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Penny Draws #2
Penny Draws a School Play
The second 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.
Halfway through the fifth grade, Penny Lowry is discovering that things are actually going . . . okay! With her friends Maria, Kristian, and Rocco on her side, and her lovable dog Cosmo, she can make it through anything. And when her anxiety comes back, there's always her doodling, or talking to Mrs. Hines, the Feelings Teacher. But big change is around the Penny's family is moving to a new house, her mom is about to give birth to twins, and most stressful of all, she's been tapped for a role in her class play!
Rolling with life's surprises isn't Penny's strength. But she's learning . . . one doodle at a time!
Halfway through the fifth grade, Penny Lowry is discovering that things are actually going . . . okay! With her friends Maria, Kristian, and Rocco on her side, and her lovable dog Cosmo, she can make it through anything. And when her anxiety comes back, there's always her doodling, or talking to Mrs. Hines, the Feelings Teacher. But big change is around the Penny's family is moving to a new house, her mom is about to give birth to twins, and most stressful of all, she's been tapped for a role in her class play!
Rolling with life's surprises isn't Penny's strength. But she's learning . . . one doodle at a time!
240 pages, Hardcover
Published September 5, 2023
10 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Sara Shepard
129 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.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 19, 2024
Lasten- ja nuortenkirjasarjat jäävät yleensä minun kohdallani ensimmäiseen osaan, mutta Sara Shepardin Pihla piirtää parhaan ystävän oli niin erinomainen, että päätin tehdä poikkeuksen. Ja kyllä kannatti, sen verran hyvää settiä oli myös "Pihla piirtää koulunäytelmän" (Otava, 2024).
Neuroottinen ja alituiseen huolissaan olevan Pihlan elämässä sattuu ja tapahtuu. Sankarimme joutuu muuttamaan uuteen kotiin ja saa puheroolin koulunäytelmästä. Perheeseen on tulossa lisäystä ja kaksi perivihollisiksi julistautunutta kaveria täytyisi yrittää saattaa yhteen. Lisäksi takapihalla saattaa asua lumimies ja ullakolta kuuluu kummitteluun viittaavaa rapinaa.
Sympaattinen lastenromaani kuuluu vuoden parhaiden lukukokemusten joukkoon!
Neuroottinen ja alituiseen huolissaan olevan Pihlan elämässä sattuu ja tapahtuu. Sankarimme joutuu muuttamaan uuteen kotiin ja saa puheroolin koulunäytelmästä. Perheeseen on tulossa lisäystä ja kaksi perivihollisiksi julistautunutta kaveria täytyisi yrittää saattaa yhteen. Lisäksi takapihalla saattaa asua lumimies ja ullakolta kuuluu kummitteluun viittaavaa rapinaa.
Sympaattinen lastenromaani kuuluu vuoden parhaiden lukukokemusten joukkoon!
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February 8, 2024The following book reviews have been shared by Text Publishing – publisher of Penny Draws a School Play
‘This book is perfect for everyone!’
School News Project
‘There are some great strategies embedded within the book that will be helpful to both children and adults...Penny Draws a School Play is another charming, witty and emotionally accessible story to help our middle grade readers process their big worries.’
NZ Booklovers
‘What a joy it is to see books reflecting real people, especially for children…A lovely addition...Those children who are a bit anxious about new things, such as making friends and stepping out of their comfort zone, will find Penny very relatable.’
GLAM Adelaide
‘In this warm, insightful, and at times laugh out loud second book in the Penny Draws series, award winning author Sara Shepard takes us along on Penny’s journey through the changes that rekindle her anxiety...The concern and empathy shown for Penny by her friends and family is the wonderful and uplifting thread woven into the story that tugs at the heartstrings of the reader and helps create a deeper understanding of the effects of anxiety.’
Buzz Words
‘Oh, how I wish Penny Draws a School Play was around when I was a kid…Just delightful.’
StoryLinks
‘This warm-hearted, accessible and witty book is a must-read for children with anxiety and those facing big changes, who will find Penny and her problems very relatable.’
CBCA Reading Time
‘In turns sweet and hilarious, we adored this series.’
Novel Feelings
‘This book is perfect for everyone!’
School News Project
‘There are some great strategies embedded within the book that will be helpful to both children and adults...Penny Draws a School Play is another charming, witty and emotionally accessible story to help our middle grade readers process their big worries.’
NZ Booklovers
‘What a joy it is to see books reflecting real people, especially for children…A lovely addition...Those children who are a bit anxious about new things, such as making friends and stepping out of their comfort zone, will find Penny very relatable.’
GLAM Adelaide
‘In this warm, insightful, and at times laugh out loud second book in the Penny Draws series, award winning author Sara Shepard takes us along on Penny’s journey through the changes that rekindle her anxiety...The concern and empathy shown for Penny by her friends and family is the wonderful and uplifting thread woven into the story that tugs at the heartstrings of the reader and helps create a deeper understanding of the effects of anxiety.’
Buzz Words
‘Oh, how I wish Penny Draws a School Play was around when I was a kid…Just delightful.’
StoryLinks
‘This warm-hearted, accessible and witty book is a must-read for children with anxiety and those facing big changes, who will find Penny and her problems very relatable.’
CBCA Reading Time
‘In turns sweet and hilarious, we adored this series.’
Novel Feelings
March 14, 2025
Reads with the little. We’ve both been enjoying this series and the characters. Penny has anxiety and it’s shown in a positive way. ❤️
August 26, 2024
Who would have guessed that the one and only fabulous Sara Shepard would deliver another adorable book? I sure didn’t and that totally isn’t sarcasm! Anyway, this book still maintains its important lessons and relatable characters. I said everything I wanted to in my first review of the series so I suggest looking at that if you want to. I would recommend this book to children everywhere as everyone can relate to a character and/or pick out a life lesson from this adorable series. I can’t wait to read on!
October 14, 2024
The second book in the series and I could finally read it! A schoolplay, new friends, worries, and more!
So in November 2023 I read Book 1, then in March 2024 I was able to read book 3 (which I thought was Book 2, imagine that surprise), and now I am finally able to read the missing book 2! Because my library finally has it, in Dutch that is, but I will take it!
There are no real surprises for me in the book because I read the third book (thinking it was the second), but I don’t mind that! Now I will get the full picture and that just makes me happy.
In this one Penny/Jessie moves to a new home because with 2 babies upcoming the house is just too small. I loved that the parents allowed the kids to view the house + all the rooms before actually going for it, but I just kinda wish that they had done it a bit better. I get that it was a WE NEED TO DO THIS NOW, but you have one kid with full on anxiety in your house, maybe not go this route. So yeah, throughout the book we see Penny/Jessie get used to her new home, miss her old home and wonder if it is doing well, worry about the weird sound upstairs, worry about the tree house that her dad is building (to be fair, I would also worry about that given how dad isn’t the best in building stuff). But thankfully, we also see her settle in, make her room 100% hers, help out her dad, make a new friend and more. And that I love. A lot of people like Penny/Jessie would just hide and get emotional, but Penny/Jessie keeps trying. It helps that she has a teacher/counsellor and of course plenty of friends.
The play was such a fun thing, though I wasn’t a fan of that Romy girl (not sure if that is her English name, again, read this one in Dutch) who thought she was the big thing, I am glad that the teacher was not impressed by it all. I loved that the play was written by one of Penny/Jessie’s friends and while the play was a bit weird, I kinda wish I could have been there to see it. I was so proud of Penny/Jessie to go for it. She could have hidden away. She could have cried. But instead she took that bat role and then later also took a deep dive when more was added to it, I was just so proud of her. I was rooting and cheering for her. Go Penny/Jessie!
I also loved seeing all the friends Penny/Jessie has. They are an interesting bunch, and I also love that they are there for Penny/Jessie when she has too many worries. We also have a new friend, Chloe, who brings along some more worries when something is revealed. I did love Chloe though, she is a fun addition to the group! Plus, seeing Penny/Jessie reunite with an ex-friend also made me happy.
And of course, the pregnancy is still going strong. The twins haven’t been born yet. We see in this book that it affects Juice Box/Sappie the most.
While at times the worries got a bit much, I don’t mind them that much, especially since Penny/Jessie did her best. At times the worries seemed to take over, but she had help from various people.
Lastly, Cosmo!! My cute adorable doggo.
I was confused by the Dutch translation. At one point Penny/Jessie’s grandmother pops in and calls Penny/Jessie her favourite grandchild, to which Penny/Jessie states she is the only grandchild. But what about Penny/Jessie’s brother?
The art was oodles of fun again, and I just love how it really feels like our MC is drawing it all herself!
All in all, I hope that there are many more Penny/Jessie books coming out because these books are just way too much fun! I devour them in one sitting. I would recommend them to all.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
So in November 2023 I read Book 1, then in March 2024 I was able to read book 3 (which I thought was Book 2, imagine that surprise), and now I am finally able to read the missing book 2! Because my library finally has it, in Dutch that is, but I will take it!
There are no real surprises for me in the book because I read the third book (thinking it was the second), but I don’t mind that! Now I will get the full picture and that just makes me happy.
In this one Penny/Jessie moves to a new home because with 2 babies upcoming the house is just too small. I loved that the parents allowed the kids to view the house + all the rooms before actually going for it, but I just kinda wish that they had done it a bit better. I get that it was a WE NEED TO DO THIS NOW, but you have one kid with full on anxiety in your house, maybe not go this route. So yeah, throughout the book we see Penny/Jessie get used to her new home, miss her old home and wonder if it is doing well, worry about the weird sound upstairs, worry about the tree house that her dad is building (to be fair, I would also worry about that given how dad isn’t the best in building stuff). But thankfully, we also see her settle in, make her room 100% hers, help out her dad, make a new friend and more. And that I love. A lot of people like Penny/Jessie would just hide and get emotional, but Penny/Jessie keeps trying. It helps that she has a teacher/counsellor and of course plenty of friends.
The play was such a fun thing, though I wasn’t a fan of that Romy girl (not sure if that is her English name, again, read this one in Dutch) who thought she was the big thing, I am glad that the teacher was not impressed by it all. I loved that the play was written by one of Penny/Jessie’s friends and while the play was a bit weird, I kinda wish I could have been there to see it. I was so proud of Penny/Jessie to go for it. She could have hidden away. She could have cried. But instead she took that bat role and then later also took a deep dive when more was added to it, I was just so proud of her. I was rooting and cheering for her. Go Penny/Jessie!
I also loved seeing all the friends Penny/Jessie has. They are an interesting bunch, and I also love that they are there for Penny/Jessie when she has too many worries. We also have a new friend, Chloe, who brings along some more worries when something is revealed. I did love Chloe though, she is a fun addition to the group! Plus, seeing Penny/Jessie reunite with an ex-friend also made me happy.
And of course, the pregnancy is still going strong. The twins haven’t been born yet. We see in this book that it affects Juice Box/Sappie the most.
While at times the worries got a bit much, I don’t mind them that much, especially since Penny/Jessie did her best. At times the worries seemed to take over, but she had help from various people.
Lastly, Cosmo!! My cute adorable doggo.
I was confused by the Dutch translation. At one point Penny/Jessie’s grandmother pops in and calls Penny/Jessie her favourite grandchild, to which Penny/Jessie states she is the only grandchild. But what about Penny/Jessie’s brother?
The art was oodles of fun again, and I just love how it really feels like our MC is drawing it all herself!
All in all, I hope that there are many more Penny/Jessie books coming out because these books are just way too much fun! I devour them in one sitting. I would recommend them to all.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
March 28, 2025
Gracioso pero no como el 1
March 1, 2024
I am loving this young middle grade series! Penny is really honest and always learning from what she experience each day. She’s one young character who’s learning to accept herself as she is as she goes on learning new things, learning from her past experiences which are both good and bad.
I love that she’s finding a voice and a way to communicate through writing letters to her dog as she’s been doing from before.
I am excited to read the next book!
I love that she’s finding a voice and a way to communicate through writing letters to her dog as she’s been doing from before.
I am excited to read the next book!
December 18, 2023
What worked:
This book is the sequel to Penny Draws a Best Friend and Penny continues to struggle with anxiety. She writes journal entries to her dog as a coping mechanism when she’s stressed. The author provides several worrisome incidents to create conflicts for Penny. She was getting used to her strict, fifth-grade teacher but now they’ll have a substitute for the rest of the year. The new teacher is changing the way the class play will be produced this year and everyone will have a part in it. Penny hates standing in front of the class let alone on a stage. Finally, her parents just announced they’ll be moving to a new house next week! Penny then learns that her best friend and new neighbor are “sworn enemies”. Young readers should be able to empathize with Penny and her new challenges.
The narrative is accompanied by sketch drawings that enhance the story. They’re a step up from stick figures so they’re easy to understand and follow. The pictures don’t just go along with the story as they are actually part of it. The dialogue in the illustrations fills in gaps so readers need to be sure they read the words or they’ll miss information. The drawings show interactions between characters but sometimes they show the thoughts going on inside Penny’s mind. The illustrations almost act the same way as in graphic novels but they support the text in this book.
Penny continues to visit Mrs. Hines and this teacher helps Penny and her best friends handle their issues with stress. Mrs. Hines offers helpful suggestions when they feel overwhelmed with pressure and young readers may relate to the hints too. The other kids don’t seem to lose control as much as Penny but they still offer help to each other. Petra is the one who wrote the class play, Rocco gets the lead role as a vampire, and Penny is expected to play a bat. Rocco is really stepping out of his comfort zone so he becomes Penny’s vampire twin, the two of them agreeing to stick together when they’re stressed.
What didn’t work as well:
The text in the speech bubbles is quite small when a character has a lot to say which can make the print less clear and harder to read. Also, the plot moves quickly and at a nice pace but character development is limited, except for Penny. These issues shouldn’t be big problems for young readers as the book is still very enjoyable.
The final verdict:
This book can be read independently from the first one. Penny’s character is engaging and relatable for young readers and the narrator’s voice is fitting for the upper elementary grades. The overall book is pleasant and amusing and I recommend you give it a shot.
This book is the sequel to Penny Draws a Best Friend and Penny continues to struggle with anxiety. She writes journal entries to her dog as a coping mechanism when she’s stressed. The author provides several worrisome incidents to create conflicts for Penny. She was getting used to her strict, fifth-grade teacher but now they’ll have a substitute for the rest of the year. The new teacher is changing the way the class play will be produced this year and everyone will have a part in it. Penny hates standing in front of the class let alone on a stage. Finally, her parents just announced they’ll be moving to a new house next week! Penny then learns that her best friend and new neighbor are “sworn enemies”. Young readers should be able to empathize with Penny and her new challenges.
The narrative is accompanied by sketch drawings that enhance the story. They’re a step up from stick figures so they’re easy to understand and follow. The pictures don’t just go along with the story as they are actually part of it. The dialogue in the illustrations fills in gaps so readers need to be sure they read the words or they’ll miss information. The drawings show interactions between characters but sometimes they show the thoughts going on inside Penny’s mind. The illustrations almost act the same way as in graphic novels but they support the text in this book.
Penny continues to visit Mrs. Hines and this teacher helps Penny and her best friends handle their issues with stress. Mrs. Hines offers helpful suggestions when they feel overwhelmed with pressure and young readers may relate to the hints too. The other kids don’t seem to lose control as much as Penny but they still offer help to each other. Petra is the one who wrote the class play, Rocco gets the lead role as a vampire, and Penny is expected to play a bat. Rocco is really stepping out of his comfort zone so he becomes Penny’s vampire twin, the two of them agreeing to stick together when they’re stressed.
What didn’t work as well:
The text in the speech bubbles is quite small when a character has a lot to say which can make the print less clear and harder to read. Also, the plot moves quickly and at a nice pace but character development is limited, except for Penny. These issues shouldn’t be big problems for young readers as the book is still very enjoyable.
The final verdict:
This book can be read independently from the first one. Penny’s character is engaging and relatable for young readers and the narrator’s voice is fitting for the upper elementary grades. The overall book is pleasant and amusing and I recommend you give it a shot.
April 26, 2025
I am starting to love these books! This one is about a school play and Penny gets assigned a role of a bat. It has no lines but its still very anxiety inducing. She also is moving to a new house, her mom is pregnant with twins, and a lot of change is happening in her life. I love how her "feelings teacher" explained that bigger reactions to things are to be expected when that much is going on. She has a new neighbor friend who is spelling bee enemies with her school best friend because one beat teh other. She's nervous about them meeting, nervous about the play, nervous about the family changes, etc. I laughed out loud at times and thought this was really fun. I don't love the mean girl and some of the brattiness in her as well as Penny regarding her, but its very realistic.
February 19, 2024
4 stars
In this second installment, anxious artist and fifth grader Penny Lowry is back! Just when Penny thinks she has a handle on her anxieties and the fact that her family is expanding with soon to be born twins!, life throes her for a loop. Her parents announce they are moving, and then move within two weeks!! Penny's fifth grade teacher has to have her hip replaced and the substitute now wants ALL the fifth grade to be in the annual play!! (Good news Petra has written it and knows Penny isn't excited for a speaking role) How will Penny make it through?
In this second installment, anxious artist and fifth grader Penny Lowry is back! Just when Penny thinks she has a handle on her anxieties and the fact that her family is expanding with soon to be born twins!, life throes her for a loop. Her parents announce they are moving, and then move within two weeks!! Penny's fifth grade teacher has to have her hip replaced and the substitute now wants ALL the fifth grade to be in the annual play!! (Good news Petra has written it and knows Penny isn't excited for a speaking role) How will Penny make it through?
September 11, 2023
A great follow up to Penny Draws a Best Friend! This series is a lovely, honest story about a young girl with a lot of anxiety and a fantastic support system. I love the writing and the simple illustrations. I’ve bought these books for my niece, but I think the adults in her life love them as much as she does!
October 30, 2023
Penny's class is responsible for putting on the school play. Readers see how she copes with this and the changes in her family and home. Shepard weaves humor throughout as Penny shares her letters to Cosmo. Readers will connect and identify with her emotions as her world changes quickly and unexpectedly.
September 10, 2024
Is it normal for an adult to read children's books? I don't know. I just know that it's great for relaxing. I didn't laugh like I did in Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Especially because the characters and ideas are different. I recommend it as a gift for an anxious child. Although I could relate to some situations because of Penny's anxiety.
October 18, 2023
This was great! It focused on the importance of communication, how you never know what someone else is feeling, overcoming anxieties and fears, learning to accept new normals and being there for your friends. It was all so good! I loved that Petra wrote the play as well.
October 31, 2023
I enjoyed this book so much! The characters are well-drawn (pun intended) and the point of view is authentic middle grade. I loved the humor in both the text and artwork. Cosmo is adorable!
November 14, 2023
This series continues to be excellent for the 7-10 crew. Again such a lovely job exploring themes of friendship. facing your fears and anxieties and staying true to yourself.
February 5, 2024
Quite interesting. Elementary school life about kids in NYC.
May 12, 2024
Such a fun series! I appreciate how Shepard explored mental health issues in young people; it never feels forced or didactic.
February 22, 2025
~5 Stars~ Read independently. I love the series and can’t wait for mom to buy me the next book!
April 1, 2025
Me encantó fue una de mis mejores lecturas se lee rapido
December 22, 2025
Pihla piirtää- sarjan toinen osa. Näissä on kyllä jotain tosi kivaa mutta silti vain kolme tähteä, sillä koen nämä vähän pinnalliseksi tai vajaiksi. Mutta kerronta on kyllä hyvää.
March 19, 2024
It was my favorite book ever!!!!!!!!!!! Absolutely 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🩷🫎🫎🫎🫎🫎🩷🩷🩷🩷🫎🫎🩷🩷🩷⭐️⭐️🤍🤍⭐️⭐️
🩷🫎🫎🫎🫎🫎🩷🩷🩷🩷🫎🫎🩷🩷🩷⭐️⭐️🤍🤍⭐️⭐️
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews