Young Penny’s favorite day of the week is Sundays because of the scrumptious breakfast her parents serve her and because she can go to church. She loves the music, the smiling faces, paging through the Bible, and listening to the sermon because the stories make her “think about big things,” such as “God’s love has no limits.”
Penny begins to wonder if she can do the things the preacher does—tell stories about big things, wear a tiny microphone, and teach God’s word to others.
Penny knows there’s only one way to find out. She gathers her stuffed animals and preaches to her first audience. Emboldened and wanting more practice, Penny gathers her friends on her family’s porch and attempts to emulate the preachers she’s listened to.
Though Penny anticipates an appreciative response, she’s disappointed when her friends dismiss her. One says, “My pastor is a boy.” Another child chimes in, “GIRLS can’t be preachers, can they?” Penny is crushed and wonders if her friends are right.
Though Penny tries to forget her dream of preaching, she can’t because that night God gives her words to speak, including loved, chosen, and brave. The next Sunday, when her family goes to another church, the female pastor preaches the gospel of Jesus. After the service, Penny talks to Pastor Sarah, who offers the young, aspiring preacher a surprising opportunity, which encourages her in her gift.
In an authors’ note, the Dixons write, “In Penny Preaches, we want to communicate three things. First, girls and boys are loved and valued equally by God. Second, there aren’t separate sets of gifts for girls and boys—Penny got it right when she wrote that God gives good gifts to everyone. Finally, the unique gifts that each of us have are important, which means we can all exercise our gifts with courage and confidence.”
Illustrator Jennifer Davison’s charming, vibrant pictures portray Penny’s hopes, challenges, disappointments, and joy as she navigates her dreams, faces unexpected opposition, and relishes acceptance and confirmation.
Penny Preaches includes several questions for parents and caregivers to encourage conversations with children on the book’s topic. (IVP Kids)
About the Author
Sonya VanderVeen Feddema is a freelance writer and a member of Covenant CRC in St. Catharines, Ontario.