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Penelope & Positivity: Kids Ask Author Q&A
Explore 'Penelope and the Power of Positivity' with author Dr. Neta as kids ask about dreams, fears, and staying positive to overcome challenges.
Welcome back to Kids Ask, Authors Answer, a joyful video series where children’s curiosity meets author creativity! Each episode brings together real kids and children’s book authors for a read-aloud followed by spontaneous, unscripted Q&A sessions.
The twist? The authors never see the questions ahead of time, so every answer is genuine, often funny, and always full of heart.
In this episode, hosts Amy Doslich and Samantha (Sam) Howard-Els read Penelope and the Power of Positivity by Dr. Charnetta Williams, a rhyming story about big dreams, self-doubt, and learning to believe in yourself. As kids follow Penelope’s journey, they discover how confidence grows when we surround ourselves with encouragement and keep chasing our goals.
Perfect for kids with big dreams who sometimes wonder if they’re good enough, this episode sparks thoughtful conversations and big questions, answered by the author herself, about confidence, perseverance, and learning to believe in yourself.
Amy Doslich is the author and illustrator behind the beloved Hannah Banana and Mary Berry series, a collection inspired by her two daughters. Her stories are known for their warmth, humor, and family-centered adventures.
Samantha Howard-Els brings her own sparkle as the creator of the Mungo series and Tiny Boo, books that mix kindness, curiosity, and Halloween fun.
This time they’re joined by Dr. Charnetta Williams, who shares the inspiration behind Penelope’s journey from self-doubt to confidence. She talks about the emotion monsters in the story and why it’s so important for kids to believe in their dreams. Her answers give a behind-the-scenes look at writing the book and encourage kids to turn their “I can’t” into “I can.”
Penelope and the Power of Positivity: A Journey Through Self-Doubt, Bravery, and Hope
Children's books have a unique ability to shape young minds and encourage personal growth. "Penelope and the Power of Positivity," written by Charetta Williams and featured on Kids Ask Author's Answers, is a testament to this transformative power. In this article, we’ll explore the book’s story, the author’s inspirations, and how both children and adults can harness the lessons of positivity, determination, and managing emotions that Penelope learns on her journey.
At its heart, "Penelope and the Power of Positivity" follows a girl named Penelope who dreams of becoming a doctor. However, she faces familiar obstacles: self-doubt and fear. These emotions repeatedly tell her she’s not smart enough or that the challenges are too scary, especially when it comes to things like needles. Penelope’s response to these hurdles is not to give up, but rather to shift her perspective. When she learns the power of the word "yet," she finds room for hope and possibility: she may not be able to do something now, but "yet" means she’s still learning, growing, and capable given time and effort.
Her journey takes her from being overwhelmed by negative thoughts to being supported by new, positive friends like Positivity, Hard Work, Determination, Hope, and Bravery. Together, they help Penelope push past her doubts, stay focused on her goals, and keep trying, even when fear and self-doubt knock on her door.
Ultimately, Penelope achieves her dream and becomes a doctor, surrounded by people who inspire and encourage her. The narrative closes by encouraging readers: anyone with big dreams can start their journey the same way Penelope did, by embracing positivity.
Behind Penelope: Author Insights
Charetta Williams, the author, revealed delightful secrets about Penelope’s creation. The character is a blend of three people: herself, her daughter, and her mother. Penelope’s appearance is modeled after Williams’ daughter, so much so that the illustrator was given her picture to use as inspiration. The name "Penelope" is actually a pet name for her mother, whose real nickname is "Penie," short for "Peanut." These personal touches show how intergenerational influence and family affection can bring depth to a story.
Williams shares that many children’s authors begin writing books for themselves, as a way of processing their own journeys. Penelope’s dream of becoming a doctor mirrors Williams’ childhood aspirations. While Williams once wrote a school project about wanting to be a dancer and judge, it was a friend’s ambition to be a doctor that reshaped her own dreams. Penelope’s journey, then, is both a reflection and a tribute to the author’s personal growth and the people who shaped her.
One of the creative elements in the book is the depiction of emotions as "monsters." Williams chose to make these characters colorful and friendly rather than scary, so that children wouldn’t be frightened by them. The goal was to make emotions relatable and memorable. All of Penelope’s feelings, both positive and negative, are represented as approachable companions. This teaches children that while some feelings may seem unwelcome, they are not inherently bad, and all are part of the human experience.
Themes and Lessons: More Than a Story
Penelope’s use of “yet” is a central lesson. While she may not be able to do something in the moment, the word “yet” leaves room for growth and future success. This mindset is not only powerful for children but adults as well, fostering perseverance and resilience. Williams emphasizes that everything starts with a thought: envisioning a goal and taking the first step toward it. The story is rooted in the idea of manifestation, of believing in oneself and one’s dreams.
