The Debut of Just Plump Penelope Goes to Kindergarten, a newly published children’s book by local author Mary Ann Hayes, took place on Sunday, Aug. 28, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Antler Ridge Winery, 951 State Street, Mertztown. The author, along with her two co-creators Suzanne Oswald and Jennifer Lynn Conrad Fink, sold and signed books. Approximately 35 people attended.
Just Plump Penelope Goes to Kindergarten, the follow up book to Just Plump Penelope, was written by Mary Ann Hayes of Wyomissing, illustrated by Suzanne Oswald of Kutztown, with graphic design by Jennifer Lynn Fink of Lower Macungie Township.
The new book is the second in a series of children’s books which follows the story of Penelope Sue Peters. Five years have passed since Penelope came into the world weighing 14 pounds. Ever since her arrival, her family and friends have been describing her as “just plump.” And Penelope has, in fact, continued to grow plumper with each passing year. On her first day of kindergarten (a day that Penelope has been awaiting eagerly), her brother Liam and his best friend Cody accompany Penelope on her first school bus ride; she meets her kindergarten teacher and quickly makes friends with the little girl who sits next to her in class. But not everyone Penelope encounters is so kind. There is the school bus driver who simply can’t refrain from commenting on Penelope’s size. But worst of all is Sean, the fourth-grade bully, whose nasty comments spur big brother Liam to wrestle with him on the playground and bring tears to Just Plump Penelope’s eyes.
Author of Just Plump Penelope Goes to Kindergarten, Mary Ann Hayes, has devoted two thirds of her life to teaching high school and university students how to write, most recently at Brandywine Heights High School in Topton and Alvernia College in Reading. For Hayes, being a published author has been a lifelong dream. Just Plump Penelope Goes to Kindergarten is her second book in a series of five books dealing with the issues of obesity and bullying in America. Unlike Just Plump Penelope, when Mary Ann Hayes was born, she weighed only 5 pounds 14 ounces, and the nurses in the hospital nicknamed her “Peanut.” But by the time she started first grade just before her sixth birthday, she had become what kind adults called “just plump.” To her schoolmates she soon became “Fatty,” and thus began her struggle with obesity, which continues to be a part of her life even today. Hayes currently resides in Wyomissing with her husband John, without whose encouragement this book might never have been written.
Growing up as the daughter of a Marine, Suzanne Oswald, artist of Just Plump Penelope Goes to Kindergarten, moved frequently during much of her childhood, including living in Denmark for two years. Her first artistic memories were of her mother’s entertaining her by drawing while they waited in a large room to be seen by a military base doctor. Throughout public school Suzanne’s favorite classes were in the arts. When her family finally settled in Pennsylvania, she was enrolled in painting classes with a local college professor, and a more serious study of the arts began. During her college education she met teachers who became the major influences in her artistic life. They exemplified the passion, the work ethic, and the knowledge that have been the credo of her artistic career. Suzanne taught high school art for over 34 years and now works full time in her art studio.
Jennifer Lynn Conrad Fink, Graphic Artist for Just Plump Penelope Goes to Kindergarten, has two degrees from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania – BFA in Communication Design and a BSBA in International Business. She has previously worked for several smaller, family-owned businesses doing a multitude of jobs. Today, she makes creating art in its various forms her main focus and enjoys helping people bring art into their lives through her creativity. Her current main arts foci are Graphic Design, Fraktur/Calligraphy and other paper arts.
Just Plump Penelope Goes to Kindergarden and Just Plump Penelope are available at Firefly Bookstore in Kutztown at 230 W. Main Street, Kutztown.
