Penny and Pup by Linda Jennings

Book Summary:

Penny and Pup by Linda M. Jennings is a tender and gently humorous picture book about friendship, loss, and self-discovery. The story centers on Penny, a young puppy who cherishes her floppy toy Pup above all else and shuns the invitations of other animals—like Henry the cat, Betsy the rabbit, and Matt the fox cub—to play. One day, Pup goes missing, and Penny is heartbroken and unsure where to turn. As her friends rally to help in the search, she learns that friendship isn't a competition—and that living alone with only a beloved toy may not fill her heart in the way shared companionship can. When Penny finally finds Pup, she discovers that he’s being used by mice as a cozy bed. With a touching act of generosity, she lets them keep Pup—realizing she has made true friends who bring more joy than one toy ever could. The story’s warm illustrations and straightforward narrative beautifully illustrate the value of connection, empathy, and letting go.

About The Author:

Linda M. Jennings (often credited as Linda Jennings or Linda M. Jennings) is a British children’s author and former editor whose delightful storytelling has captured young audiences for decades. Born in Sussex, she began her career working as an editor of children’s books before transitioning into writing her own picture books for publishers such as Little Tiger Press. Over her career, she has authored more than thirty children’s titles, many featuring themes of animals, family, friendship, and imaginative adventures.

Jennings is best known for charming stories like Penny and Pup (1997), Tom’s Tail, Titus’s Troublesome Tooth, Lost in the Snow, and Nine Naughty Kittens.Her writing style is warm, accessible, and gently humorous—perfectly suited to early childhood readers and storytimes. Jennings typically collaborates with illustrators (for example, Jane Chapman illustrated Penny and Pup), blending text and visuals to create vivid, emotionally resonant tales.

Residing in Bradford‑on‑Avon in Wiltshire, Jennings continues to work as a freelance writer and editor. Her stories—simple yet meaningful—often explore themes such as friendship, letting go, belonging, and empathy, making them perennial favorites for young children and parents alike.