Penn's Stocking

Vermonters are no strangers to hard times. Regardless of economic hardships, Christmas still comes around each year. In Penn’s Stocking, young Penn hangs his stocking from the mantle with all the anticipation and hopes of any child. What he discovers is that gifts which cannot be seen or even wrapped are just as real and exciting as those that can be touched. Penn and his family experience a special Christmas with a touch of mystery, in spite of failed crops, a raging snowstorm, and no money for gifts.

Penn’s Stocking is a first book for Karen Carman-Reid, who has degrees in psychology and elementary education. She brings her own brand of sensitivity to the development of her characters. The story is illustrated with pen and ink drawings by Russ Housman who has a PhD and Diploma of Fine Arts. He is a retired Arts professor and an accomplished artist. Russ finds Penn’s Stocking to be “a child’s tale of simple homespun values” and believes that children and adults of all ages will find it a pleasure to read.

As much as Penn’s Stocking is a local product and takes place in rural Vermont, nevertheless it is a timeless story of Christmas spirit that can exist in any heart, in any place.