A STORY 29 YEARS IN THE MAKING
Penelope
and the
Vase
"Born from one handwritten note, a story reminding every child the greatest treasure is already inside them."
Danyail Lawton · Author & Air Force Veteran
Also available on Amazon · Barnes & Noble
- Ages 4–10
- Social-Emotional Learning
- Donated to United Through Reading
- School & Classroom Program Available
- Free Activity Sheets
- Featured on Times Square
About The Book
A Magical Story of
Self-Love & Confidence
Penelope feels sad because she does not think she is beautiful. Determined to change, she begins a magical journey that leads her to the most surprising discovery of all.
- Picture Book
- Ages 4-10
- SEL Resource
- Classroom Read-Aloud
- Bedtime Story
- Parent and Educator Resource
About The Author
Meet
Danyail Lawton
Danyail Lawton is a children’s author, a strategic communications professional, and a retired U.S. Air Force veteran who served 23 years. She lives in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Penelope and the Vase began as a short story she wrote in high school. Her teacher stuck a note on it that said she was good at it, and she kept that note for 29 years. Today she visits schools, libraries, and bookstores to read with children and teach them how to use affirmations, the same kind of encouraging words that changed how she saw herself.
Penelope and the Vase was featured on a Times Square billboard during Black History Month.
For Schools and Educators
Bring the Confidence-Building Experience To Your School
A structured SEL program for Grades K–5. Interactive storytelling, confidence-building exercises, and guided discussions designed to engage every student.
- Single Classroom Experience
- Multi- Class Experience
- School Assembly Experience
- Premium School Experience
Schools and Organizations
Bulk Orders Available Now
Printed copies are available for schools, libraries, and organizations. Contact us to discuss quantity pricing and delivery for your program or event.
What We Offer
Everything in the Penelope Universe
Book
Order from the Penelope store and your book comes with a set of affirmation stickers.
Confidence Kit
The Penelope Confidence Kit brings her story to life with a special collection created to encourage children to embrace who they are, celebrate their uniqueness, and practice positive affirmations every day.
Wear Confidence
Penelope-themed tees reminding every child they are Strong, Enough, and Beautiful.
Apparel Coming Soon
Reading Events
Book an in-person or virtual reading event for your school, library, or organization.
Bring Penelope To SchoolWhat 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. ”
— Parent
“Thank you so much for visiting our school and sharing your wonderful story with our students. They truly enjoyed your presentation and were very engaged throughout the visit. Your positive message and enthusiasm made a meaningful impact, and we appreciate you taking the time to inspire our students. We hope to welcome you back again in the future.”
— Elementary School Principal
“Thank you again for coming for Reading Week. The teachers you visited said what a great presentation you gave and that they loved having you. We hope that we can welcome you next school year for an assembly. Thank you so much again for providing that experience for the classes you visited and we would love to have you continue to share your books and writing with our students in the future.”
— Elementary School Librarian
“I wanted to tell you that the impact you made on my students. They loved learning about affirmations. We changed our writing assignment to writing about affirmations and they were so inspired that they wrote over 25 minutes and some were still wanting to write after that. Thank you again for sharing your beautiful and impactful book with us. You are making a difference in children’s lives…You really are.”
— Kindergarten Teacher
25+
Minutes of student writing engagement per session
7
Organizations donated to — United Through Reading & more
K-5
Grade levels served through the school program
Stay Connected
Penelope and the Vase: A Picture Book About Self-Love and Confidence
Get 2 Free Activity Sheets When You Sign-Up
Penelope is not just a character; she's a friend who teaches valuable lessons about self-acceptance, friendship, and confidence. Join her on her adventures and explore the magic that lies within every child!
