Pattern for Penelope

Penelope #1

by Mary Wolfe Thompson

Penny, worn out with concern over her parents' ill adjusted relationship, comes to stay with her Aunt Sue and her veterinarian husband for a rest and a chance to get strong in the country air. Much as she has loved dogs, particularly her little Irish terrier, she had no idea how fascinating would become her uncle's profession nor how expert she would become as a helper in his animal hospital. When her dear Pat is stolen and she brings herself to accept from her uncle a beautiful Irish setter she also finds herself going in for showing her dog, discovers she has a real flair as a trainer, and in the process learns to handle herself and to make her own personal adjustment to life. (Kirkus Reviews)

Hardcover

Published January 1, 1943

About the author

Mary Wolfe Thompson was an author of children's books. She was born in 1886 in Connecticut, the daughter of a doctor. She grew up in Trenton, New Jersey, and attended the New York School Fine and Applied Arts and did graduate studies at Columbia University.
She was listed as a notable author by Marquis Who's Who. She died in North Bennington, Bennington County, Vermont, in 1970.

Reviews

[Oolookitty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another interesting book from this author. Penelope is suffering from what are apparently some mental health issues surrounding the difficult family situation she’s living in… Her parents are having big conflicts in their marriage and it’s been hard enough on Penelope that she is sent away to the country for a year to recuperate. There she finds adventure, mystery, and lots of dogs! she also finds a young man she is starting to like, and there’s some tension there as war is approaching and he is probably going to have to enlist.

An interesting look at working in a veterinary hospital, as well as working with dogs in obedience trials.

There is a sequel which I’m going to have to get my hands on!