing the school counselor and sharing with an unlikely person to work out her emotions. Middle grade readers will connect with Penny and her friends and identify with at least one of them.
Don't miss the preview for the next book in this series included at the end.
Penny is back and readers learn about the challenges of bringing twin babies home. Life changes dramatically and Shepard's humor shines through. Penny and her friends also locate the key to unlock the mystery box and discover the first clue in a Treasure Hunt. After several near misses, they do locate the clues and find the "treasure." Though it's not what they expected, each friend gains confidence in themselves and shares more with the others. Penny struggles with her worries and with feeling like she isn't worth being with. Readers see why she feels this way but can also see that she is building up problems in her thoughts. I appreciate her seeing the school counselor and sharing with an unlikely person to work out her emotions. Middle grade readers will connect with Penny and her friends and identify with at least one of them.
Don't miss the preview for the next book in this series included at the end.
Read
September 10, 2024The following book reviews have been shared by Text Publishing – publisher of Penny Draws a Secret Adventure
‘This third series entry offers yet more humour and genuine positivity along with an honest portrayal of how anxiety can affect young people...The third volume moves more quickly than the previous two, yet it maintains the wit and warmth (greatly supported by the charming black-and-white cartoon illustrations) that readers have come to expect from Penny’s escapades. A sympathetic and amusing account of a young anxiety sufferer navigating life changes.’
Kirkus
‘4.5 stars. Penny Draws teaches readers that you can live with anxiety, that it will wax and wane, but there people in your life and strategies that can help...Overall, Penny Draws a Secret Adventure continues the legacy of the Penny Draws series, with all of its heart and humour.’
Novel Feelings
‘Highlights creativity and literacy, encouraging kids to explore different ways of reading…The exploration of friendship and creativity takes centre stage, and allows each character to shine…It is a story that is filled with humour and mystery.’
The Book Muse
‘Funny but heartfelt with comic style illustrations…Dry humour abounds and Shepard has a clear understanding of contemporary tween and teen life...The writing style is witty and revolves around Penny's friendship dramas and family life, as well as giving voice to her ever-present self-doubt and lapses in self-confidence.’
ReadPlus
‘This lively story is told through printed text and copious comic strip layouts scattered on every page…This strategy of interwoven word and pictorial commentary adds insight, humour and depth to the characters.’
Magpies
‘A great one for all types of readers…Penny is a “take action” type of person—a great trait in a main character, and she is funny…[Penny has] typical tween issues and a sense of humour.’
CBCA Reading Time
‘Humorous and quirky…Genius...If you’re a collector of treasure, then this book might just be middle-grade gold.’
Kids’ Book Review
‘[Penny Draws a Secret Adventure] raises awareness and imparts a gentle message about the importance of identity…The perfect read for children aged 8-12 years and will be particularly appealing to girls who may not see themselves in similar books.’
Buzz Words
‘This third series entry offers yet more humour and genuine positivity along with an honest portrayal of how anxiety can affect young people...The third volume moves more quickly than the previous two, yet it maintains the wit and warmth (greatly supported by the charming black-and-white cartoon illustrations) that readers have come to expect from Penny’s escapades. A sympathetic and amusing account of a young anxiety sufferer navigating life changes.’
Kirkus
‘4.5 stars. Penny Draws teaches readers that you can live with anxiety, that it will wax and wane, but there people in your life and strategies that can help...Overall, Penny Draws a Secret Adventure continues the legacy of the Penny Draws series, with all of its heart and humour.’
Novel Feelings
‘Highlights creativity and literacy, encouraging kids to explore different ways of reading…The exploration of friendship and creativity takes centre stage, and allows each character to shine…It is a story that is filled with humour and mystery.’
The Book Muse
‘Funny but heartfelt with comic style illustrations…Dry humour abounds and Shepard has a clear understanding of contemporary tween and teen life...The writing style is witty and revolves around Penny's friendship dramas and family life, as well as giving voice to her ever-present self-doubt and lapses in self-confidence.’
ReadPlus
‘This lively story is told through printed text and copious comic strip layouts scattered on every page…This strategy of interwoven word and pictorial commentary adds insight, humour and depth to the characters.’
Magpies
‘A great one for all types of readers…Penny is a “take action” type of person—a great trait in a main character, and she is funny…[Penny has] typical tween issues and a sense of humour.’
CBCA Reading Time
‘Humorous and quirky…Genius...If you’re a collector of treasure, then this book might just be middle-grade gold.’
Kids’ Book Review
‘[Penny Draws a Secret Adventure] raises awareness and imparts a gentle message about the importance of identity…The perfect read for children aged 8-12 years and will be particularly appealing to girls who may not see themselves in similar books.’
Buzz Words
April 18, 2025
5 stars
I read a digital advance copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley
Penny's new brother and sister are here! Unfortunately, her baby sister cries ALL the time and seems to dislike Penny. While exploring her new house, Penny and her friends find a locked box. Later they find a box of keys in the shed. A mystery! They find the key that opens the box and there's a treasure map inside! Penny and her friends race to solve the clues, even if it's scary and may involve a neighborhood witch! Someone else is after the treasure? Could it be Riley? Penny keeps working through and learns things about her classmates and herself as she goes. (Thanks to the cereal box project)
I read a digital advance copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley
Penny's new brother and sister are here! Unfortunately, her baby sister cries ALL the time and seems to dislike Penny. While exploring her new house, Penny and her friends find a locked box. Later they find a box of keys in the shed. A mystery! They find the key that opens the box and there's a treasure map inside! Penny and her friends race to solve the clues, even if it's scary and may involve a neighborhood witch! Someone else is after the treasure? Could it be Riley? Penny keeps working through and learns things about her classmates and herself as she goes. (Thanks to the cereal box project)
Read
June 11, 2025As in the previous books, Penny Draws a Secret Adventure is written in the format of Penny’s diary to her dog, Cosmo. Penny documents her detective adventures and discusses her anxiety and problem-solving strategies. The endearing line drawings add depth to the stories and provide a gateway for readers of graphic novels to transition to chapter books.
This delightful series, with its loveable characters and engaging plots, continues to delight and is perfect for readers aged 8 and above.
This delightful series, with its loveable characters and engaging plots, continues to delight and is perfect for readers aged 8 and above.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews