Audrey Penn author page

Audrey Penn biography

Audrey Penn is an American children’s author best known for her picture book The Kissing Hand, which has become a staple in classrooms and homes for addressing separation anxiety in young children. Originally published in 1993, the book has sold over six million copies worldwide and has been translated into multiple languages. It was followed by several sequels featuring the character Chester Raccoon, including A Pocket Full of Kisses and Chester Raccoon and the Big Bad Bully.

Before embarking on her writing career, Penn was a professional ballerina, performing with companies such as the New York City Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet, National Ballet, and Danny Diamond Dance Theatre. She also served as a choreographer for the U.S. Figure Skating Team during the 1973 Pan American Games and for the 1976 Olympic Gymnastics Team. In 1980, she was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, which led her to transition from dance to writing.

Penn’s first book, Happy Apple Told Me, was published in 1975. She continued to write children’s books that often draw from her personal experiences and observations. Her works include titles such as Blue Out of Season, No Bones About Driftiss, and the Blackbeard series for middle-grade readers.

In addition to writing, Penn is active in educational outreach. Since 1982, she has conducted her one-woman program, The Writing Penn, visiting schools, libraries, and children’s hospitals to engage with young readers and writers. Her contributions to children’s literature have been recognized with various awards, including the Midstate Library Association Award and the Distinguished Achievement Award for Excellence in Educational Journalism.