Throughout Penelope’s story, emotions like self-doubt and fear are not banished forever. The book teaches that these feelings are always present, but positivity, bravery, hope, hard work, and determination can be called upon to help. Children learn that it’s natural to feel scared or uncertain at times, but those feelings need not control their actions or outcomes. Williams encourages readers to recognize these emotions and make conscious choices to pursue their goals anyway.
Penelope’s experience reinforces that bravery doesn’t mean the absence of fear. It means acting in spite of it. Her determination to keep going, even in the face of obstacles, demonstrates grit. Williams subtly encourages children to make friends with their positive emotions, and to work hard, with a little help from their new companions, to achieve their dreams.
Meeting the Author: Kids’ Questions and Insights
During the Kids Ask Author's Answers episode, children submitted thoughtful questions for Williams:
How did Penelope get her name? The author clarified the family story behind the nickname.
What would Penelope’s superpower be? Science and problem-solving, Williams explains, are at the core of Penelope’s abilities.
Why did Penelope choose to be a doctor? It reflects Williams’ personal journey, inspiring children to connect their dreams to their own experiences.
Other questions tackled the origins of the emotion monsters, what the author was afraid of as a child, and how the book’s themes relate to real life. Williams candidly shared her own fears (like spiders and stepping into the spotlight), how she’s grown by facing challenges, and her hope that children would learn to manage their emotions and use fear as motivation.
The show also featured a "Kid Challenge," where Williams was tasked to name as many "P" words as possible in a short time—a nod to the abundance of "P’s" in Penelope’s story. This playful activity brought the author and her audience together, highlighting the fun and creativity that children’s literature can inspire.
Kids wanted to know what happens to self-doubt, bravery, and hope when they aren’t present. Williams explained that these feelings remain accessible; they don’t disappear, but it’s up to individuals to invite them in when needed. Whether battling self-doubt or needing a confidence boost, children are encouraged to reach out to positivity and bravery.
When asked if Williams had seen the film "Inside Out," which also features emotions as characters, she admitted that she hadn’t until after the book was published. The similarities were coincidental, and Williams only watched the movie upon a parent’s suggestion. This illustrates how universal themes of managing emotions are relevant for both children and adults.
Representation Matters: Kids Reflect on the Book
One of the most moving segments of the show came from the Sunbird Library at Chapel Street Primary School in Cape Town. Students sent personal messages about how the book inspired their dreams and goals:
Several children shared dreams of becoming doctors, teachers, lawyers, singers, and library teachers and how the book’s message of positivity influenced those ambitions.
Penelope’s story helped them recognize the importance of optimism in overcoming negativity and believing in themselves.
The impact of Williams’ book is evident in these heartfelt responses; it’s clear that the story resonates deeply and provides encouragement not only for children but for anyone pursuing their dreams.
Positivity, Dreams, and Community
The Otto Foundation, which supports libraries in underprivileged Cape Town schools, was highlighted for its contributions. They create inspiring spaces that encourage students to read and dream big. The transformative power of books is fostered by dedicated librarians, teachers, and community organizations, echoing Penelope’s journey and message. Learn more about the Otto Foundation here.
Williams shares how writing the book for herself and her daughter followed by sharing it with the world has been a rewarding process. The author notes that even adults need a push to keep going, and books like Penelope’s can provide that nudge and spark of inspiration.
Practical Takeaways for Parents and Educators
Penelope’s story is more than an entertaining narrative. It’s a tool for teaching emotional intelligence and resilience. Parents and educators can use the book to:
Discuss feelings: Each emotion monster can serve as a starting point to talk about feelings, how they affect decisions, and how to manage them constructively.
Introduce growth mindset: Emphasize "yet," helping children see their abilities as developing rather than fixed.
Encourage bravery: Show that fear is natural, but bravery means acting despite being scared.
Set goals: Inspire children to dream big and work hard, with positivity as their guide.
"Penelope and the Power of Positivity" is more than a story; it’s a guide to self-discovery and growth. Through questions, challenges, and community engagement, Williams’ book offers a model for children to confront self-doubt, build confidence, and persevere. By making emotion monsters friendly, connecting her own life to Penelope’s, and listening to the dreams of children everywhere, Williams proves that positivity can change lives.
Every child, and adult, can start their journey toward their goals with just one step: believing in themselves. As Penelope shows, positivity isn’t just about feeling good; it’s about seeing the possibilities, embracing challenges, and sticking to your dreams, no matter how many times fear or doubt knocks on your door.
Want to Grab a Copy of Penelope and the Power of Positivity?
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Amy Doslich – Hannah Banana and Mary Berry series*: https://amzn.to/4eLoZ3G
Samantha Howard-Els – Mungo series & Tiny Boo*: https://amzn.to/3CBx9OF
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