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One Proud Penny
Who knew the life of a penny could be so exciting?
Born in 1983, our copper (well, zinc and copper as we find out) narrator travels everywhere from New York City to Portland, Oregon, to Puerto Rico describing in colorful detail his many adventures along the way.
Randy Siegel's quirky, informative text mixed with Serge Bloch's spare but exuberant illustrations (which make use of real pennies) make this book a must-have for lovers of American history or just a good story.
A Neal Porter Book
Born in 1983, our copper (well, zinc and copper as we find out) narrator travels everywhere from New York City to Portland, Oregon, to Puerto Rico describing in colorful detail his many adventures along the way.
Randy Siegel's quirky, informative text mixed with Serge Bloch's spare but exuberant illustrations (which make use of real pennies) make this book a must-have for lovers of American history or just a good story.
A Neal Porter Book
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 10, 2017
1 person is currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Randy Siegel
16 books6 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
My third children's book (January, 2017) is ONE PROUD PENNY, another Neal Porter project with hilarious illustrations once again from Serge Bloch.
From Kirkus Reviews: "A penny’s rough-and-tumble escapades lead to unexpected ends in Siegel and Bloch’s engaging picture book....Siegel’s protagonist proves an excellent ambassador. “Some folks think pennies are worthless, but I know we are worth a lot.” Here’s a book sure to convince some readers. Worth every penny. (historical note, selected facts, resources) (Informational picture book. 4-8)"
From Publishers Weekly: "Though this story from the duo behind My Snake Blake includes factual information about where pennies are made (Philadelphia, mostly) and what they’re made from (zinc, mostly), this is also a story about an object that people don’t pay much attention to.... It’s the story of an unlikely hero, happy with its somewhat lowly lot and enjoying adventure wherever it’s found. Siegel does a sterling job of conjuring up an emotional life for this ubiquitous coin."
I started writing children’s books a few years ago with the amazing Neal Porter at Roaring Brook Press (Macmillan). GRANDMA’S SMILE came out in 2010, got excellent reviews and enjoyed a stint on the Amazon and Barnes & Noble.com’s children’s best-seller charts. MY SNAKE BLAKE arrived in 2012 and according to a starred review in Kirkus, “just might be the most spectacular pet of all time. Clever, laugh-out-loud fun.”
In The New York Times, the great Paul Zelinsky gave MY SNAKE BLAKE a terrific review. And The Wall Street Journal had this to say about MY SNAKE BLAKE:
“Blake turns out to be a dream pet; in other words, he does everything that a small boy might dream a pet could do. The snake is able to turn himself into cursive writing–that’s how we know his name–as well as play baseball, scare bullies, eat yucky vegetables that the boy drops (on purpose) under the dinner table and answer tough homework questions, such as: “Which British poet wrote Songs of Innocence and Experience?” Serge Bloch’s marvelously economical drawings sustain a feeling of high good humor throughout this appropriately long-and-narrow picture book for 3- to 8-year-olds.”
MY SNAKE BLAKE was nominated for recognition at ALA and the Bologna Book Fair.
My third children's book (January, 2017) is ONE PROUD PENNY, another Neal Porter project with hilarious illustrations once again from Serge Bloch.
From Kirkus Reviews: "A penny’s rough-and-tumble escapades lead to unexpected ends in Siegel and Bloch’s engaging picture book....Siegel’s protagonist proves an excellent ambassador. “Some folks think pennies are worthless, but I know we are worth a lot.” Here’s a book sure to convince some readers. Worth every penny. (historical note, selected facts, resources) (Informational picture book. 4-8)"
From Publishers Weekly: "Though this story from the duo behind My Snake Blake includes factual information about where pennies are made (Philadelphia, mostly) and what they’re made from (zinc, mostly), this is also a story about an object that people don’t pay much attention to.... It’s the story of an unlikely hero, happy with its somewhat lowly lot and enjoying adventure wherever it’s found. Siegel does a sterling job of conjuring up an emotional life for this ubiquitous coin."
I started writing children’s books a few years ago with the amazing Neal Porter at Roaring Brook Press (Macmillan). GRANDMA’S SMILE came out in 2010, got excellent reviews and enjoyed a stint on the Amazon and Barnes & Noble.com’s children’s best-seller charts. MY SNAKE BLAKE arrived in 2012 and according to a starred review in Kirkus, “just might be the most spectacular pet of all time. Clever, laugh-out-loud fun.”
