This page includes affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you decide to buy through these links, it won’t cost you extra. Thank you!
This page includes affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you decide to buy through these links, it won’t cost you extra. Thank you!
Penny's Rescue: Author Judy McGee Answers Kids Questions
Join author Judy McGee as we read her book Pennygirl's Rescue and answer questions from kids about her real-life rescue dog and the adoption process.
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 Pennygirl's Rescue by Judy McGee, a touching picture book about a brave rescue dog who must leave everything she's ever known behind and learn to trust that new beginnings can lead to loving forever homes. As kids follow Pennygirl's journey, they discover the importance of kindness, hope, second chances, and the people who dedicate their lives to helping animals in need.
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 Judy McGee, who talks about the real Pennygirl and the experiences that inspired her to tell this story. Along the way, she answers thoughtful questions from young readers and gives a fun behind-the-scenes look, inspiring kids to see how one true story can make a difference.
The Story of Penny: From Farm to Shelter
The narrative begins with Penny, a lab mix with a glossy black coat, white-tipped paws, and a distinctive star-shaped marking on her chest. Penny’s life started on a sprawling farm in Texas, where she lived with her siblings and her beloved owner, Grandma Adeline. The farm was a paradise for a young dog, filled with animal friends like Maisie the cow, Mr. Fairweather the goat, and Jenkins the snowy owl.
However, life changed in an instant. After Grandma Adeline suffered a fall in the kitchen, Penny’s quick thinking helped alert a hired hand, Mr. Green, to the emergency. While Penny was hailed as a hero, the incident led to a major transition: Grandma Adeline could no longer manage the farm, and Penny, along with her siblings, was taken to a city dog shelter.
Life at the Shelter
For Penny, the transition from a wide-open farm to a shelter cage was jarring. The book describes the long, lonely nights filled with the sounds of other dogs snoring and the rhythmic routine established by volunteers like Tammy. Days were marked by "potty time," breakfast, and supervised play in the yard. Despite the kindness of the volunteers, Penny often dreamt of her old life, wondering if she would ever find a home where she truly belonged.
Meet the Author: Judy McGee
Following the reading of Penny’s story, Judy McGee joined the program to answer questions from curious young readers. The most pressing question on every child's mind was whether the story was real.
Judy confirmed that Penny Girl’s Rescue is based on her own dog, also named Penny (often called "Pennygirl"). Judy and her husband adopted the real Penny in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the book captures the emotional essence of the rescue process, Judy shared that the real Penny is now six years old and lives happily with her in Canada.
Interestingly, Judy revealed that she almost changed Penny’s name to "Star" or something to do with a star because of the mark on her chest. However, after realizing the dog had been called Penny for nine months at the shelter, she decided to keep the name to provide her new pet with a sense of continuity and comfort.
One of the most frequent questions from the young audience was: "What happened to Grandma Adeline?" The book notes that she never returned to the farm, which led some children to fear the worst. Judy was quick to reassure her readers that Grandma Adeline was okay. "She broke her hip and went to stay with her daughter," Judy explained. The name Adeline was even chosen specifically because it means "to care for," reflecting the character’s nurturing nature.
Insights into Animal Shelters and Rescues
Through the kids' questions, Judy provided valuable insights into how animal rescues operate. One child asked why Tammy, the shelter volunteer, didn’t simply adopt Penny herself. Judy explained that shelter workers and volunteers have the vital job of caring for all the animals—feeding them, walking them, and reading them stories—so they are ready for their future families.
A unique aspect of Penny’s story is her long-distance adoption. Many rescues, like the real-life Niagara Dog Rescue mentioned in the book, transport dogs from high-kill shelters or overcrowded areas (like parts of Texas) to regions where there is a high demand for adoptable pets (like Ontario, Canada). Penny was one of 14 puppies chosen for a transport van that traveled across the border to meet their new families in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Despite living in Canada, Judy set the first half of the book in Texas to stay true to Penny’s actual origins. She conducted extensive research on Texan vegetation and wildlife to ensure the illustrations and descriptions were accurate. This research even led to the inclusion of Jenkins the snowy owl; Judy discovered that snowy owls occasionally stop in Texas during their southern migration, providing the perfect "lookout" character for the farm barn.
A Lesson in Patience and Hope
The central theme of Penny’s journey is patience. Her friend at the shelter, a Shipoo named Lenny, often reminded her to be patient because "her turn" would come. This message resonates with anyone waiting for a big change in their life.
During the episode, a young viewer named Toby suggested a new term: instead of "dog adoption," it should be called "dogoption." This playful suggestion highlights the choice families make to give a second chance to an animal in need.
What’s Next for Penny Girl?
For readers who wanted to know what happened after Penny got into the transport van, Judy had exciting news. A sequel titled Penny Girl Comes Home is slated for release. This second book will cover:
The initial meeting between Penny and her new parents.
The long car ride to her forever home.
The "bumps in the road" as Penny adjusted to a new environment.
Overcoming the fears that many rescue dogs face when settling into a strange house.
Judy emphasized that adoption isn't always a perfect transition. It requires training, time, and a lot of love to help a dog move past the trauma of losing their first home and spending time in a shelter.
Fun and Silly Questions
The interview wasn't all serious business. Judy participated in a "Kid Challenge," attempting to name as many dog breeds as possible in a short time—successfully listing everything from Labradoodles to Great Danes.
She also faced the ultimate "Would You Rather" question: Adopt ten puppies or one giant, Clifford-sized puppy? Judy chose the ten small puppies, noting that a giant puppy would be nearly impossible to care for (especially when it comes to cleaning up after them!). Most importantly, she noted that smaller puppies are easier to train and find homes for, which remains her primary passion.
Conclusion
Penny Girl’s Rescue serves as more than just a children's story; it is a tribute to the resilience of animals and the dedication of the volunteers who save them. By sharing Penny’s real-life journey from a Texas farm to a Canadian home, Judy McGee helps children understand the complexities of pet adoption while offering a message of hope. Whether it's dodging bullfrogs in the grass or waiting for a transport van, Penny’s story reminds us that everyone—human or canine—deserves a place to call home.
Want to Grab a Copy of Pennygirl's Rescue?
You can find it here*: https://amzn.to/4z0I8d1
Watch them here: Kids Ask Authors Answer Interviews!
You can also find Amy and Sam’s books here:
Amy Doslich – Hannah Banana and Mary Berry series*: https://amzn.to/4eLoZ3G
Samantha Howard-Els – Mungo series & Tiny Boo*: https://amzn.to/3CBx9OF
Follow our Instagram Page! https://www.instagram.com/kidsaskauthorsanswer/
Want your kid to participate in the next episode?
Subscribe to our YouTube channel to see who the next author is.
Read the featured author’s book (there will always be a free option!).
Send your questions to KidsAskAuthors@yahoo.com — in video, audio, picture, or text form!
We love featuring new kids in every episode, and your child could be next.