Confidence
Experience
Campaign
Confidence Experience Initiative
Our Mission
Penelope and the Vase
A dedicated back-to-school community initiative built to give children the tools they need before they ever walk through a classroom door.
- Rooted in Penelope and the Vase, a children’s Social Emotional Learning book born from a 9th-grade literature assignment and a yellow sticky note.
- Affirmation-based learning that meets children where they are, not where others expect them to be.
- Interactive storytelling experiences that make the message stick.
- A core truth children carry forward: imperfections do not define them.
The Need
As children prepare to return to school, many face challenges that go far beyond academics.
Self-Esteem
Identity questions and self-worth challenges rise sharply at school age.
Academic Confidence
Fear of failure stops children before they even try.
Emotional Resilience
Kids need tools to process pressure, not just endure it.
Belonging
Social pressure shapes how children see themselves in the classroom.
The Experience
A community-centered back-to-school activation for children and families.
- Affirmation creation activities.
- Confidence-building workshops.
- Interactive storytelling.
- Goal-setting for the school year.
- Penelope and the Vase book.
- Penelope-inspired affirmation materials.
- Penelope digital app access.
- Confidence take-home resources.
- Parent confidence-building resources.
- Literacy and emotional development tools.
- Community support connections.
What Every Child Receives
Each child who participates walks away with a full Confidence Kit.
Every Child Deserves.
Full Confidence Kit image
Penelope and the Vase
Signed author’s copy
Affirmation Materials
Penelope-inspired sticky notes with unique affirmations on each one
Digital Affirmations Game
Inspired by Penelope
Penelope Plush Doll
Holding her affirmation note
Special Digital Message
Personally from the author
Impact Goals
100+
Confidence kits in students’ hands
Measurable
Confidence outcomes for participating youth
Stronger
Family & community engagement
Greater
Access to literacy-based empowerment tools
Sponsorship Opportunities
Invest in a movement that directly impacts children and families in our community.
- Title: ‘Presented by [Your Name]’
- Logo on all event materials
- On-site branding at all stations
- Featured speaking opportunity
- Press & media outreach
- 100+ student sponsorships
- Logo on signage and materials
- Recognition during program
- Social media spotlight
- 50+ student sponsorships
- Co-branded Confidence shirts
- Logo on select materials
- Social media recognition
- 25+ student sponsorships
- Listed as community supporter
- Contribution toward confidence kits
- Recognition in digital recap
Why This Matters
& affirmation tees
Confidence shapes how children learn, grow, and see themselves in the world.
- Students who start school emotionally prepared perform better academically.
- Affirmation-based tools build lasting self-worth, not temporary motivation.
- Community activation creates ripple effects beyond the single school year.
- Children who see themselves in the stories they read believe more in themselves.
Where It All Began
came full circle.
The Story of Penelore (1997)
→ Penelope and the Vase (2026)
In 1997, a 9th-grade teacher left a yellow sticky note on a student’s paper after a literature assignment.
It read: “Very well done. Good story, good effort, good moral. I believe you will enjoy writing short stories after the holiday — you are good at it.”
That student was Danyail. That story was called The Story of Penelope — written by Neko King in 1997, published by Danyail Neko Lawton in 2026.
What Real Readers Are Saying
Real Voices. Real Impact.
Penelope feels like she isn’t beautiful until a magical journey helps her discover a powerful truth: the beauty she’s searching for has been inside her all along. This gentle, comforting story supports children as they move from self-doubt to self-acceptance, reminding them that they are already worthy, just as they are.
The teachers you visited said what a great presentation you gave and that they loved having you. We hope to welcome you next school year for an assembly and would love to have you continue to share your books and writing with our students.
Thank you so much for visiting our school and sharing your wonderful story. They truly enjoyed your presentation and were very engaged throughout the visit. Your positive message and enthusiasm made a meaningful impact.
They loved learning about affirmations. We changed our writing assignment and they were so inspired that they wrote over 25 minutes. You are making a difference in children’s lives…You really are.
and the Vase to students
Learn More & Get Started
Scan to explore the world of Penelope.
Penelope and the Vase
to a full classroom
Let’s build confidence together.
Penelope’s Confidence Experience Campaign is more than a book launch. It is a community movement to build confidence from the inside out.
We welcome partners who believe in investing in children, families, and the future.