Audrey Penn
Audrey Penn is an American children's author, best known for her book "The Kissing Hand." Before becoming a writer, Penn had a career as a ballerina, dancing with several renowned companies. She also worked as a choreographer for the U.S. Figure Skating Team. An illness in 1980, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, led her to transition to writing. Penn's writing often draws from her own experiences and her advocacy for children. She has developed an educational program called "The Writing Penn" that she takes into schools and hospitals.
Awards
['1975 Outstanding Young Women of America', '1993 Chronicles of Courage: Very Special Artists (Chapter 11)', "2002 Helen Keating Ott Award for Outstanding Contribution to Children's Literature", '2005 Mom of the Month (March), Parenting.com', '2006 iParenting Media Awards', 'New York Times #1 Bestseller', 'Educational Press Association of America – Distinguished Achievement Award for Excellence in Educational Journalism', 'Caldecott Medal Nominee', 'Midstate Library Association Award', 'Very Special Arts Recognition Award']
Notable Works
['The Kissing Hand', 'A Pocket Full of Kisses', 'Happy Apple Told Me', 'Blue Out of Season', 'Chester Raccoon and the Big Bad Bully']