In The New York Times, the great Paul Zelinsky gave MY SNAKE BLAKE a terrific review. And The Wall Street Journal had this to say about MY SNAKE BLAKE:
“Blake turns out to be a dream pet; in other words, he does everything that a small boy might dream a pet could do. The snake is able to turn himself into cursive writing–that’s how we know his name–as well as play baseball, scare bullies, eat yucky vegetables that the boy drops (on purpose) under the dinner table and answer tough homework questions, such as: “Which British poet wrote Songs of Innocence and Experience?” Serge Bloch’s marvelously economical drawings sustain a feeling of high good humor throughout this appropriately long-and-narrow picture book for 3- to 8-year-olds.”
MY SNAKE BLAKE was nominated for recognition at ALA and the Bologna Book Fair.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
February 27, 2019
Learn all about the penny in this fun and lighthearted adventure. You'll soon have no doubt that cents make sense.
March 21, 2025
A penny for your thoughts...and this book will give you more thoughts about pennies than you ever could have imagined! Great book for kids...but be careful adults...you could learn something! Something tells me our old friend Mr. Penny might be saying farewell very soon...kind of sad about that for some reason.
March 16, 2017
Playful overview of the life of a penny, solid information around a fictional personified penny telling of his adventures.
February 10, 2017
Told in the voice of the penny itself, this picture book follows the life of a penny in public circulation. With a humorous tone, the book explains that pennies are often ignored or lost and then whisked back into use again. The metals that modern pennies are made of are compared with older pennies who would have been this penny’s parents and grandparents. Throughout the book, the journey of being spent and then being spent again and again is told. It’s enough to make all of us value the humble penny much more.
Siegel’s text is filled with humor and wonderful moments. Like the mourning of being sucked into vacuum cleaners multiple times or the pride of knowing that even though pennies are worth less than dollar bills, they are much stronger and last longer. There is a great flow to the book, moving from one place to the next in a series of hops and jumps that work to set a nice pace. The tone is one of information mixed with simple life lessons making this very readable.
Bloch’s illustrations are almost comic format but without the framing. He has dynamic loose line that creates characters who pass through the penny’s life quickly. Real pennies and other currency are used in the illustrations.
Funny and informative: that’s my 2 cents. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
Siegel’s text is filled with humor and wonderful moments. Like the mourning of being sucked into vacuum cleaners multiple times or the pride of knowing that even though pennies are worth less than dollar bills, they are much stronger and last longer. There is a great flow to the book, moving from one place to the next in a series of hops and jumps that work to set a nice pace. The tone is one of information mixed with simple life lessons making this very readable.
Bloch’s illustrations are almost comic format but without the framing. He has dynamic loose line that creates characters who pass through the penny’s life quickly. Real pennies and other currency are used in the illustrations.
Funny and informative: that’s my 2 cents. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
November 29, 2017
Another of those "non-fiction-ish" books that are obligated to include a dense and lengthy note at the end with all the real information because the previous 29 pages were squandered on goofy jokes. The illustrations were creative, frequently using coins (and paper currency) as part of the pictures.
February 6, 2017
Fun and quirky nonfiction filled with fascinating facts and really fun illustrations. Kids will get more than their two cents worth ;-)
February 6, 2017
What a hoot of a book on the penny! Informational but entertaining as well. Back matter holds: A Brief History of U.S. Coins; Interesting Facts About Pennies; Additional resources. And the humorous illustrations by Serge Bloch are delightful. Bravo.
March 29, 2017
Clever, fun, and very informative!
July 13, 2018
An informative and amusing story all about the history of the penny. I believe that it's time to do away with the penny but this book made me appreciate our copper currency. Perhaps a sequel about the quarter or the underused dollar coin is in order?
March 22, 2017
Fun facts about pennies which include both history and use. Told with humor, this is a great book to use for point of view in lessons with children.
March 9, 2017
This is an informative book about the penny. It's written in a fun, humorous way so it's interesting to read. The narrator (a penny) has a great voice.
I read it as a bedtime story to the kids and they both loved it. I didn't read the back matter to them yet but it is well done; I'm sure they will find it interesting.
I read it as a bedtime story to the kids and they both loved it. I didn't read the back matter to them yet but it is well done; I'm sure they will find it interesting.
March 10, 2017
Written from the perspective of a penny, born in Philadelphia in 1963, kids will enjoy learning more about the penny in this quirky biography!
March 5, 2017
Great book about the history of the penny! Super cute as well. Looking forward to purchasing this for the elementary library.
February 19, 2017
ONE PROUD PENNY by Randy Siegel and Serge Bloch tells the story of the American penny.
Told from the perspective of a 1983 penny, this informational picture book describes the general history and uses of the penny along with details about one specific penny’s “life”. The book concludes with additional information and resources.
