From the Bookshelf of Mock Newbery 2026

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What Members Thought

Dest
Apr 19, 2013 rated it really liked it
This is sort of a junior version of "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allen Poe. Penny takes a marble she find in the grass and then feels sick with guilt that she may have stolen it.

The ending isn't quite as cute as Penny and Her Doll, but this book is definitely another shining example of Henkes' gift for writing great stories for very young readers where every word counts.
...more
Jennifer
We get to see even more of Penny's world here as she begins by walking through her neighborhood. When Penny finds a marble, the temptation is too great and she scoops it up to take home. Penny's experience with guilt is very understandable, but the setup doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me. If Mrs. Goodwin wanted someone to have the marble, why in the world would she leave it in her grass instead of just giving it to someone? Kind of weird honestly. Otherwise this is pretty good. I love that ...more
Jen
Mar 15, 2014 rated it really liked it
Shelves: 2015-winners
Penny pushes her doll Rose up and down the block, and one day she finds a blue marble in front of Mrs. Goodwin’s house. She picks it up and plays with it all day. However, she starts to feel bad about taking the marble without asking Mrs. Goodwin. She can’t sleep that night, so the next day she drops the marble back in Mrs. Goodwin’s yard. Before she can run away quick enough, Mrs. Goodwin asks why Penny doesn’t want the marble. You see, Mrs. Goodwin put the marble in the lawn hoping some child ...more
Amy
Dec 19, 2013 rated it it was amazing
I love this book! It captures feelings of guilt and the reluctance of children to tell their parents about their emotional world. Although Penny simply took home a marble that she found, she starts to wonder whether the marble belongs to her neighbor. Her stomach aches, she can't sleep and in the end she decides on her own to rectify the situation. It's a beginner reading level, but it would make a nice read-aloud too. ...more
Robynn
Mar 31, 2014 rated it liked it
2014 Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book (for the most distinguished book for beginning readers)
Sweet little reader about Penny and the struggle she has about taking a beautiful marble she finds when she is not sure she should have.
June
May 16, 2013 rated it really liked it
Penny feels guilty about taking something that is not hers and does the right thing. Henkes gets it just right. I love Penny's imagination. ...more
Leslie
May 07, 2013 rated it it was amazing
Shelves: new-readers
The new readers that this book is intended for will empathize with Penny's dilemma and want to keep reading to find out what happens! ...more
Dan
Penny and her marble had the perfect mix of imagination, inner conflict, and beautiful illustrations. A perfect read aloud for young children.
Donalyn
Feb 21, 2013 rated it really liked it
We love Penny at our house. She's sweet, but a little impulsive. In this latest installment, Penny finds a marble during her morning walk. ...more
Sarah
Aug 11, 2012 marked it as to-read
Shawn
Nov 12, 2012 marked it as to-read
Monica Edinger
Feb 16, 2013 rated it it was amazing
Crystal
Mar 03, 2013 rated it really liked it
Ernie Cox
Mar 04, 2013 marked it as to-read
Shelves: 2013-stars
Rachel
Mar 18, 2013 marked it as to-read
Beverly
Apr 02, 2013 rated it it was amazing
Jenna
Apr 05, 2013 rated it it was amazing
Shelves: easy-readers
Brandy
Sep 10, 2013 marked it as to-read
Angela
Oct 25, 2013 rated it it was amazing
Shelves: picture-book
Kristine
Dec 24, 2013 marked it as to-read-kids-ya
Shelves: picture-books
Sarah
Jan 15, 2014 rated it it was amazing
Julie
Jan 29, 2014 rated it really liked it
Wendy Garland
Feb 07, 2014 rated it really liked it
Jessica
Feb 13, 2014 rated it really liked it  ·  review of another edition
Shelves: picture-books
Jayanne
Feb 14, 2014 rated it really liked it
Shelves: elementary, reader
Debbie Jo
Mar 13, 2014 rated it it was amazing
Shelves: children-s-books
Peggy Howell
Aug 04, 2014 rated it it was amazing
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