Author and Illustrator
Aruna M. Lepore
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Welcome to arunamlepore.com!
Winner of 2 Purple Dragonfly Awards
2022 Book of the Year Award, Creative Child Magazine
Red Ribbon Winner, Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Award-winning Peanut the Penguin is my first published children's picture book.
Why are parents and teachers giving it 5-star reviews?
The story about little Peanut is one that is meant to evoke empathy in children, as they follow his innocent determination to share his unique talent with the other more conventional penguins.
It's a feel-good story that encompasses family love, respect, perseverance, and the inevitable frustration of a youngster trying to solve a problem.
With every turn, there are vibrant, full-page, hand-painted images, much like the cover.
I like to think of this book as a throwback to the era of "storybooks" before digital graphics existed, and when illustrations were hand-painted and the text was detailed.
This warm-hearted story is written for children from 3 years to 8 years old to enjoy, whether early readers or those who just want to cuddle and be read to.
Peanut the Penguin has been a most delightful experience from the first word that I wrote, to the last brush stroke that I painted.
I hope that you enjoy the book as much as I enjoyed telling the story of Peanut.
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Lepore has crafted a delightful tale about this little penguin’s journey to discover how to share his gift. Her illustrations are hand painted, looking a bit like oil pastels, and are vivid and vibrant. They also have a cartoonish feel to them that children will enjoy. It was very cute and visually appealing.
Daniele Kasper
REEDSY Discovery
This heartwarming story will not only inspire young readers to be true to themselves but will also encourage them to celebrate the qualities that make each of us unique. Peanut the Penguin would be a wonderful addition to any library. My class and I fell in love with Peanut, and you will too!
Christina C.
1st Grade Teacher
An impressively original, entirely entertaining and very highly recommended picture book for children ages 4-8, "Peanut the Penguin" will prove to be an enduringly welcome addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library collections.
MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW
Tina Hudak
Consulting Librarian
University of Maryland
The entire story exemplifies sensitive parenting, and teaches so many important lessons to parents, children and the wider society. The spirit of compromise. How to derive a win-win result from a situation that may have suggested otherwise. I could go on and on! The illustrations are endearing!
Kailash-Kaur Bedi
TV/Radio Producer & Presenter
Using many of the traditional picture book design components, akin to the “Little Golden Books” series, the text often stands alone but at times is integrated with Lepore’s pictures that fill a page.
Upcoming Appearances
Cedar Lane Nursery School, Bethesda, MD Friday April 1
The Little Towns Children's Museum, North Bethesda, MD April 6 @ 10:15 am
Join me in-person at Croydon Creek Nature Center
Saturday April 23 @9:30am https://www.facebook.com/croydoncreek
GAITHERSBURG BOOK FESTIVAL, Gaithersburg's Bohrer Park, MD
May 21 @ 10 am to 6 pm
Guest speaker on Mamas at Work Podcast, from May 13!!
Tune in on https://mamasatworkhr.podbean.com/
Guest speaker on The Going North Podcast, June 16
Tune in on https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/
Guest speaker on The Brainwave Podcast with Gail Hulnick, July 24 @7pm
Tune in on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-brainwave-podcast-with-gail-hulnick/id1573292400
Contact me for an author reading or event:
Hello, and thank you for visiting my site!! To learn more about me, please tap on the "About The Author" tab.
Briefly, I am originally from the island of Trinidad in the Caribbean, and I became a US citizen after marrying a handsome, intelligent guy whom I met while getting a degree in Miami, FL. Together, we have the two most amazing children, and the two most cuddly cats that we adopted in South Africa (yes, we have moved around a bit). I enjoy writing and painting, and I especially love reading to kids. When I'm not doing any of those, I exercise and love a glass of wine with friends. I'm still attached to my home country and proud of the culture in which I was raised...multi-ethnic, vibrant and musical (think Carnival). You will see the influence of color in my book's paintings. I am excited to publish my first children's book, Peanut the Penguin, which I both wrote and illustrated. I am confident that you and your children will love its tender story and colorful images. It's very exciting to share this book with you! I plan to make this the first of many.
Please check for updates!