The mix of simple line drawings with collage features add interest to the story.
Librarians will find this to be an excellent addition to the social studies collection. This concept book would be useful in lessons focusing on government, money, and mathematics.
To learn more about the author, go to http://randolphsiegel.com/.
Published by Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan on January 10, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.
Told from the perspective of a 1983 penny, this informational picture book describes the general history and uses of the penny along with details about one specific penny’s “life”. The book concludes with additional information and resources.
The mix of simple line drawings with collage features add interest to the story.
Librarians will find this to be an excellent addition to the social studies collection. This concept book would be useful in lessons focusing on government, money, and mathematics.
To learn more about the author, go to http://randolphsiegel.com/.
Published by Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan on January 10, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.
February 17, 2017
A plain 1983-vintage penny tells its story with pride. Since its minting in Philadelphia, this penny has been spent, saved, lost, and found many times in its travels around the country. No matter what happens, this penny is proud to do its job, even though 250 billion other pennies are out there. Mixing whimsical, engaging art with real images of pennies, One Proud Penny blends scientific and historical facts about pennies with more imaginative considerations about the role of pennies in our lives and economy. One Proud Penny will build on kids’ inherent curiosity about coins and money.
February 19, 2017
Fun and engaging story told from a penny's POV. The penny talks about his many adventures and slips in some facts along the way. It'd be fun to read this to students and then pass a penny out to each of them and have them write a short tale about their cent's exploits.
February 18, 2017
3.5 stars. This is a funny book about a penny from 1983 who has been everywhere and seen just about everything. He knows that even though he's only worth 1 cent, he's pretty important. :)
November 22, 2016
Very accessible non-fiction picture book. Recommended for early introductions to money.
While I hoped we'd get more about the move to abolish the penny (I'm With Them), it certainly gives a good starting place with supplemental narrative in the back matter.
Recommended for ages 5-8.
While I hoped we'd get more about the move to abolish the penny (I'm With Them), it certainly gives a good starting place with supplemental narrative in the back matter.
Recommended for ages 5-8.
February 7, 2017
A little love for the penny! A very cute story.
February 7, 2017
The life of a penny told with lighthearted humor.
February 6, 2017
Very clever way to share the history of the penny with kids.
February 7, 2017
Fun information here about the "lowly" penny presented with illustrations that include photos of the copper penny posed in action shots.
April 23, 2024
This is the most delightful way to learn about pennies I’ve ever seen. Randy Siegel has written an informational text about a penny traveling from hand to hand and all around the states. A humor filled book that educates and draws out a chuckle or two.
The major themes in the book were recognizing one's self worth and appreciating the little things in life. As we follow along the penny’s story, it is evident that the penny is content and aware of its worth. As the title suggests, it is one proud penny, regardless of what others believe about its worth. Children reading this book could learn about the history of pennies, as the book states many facts about its place of origin, its past models, and many more. Beyond just the historical significance, children can learn science facts. The book details what metals make up a penny, and the older penny models as well.
Siegel uses a positive tone throughout the book. The humor accompanied by the consistent positive tone elevates the book's enjoyability. It can be tasking and boring to read an informational book, but this writing craft makes the book more enjoyable.
I would consider this book to be an anti-bias book because it challenges biases related to societal standards of value. The book highlights that one's perceived worth does not matter. Rather it is how one should view themselves that truly matters. This underlying message wowed me as I read through this gem of a book.
The major themes in the book were recognizing one's self worth and appreciating the little things in life. As we follow along the penny’s story, it is evident that the penny is content and aware of its worth. As the title suggests, it is one proud penny, regardless of what others believe about its worth. Children reading this book could learn about the history of pennies, as the book states many facts about its place of origin, its past models, and many more. Beyond just the historical significance, children can learn science facts. The book details what metals make up a penny, and the older penny models as well.
Siegel uses a positive tone throughout the book. The humor accompanied by the consistent positive tone elevates the book's enjoyability. It can be tasking and boring to read an informational book, but this writing craft makes the book more enjoyable.
I would consider this book to be an anti-bias book because it challenges biases related to societal standards of value. The book highlights that one's perceived worth does not matter. Rather it is how one should view themselves that truly matters. This underlying message wowed me as I read through this gem of a book.
May 30, 2017
Randy Siegel has given the penny its day in the quirky and fun book, One Proud Penny. Siegel takes us on the journey of a penny. Our particular narrator was born in Philadelphia in 1983. He has traveled all over the country and had many adventures, although at times his time days have been spent waiting in a jar or under a vending machine. Our narrator tells us how pennies have changed over the years and how long pennies usually stay in circulation. Readers also get a little lesson on Abraham Lincoln who graces the penny’s face.
