Penny N. Hall

How a Reader Comes to Be

My story begins the first time a book made me cry. It was Charlotte's Web and I was 10. Charlotte had just died, and my mom called me to get in the car for she had to run errands. I came out to the car, sobbing and she asked me, "What's wrong??" I choked out, "Charlotte DIED!" and dissolved into tears. I was heartbroken and I could not imagine Wilbur's life without her.

That was the day a reader was born. Most readers can trace their love of books back to a pivotal moment. The wonder of entering a land created entirely from the imagination of the author and/or illustrator is among life's greatest pleasures! And reading aloud to my own children was one of the things I loved most when my kids were still young. (I mean, you get to do voices!)

My love of reading led to a love of writing. I've written personally and professionally for many years, including freelance articles, humorous columns, blog posts and digital content, poetry, and most recently, my first illustrated children's books.

It's my hope to create stories that ignite a child's imagination and foster a lifelong love of books. And perhaps those readers will be inspired enough to become writers, creating their own imaginative tales and pass the love along!