Friend in a Wheelchair – Magical Mea Goes to School by Penelope Anne Cole
Congratulations to Penelope Anne Cole for her third book in her “Magical Series” titled Magical Mea Goes to School. Mea is now in second grade and learning to use her magic responsibly. The other characters we got to know in Penolope Anne Cole’s first two books, big brother Matthew, Lily a neighbor and friend in a wheelchair, and Grandma Nonie, are all back for this new book.
Many children will be able to relate to having busy parents and being babysat by their grandmother. The author/illustrator portray the grandmother very well. She has grey hair and a few wrinkles but her heart shaped pendant, colorful clothes, and long, manicured finger nails and lively conversation with her grandchildren make her “young at heart” and the grandma all kids would want.
A main character in this Magical Series of books is Lily, a young girl who is in a wheel chair. Lily is portrayed as “one of the gang” who does all what the other kids do, who is quick to find solutions and offer suggestions. She is a great role model for other children with disabilities…or different abilities! Lily shows readers she can do most of what the other kids do. She is included in all their plans, activities and conversations.
In Magical Mea Goes to School, Mea is a busy Second Grader who loves to play and join the activities available for the children her age. She wants more play time, but her big brother Matt wants her to practice using her magic secretly. Mea figures out how to get more play time. She’s still a little trickster. Can Matt figure out how to teach her what she needs to know? First he studies Mea’s schedule and they figure out to get more time with her is by walking home with her from school.
Suggested age range for readers is ages 5 – 8. This four chapter, 34 page book with its delightful illustrations by Kevin Scott Collier can be enjoyed by kids that are even older. Readers will understand to solve problems one must examine all options and rule out those that will not work. They will see that by discussing problems with peers or adults they trust, like the characters in this book do often, helps find suitable solutions.
Excerpt from Magical Mea Goes to School by Penelope Anne Cole
The conversation between the characters shows how to respect suggestions given by others and how important it is to remember to be polite and tactful in all discussions.
” We could meet her at school and walk home with her,” said Lily. “She wouldn’t be able to get away until we reach home.”
“Good idea,” said Grandma Nonie. “But please make the magic lessons fun so she’ll enjoy them.”
“Hmmm…Remember that old game, <I spy, with my little eye?>” Matt asked Lily.
“Oh yes, that’s perfect. We can point out problems –things to fix– for Mea to guess. Then ask her how she would fix them.’
“Without being seen,” finished Matt. “This is a very cool idea–short and sweet. Real life lessons.”
About the Author:
Penelope Anne Cole writes and reviews children’s books. She previously held positions in Human Resources in management and training, and Teaching at elementary, middle, and high school levels. She tutors, writes, and loves to read to children to encourage them to read on their own and love literature.
Penelope lives in Santa Clara, California, with her family and their rescued cats and dogs. She enjoys walking dogs, reading, writing, gardening, church activities, singing in choir, and spending time with family and friends.
Although Penelope has written throughout her life, “Magical Matthew” was her first published children’s book. It celebrates the magic of childhood and the milestone of attaining ‘double digits.’
“Magical Matthew” won a 2014 Preferred Choice Award, a 2014 Seal of Excellence Award, and a 2013 Book of the Year Award from Creative Child Magazine Awards program for Positive Learning Behaviors; a 2013 Pinnacle Book Achievement 
Award from N.A.B.E.; and a 2013 Bronze Medal from Readers’ Favorite Awards Program! It is out in Spanish, “Magico Mateo.”
“Magical Mea,” the second in the Magical series won a 2014 Book of the Year Award, a 2014 Seal of Excellence, and a 2013 Preferred Choice Award from Creative Child Magazine Awards Program, plus was a Readers’ Favorite Awards Program Finalist, and won a 2013 Pinnacle Book Achievement Award. Mágica Mea (Spanish)
Penelope has a B.A. in Liberal Arts, with an English Literature major; an M.A. in Education, and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and a member of the Fremont Area Writers of the California Writers Club. She is also a Certified Phono-Graphix Reading Therapist from “Read America.”
Follow Penelope Anne Cole:
Web site
Blog
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Twitter@penepoleannecole
Read Also:
Interview with Penelope Anne Cole
Review of Children with Disabilities Are the Same – Children’s Book Magical Matthew by Penelope Anne Cole
Children’s Books: Magical Series by Penelope Anne Cole: Magical Matthew and Magical Mea
Buy Books by Penelope Anne Cole:
Magical Mea Amazon.com Amazon.ca Guardian Angels Publishing
Magical Matthew Amazon.com Amazon.ca Guardian Angels Publishing
Magical Mea Goes to School Amazon.com Amazon.ca
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