My 6 year old thought that this book was incredibly fun and not only did she read it to herself, she told me that I had to read it and asked me to read it with her. When asked if she learned anything from the book, she responded that she learned that at one point pennies were gray (during WWII).
This is a fun read for a class learning about coins.
My 6 year old thought that this book was incredibly fun and not only did she read it to herself, she told me that I had to read it and asked me to read it with her. When asked if she learned anything from the book, she responded that she learned that at one point pennies were gray (during WWII).
This is a fun read for a class learning about coins.
July 30, 2017
“I was born in Philadelphia, where the United States was born, the home of the Liberty Bell, Patti LaBelle, cream cheese, cheese steaks, soft pretzels, and the United States Mint, the place where most of our country’s pennies are made.” So begins the story of a penny “born” in 1983 that has traveled around from state to state, city to city, and pocket to pocket…making change and may cross paths with you some day.
Facts about pennies are woven into the penny’s humorous story – the number in circulation (250 billion), chemical composition (today - 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper, an in the past – mostly copper with a little zinc, wheatbacks – bronze, and in 1943 – steel), president on the face (Lincoln).
Backmatter includes a short history of U.S. coins, some facts about pennies, and a bibliography of additional resources.
Perfect to add to units on money. Gr. K-3.
Facts about pennies are woven into the penny’s humorous story – the number in circulation (250 billion), chemical composition (today - 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper, an in the past – mostly copper with a little zinc, wheatbacks – bronze, and in 1943 – steel), president on the face (Lincoln).
Backmatter includes a short history of U.S. coins, some facts about pennies, and a bibliography of additional resources.
Perfect to add to units on money. Gr. K-3.
February 8, 2019
Nominated for the 2019 Washington state children's choice picture book award. This book is loaded with facts about pennies and Philadelphia. You might look up the U.S. mint with the students so that they can see where coins are made. Popular Mechanics for kids season 1 episode 20 is about money and 23 minutes long. I rely on showing videos when I have laryngitis and the kids love getting a break from the routine. But better than that, the U.S. mint has a website that older kids can navigate and read or watch videos to learn about how coins are made and circulated. https://www.usmint.gov/learn/history/...
One Proud Penny is a great introduction to U.S. currency and you could give each student at your school a penny and not break the bank.
One Proud Penny is a great introduction to U.S. currency and you could give each student at your school a penny and not break the bank.
June 19, 2017
Text: 5 stars
Illustrations: 5 stars
Nonfiction picture book that traces the life of a single penny. The one-cent narrator really shines with a lot of personality. Illustrations add to both the whimsy and the understanding of the text. This is a brilliant way to start a discussion about money in an elementary school classroom or group setting. But entertaining enough that it could be independent reading as well.
Illustrations: 5 stars
Nonfiction picture book that traces the life of a single penny. The one-cent narrator really shines with a lot of personality. Illustrations add to both the whimsy and the understanding of the text. This is a brilliant way to start a discussion about money in an elementary school classroom or group setting. But entertaining enough that it could be independent reading as well.
July 23, 2017
Clever way to weave facts within a 'story'! My fifth graders have been studying U.S. history, so they appreciated many of the details. I think younger students would enjoy it as well.
I'm not generally a fan of this type of sketch, minimalist-color type of illustration, but Serge Block does it so well (my favorite book of his is "The Enemy: A Book About Peace" and my fifth graders also appreciate it)
I'm not generally a fan of this type of sketch, minimalist-color type of illustration, but Serge Block does it so well (my favorite book of his is "The Enemy: A Book About Peace" and my fifth graders also appreciate it)
December 21, 2017
In this fun and creative story Randy Siegel imagines the life of a penny while incorporating interesting facts along the way. The humorous illustrations of Serge Bloch add a silly factor that cleverly engages the reader with the text. In fact, you will find, at the end of this story, that your interest has been piqued so much that you simply won’t be able to resist reading the back section, “A Brief History of U.S. Coins.”
March 28, 2018
The actual plot/story was kind of all over the place but there were lots of interesting facts about pennies. The author’s note at the end kind of makes me against pennies since it mentions that it costs two cents to make each one. The book did make me feel a little bad for all my pennies sitting in my change jar.
There are a lot of lesson ideas for this though (write a story about a penny’s travel, debate whether or not the US should still use pennies, make a new penny design, etc.)
There are a lot of lesson ideas for this though (write a story about a penny’s travel, debate whether or not the US should still use pennies, make a new penny design, etc.)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews