Penelope Pulp

by Catherine Brooks

"Penelope Pulp" by Catherine Brooks tells the compelling story of Penelope Pulp, who never expected to hear a tiny drumbeat coming from her mouth—until the day her tooth started thumping. What starts as a curious mystery soon shifts into an adventure inside the zone of dental hygiene, where naughty creatures like Buggy Bacteria, Sticky Icky, and Pixie Plaque cause all sorts of problems. With the cheerful and smart Dr. Smiles by her side, Penelope learns about these sneaky invaders and how sugar-loving germs can grow into cavities. But she also realizes that she can defeat them—with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a little determination. This delightful story makes dental care fun for young readers. In addition to the much-needed advice for brushing, it empowers a lesson about responsibility and healthy habits. With a little bit of imagination, let’s get the little ones excited to take care of their teeth—because even the smallest heroes can conquer the biggest battles!

Kindle Edition

Published April 4, 2025

About the author

Catherine Brooks grew up in rural Pennsylvania and was a farmer’s daughter. After completing her master’s degree at The Pennsylvania State University in 1992, she and her sled dog headed north to Alaska. Catherine worked various jobs in interior Alaska over the next three decades, including a youth development specialist, business owner, nonprofit director, tourism operator, office assistant and manager, lab technician, professor, and local government specialist. She especially loved her time teaching at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in the Department of Alaska Native Studies and Rural Development. Catherine swears she had the best students in the world in the program. She was honored with emeritus status in May 2024. Her husband has been beside her for the majority of the journey. They have been blessed with three wonderful children and three incredible grandchildren. They currently own Write22 together, where she loves to encourage, empower, and educate people. Her husband creates beautiful antler jewelry inspired by his Alaska Native heritage and growing up in a subsistence lifestyle. She and her family call Fairbanks, Alaska, home but spend most of the summer on the Yukon River at her husband’s family fish camp, where skills and traditions are shared with the next generation.