Miss Penny and Mr. Grubbs

Reach for this book when your child is struggling with the sting of competition or dealing with a peer who seems determined to rain on their parade. It is an excellent resource for discussing how to handle jealousy and unexpected setbacks without losing one's temper or sense of joy. The story follows Miss Penny, a dedicated gardener whose prize-winning crops are sabotaged by her envious neighbor, Mr. Grubbs, using a pack of hungry rabbits. While the plot centers on a rivalry, the heart of the book is Miss Penny's resilient and creative response to misfortune. Instead of retaliating or giving up, she finds an ingenious way to turn her ruined garden into a new kind of success. This humorous tale is perfect for children ages 4 to 8, offering a lighthearted but meaningful lesson on reframing failure and maintaining grace under pressure. Parents will appreciate how it models high emotional intelligence through a whimsical, non-preachy narrative.