| Jennifer Swanson |
| Penny and Rio: The Mysterious Backyard Meeting by Jennifer Swanson Penny and Rio are two dogs who are complete opposites. Penny is curious and always on the go, while Rio prefers a good nap. At their new house, Penny discovers that their backyard is the meeting place for several different animals. Penny doesn’t know why a cat, a groundhog, a squirrel, and an owl could possibly be meeting, but she knows she has to find out. She comes up with an ingenious plan for spying on them and discovers their plot. She has to stop them - but can she get her sister dog, Rio, to help her or will Rio decide that sleep is more important? |
| Jennifer Swanson, author of Penny and Rio: The Mysterious Backyard Meeting Jennifer Swanson lives in Jacksonville, Florida, with her husband, their three children, and her two dogs. She finds time to write in addition to being a substitute teacher, student, and a full-time mom. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Jennifer is currently pursuing a master's of education degree in K-8 science. Jennifer is inspired by her love of writing and memories of her much-loved pets. While Jennifer has been writing since she was a child, Penny and Rio: The Mysterious Backyard Meeting holds a special place in her heart as her first published book. She hopes that you look forward to reading more stories in the Penny and Rio series. The books are based on loving memories of her real-life dogs, Penny and Rio, who were as dynamic and adventurous in life as they are in the books. Stay tuned for appearances of her new dogs, Hannah and Lily, in upcoming books. Jennifer may be reached at her email address, pennyandrio@yahoo.com. website: www.pennyandrio.com |
| Here is a review of Penny & Rio from the Midwest Book Review. Click here to view the review on their website. Penny & Rio Jennifer Swanson, author Rosita Schandy & Neal Wooten, illustrators Mirror Publishing 6434 W. Dixon Street, Milwaukee, WI 53214 9780981590417, $18.99 www.pagesofwonder.com Penny & Rio: The Mysterious Backyard Meeting is a softcover children's book featuring two canine friends who are diametric opposites. Penny is curious and adventurous, while her sister Rio likes to sleep most of the day. When Penny discovers that a cat, a groundhog, a squirrel, and an owl are using her backyard as a meeting place, she is determined to learn more about what is going on - while Rio is convinced that sleep is more important. The narrative story is detailed enough to make Penny & Rio ideal for young people who are almost ready to graduate to chapter books, and an important underlying theme - that one should be responsible for one's current pets and not abandon them to the city pound for a new pet - is also present in the cat's tale. Highly recommended, especially for young dog lovers. |
| Congratulations to Jennifer on having Penny and Rio: The Mysterious Backyard Meeting selected for inclusion in the Children's Book Council 2009 Bibliographies. Penny and Rio will be read by over 12,000 children who will vote on their favorite childrens book published in 2008 for the Children's Choice award. For more information, see the Children's Book Council website: http://www.cbcbooks.org/. |
| It's official, Jennifer Swanson, author of Penny and Rio: The Mysterious Backyard Meeting, is a finalist for the Royal Palm Literary Award in the published children's category. She will be attending the annual Florida Writers Association conference Nov 15th where they will announce the winners at their big dinner. Good luck, Jennifer! |
| Penny & Rio: The Locked Doghouse Mystery by Jennifer Swanson The crime-fighting dog duo of Penny and Rio are on the case again! Squeaky the mouse desperately needs their help to recover his precious belongings from a locked doghouse next door. But will Hobbes, the Great Dane, who lives in the yard object? Through an inventive plan, the resourceful pair strive to solve this mystery. Can they recover Squeaky’s belongings before the doghouse is destroyed? Follow along as the dynamic detectives, Penny and Rio, discover that they can do anything, as long as they work together. |
| Penny & Rio: The Diamond Collar Adventure by Jennifer Swanson A new adventure! The dynamic canine detectives, Penny and Rio, escape from the backyard for the first time in search of a valuable diamond collar lost by Hannah, the beautiful show dog. During their search for the misplaced treasure, they encounter Ted, the loveable and energetic collie, Sarge, the belligerent and forceful German shepherd, and an obstacle of epic proportions. But just when it feels like Penny has reached the end of the adventure, the prize is ripped from her grasp. Solving this new problem will take all the ingenuity and determination these dog detectives can muster. |
| Award-winning books in the Penny and Rio series: Penny and Rio : The Mysterious Backyard Meeting Penny and Rio : The Locked Doghouse Mystery Recipients of the: 2009 Mom’s Choice Award for Juvenile Fiction – Early Reader The Dove Foundation’s Family Approved Seal What people are saying about Penny and Rio books: "If your children love pets then they will love Penny & Rio." --- Kristi Bernard, The National Writing Center for Children "Entertaining, Heartwarming and Educational! Jennifer Swanson brings back the famous dog detectives, Penny & Rio, who are well-known for fighting crime, and mysteries. This delightful chapter book, packed with colorful illustrations will capture the heart of any reader, regardless of age…" --- Geri Ahearn Book Reviews "These cute books are great for kids who are ready for short chapter books…And, it’s nice to have a story that is as wholesome as these are: the books are dove family approved." --- Kathy Davis, Homeschoolbuzz.com "We can’t wait to read more Penny and Rio books" --- Shawn’s Sharing Book Blogs For more fun with Penny and Rio , visit their website at www.pennyandrio.com |