W.A. "AP" Penn - OFFICAL PRESS KIT
Wayne Alfred Penn "AP" Press Kit
Children's Fantasy Author ~ The Walnut Valley Series
Middle Grade Fantasy
3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th Grade Readers
SEL-Rich Storytelling
"Where the roots run deep and the magic runs deeper."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
W. A. “AP” Penn is an author, educator, illustrator, and veteran whose career spans more than fifty years across business, teaching, creative development, and public service. Before turning his focus to children’s literature, AP built a distinguished international career in business and finance, working in Hong Kong, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. His work included commercial lending, risk assessment, strategic planning, and the development of innovative statistical matrix software used in industries ranging from real estate to medical malpractice insurance.
AP also spent fourteen years as an Adjunct Professor, teaching Business Law, Financial Accounting, Computer Science, International Business, English, and Risk Management. His passion for education extended beyond the classroom, as he wrote textbooks, seminars, and training programs, and illustrated more than twenty college‑level textbooks.
A proud Disabled Vietnam Veteran, AP served as a Flight Commander in the United States Air Force Police Academy and later in specialized units, including AZR Jungle Warfare. He received two Presidential Citations with three Gold Clusters for guarding the President and later continued serving the public as a Licensed State Supreme Court Mediator.
Today, AP brings his lifelong commitment to learning, leadership, and creativity into the world of children’s literature. His stories are written to inspire courage, unity, curiosity, and imagination in young readers, reflecting the values that have guided him throughout his remarkable life and career.
Books
The Great Nut Mystery
A New Adventure Arrives in Walnut Valley
Author and illustrator W.A. "AP" Penn announces the release of The Great Nut Mystery, The Adventures of My Friend Spanky!—a heartwarming, action‑filled children’s chapter book set in the magical world of Walnut Valley.
This uplifting story follows Spanky, a brave young squirrel determined to protect her community when the valley’s winter food supply mysteriously disappears. With the help of Fia, a wise flying squirrel, and Richard, a lovable nut‑obsessed inventor, Spanky leads a courageous investigation that uncovers secrets, tests friendships, and teaches powerful lessons about teamwork, fairness, and forgiveness.
Filled with adventure, humor, and emotional depth, The Great Nut Mystery introduces young readers to a cast of memorable woodland characters, a built‑in kid‑friendly dictionary, and a coloring section that brings Walnut Valley to life. The book emphasizes unity, courage, and the belief that even the smallest heroes can make a big difference.
The Great Nut Mystery is ideal for classrooms, families, and young readers who enjoy stories of friendship, mystery‑solving, and imaginative woodland worlds.
The Thief of the Goldent Grove Map
A New Mystery Unfolds in Walnut Valley
Author and illustrator W.A. "AP" Penn announces the upcoming release of The Thief of the Golden Grove Map, the thrilling continuation of The Adventures of My Friend Spanky! series. This new chapter takes young readers deeper into the heart of Walnut Valley, where courage, friendship, and quick thinking are needed more than ever.
When the legendary Golden Grove Map—a powerful artifact said to reveal ancient secrets—mysteriously disappears, Spanky and her trusted friends are thrust into a high‑stakes adventure. With danger lurking in the shadows and the possibility that the map could be used for harmful purposes, the team must uncover the truth before it is too late.
Filled with suspense, humor, and the signature warmth of Walnut Valley, The Thief of the Golden Grove Map introduces new characters, deeper lore, and meaningful lessons about responsibility, bravery, and the importance of standing together when challenges arise.
Designed for young readers, the book includes a built‑in dictionary, chapter‑end reflection prompts, and a coloring section that brings the world of Walnut Valley to life. This installment continues the series’ mission of promoting unity, empathy, and the belief that every young hero has a role to play.
The Whisperroot Mystery
A New Chapter of Courage and Ancient Secrets
Author and illustrator WA Penn announces the release of The Whisperroot Mystery, the third installment in the beloved children’s series The Adventures of My Friend Spanky the Squirrel. This new adventure takes readers deeper into the heart of Walnut Valley, where forgotten legends awaken and the forest itself begins to remember.
Fresh from their victory in The Thief of the Golden Grove Map, Spanky and her loyal Team—Fia, Richard, Helen, and Willie—are celebrated as heroes. But when a mysterious symbol on the Golden Grove Map begins to glow, the celebration quickly turns into a call to action. Guided by the wisdom of Mr. Whispernut Thornburg and armed with enchanted acorns tied to the forest’s ancient magic, the Team must journey to the Whisperroot Wells to uncover secrets long buried by the Ancient Nut Society.
The Whisperroot Mystery blends suspense, wonder, and emotional depth as the Team faces shifting forests, vanishing allies, and voices from the past. With its built‑in dictionary, chapter‑end learning prompts, and immersive worldbuilding, the book continues the series’ mission of inspiring young readers with themes of unity, bravery, truthfulness, and the power of friendship.
This enchanting new chapter invites children, families, and classrooms to explore a world where courage lights the path and even the smallest heroes can protect the greatest secrets.
The Dangers of Nightbinder
A Powerful New Threat Rises in Walnut Valley
Author and illustrator WA Penn unveils the next epic chapter in The Adventures of My Friend Spanky the Squirrel with the release of The Dangers of Nightbinder, a sweeping tale of courage, ancient memory, and the battle to protect the heart of Walnut Valley.
In this gripping installment, Spanky Starfern and her loyal companions—Richard, Fia, Helen, and Willie—have just been named the Keepers of the Spiral, guardians chosen by Whisperroot itself. But their celebration is short‑lived. A chilling glow from the ancient Spiral Stone signals the return of Varric Nightbinder, a powerful crow sorcerer whose dark reign nearly destroyed Walnut Valley hundreds of years ago.
Through rich world‑building and emotional storytelling, The Dangers of Nightbinder reveals the origins of Whisperroot, the first Keeper Ember Brightfur, and the rise of the Dark Wing Clan. As shadows gather once more, Spanky’s team must confront the Blade Twins, decipher ancient warnings, and stand united against a darkness that threatens not just the forest—but the very memory, kindness, and connection that define Walnut Valley.
With its built‑in dictionary, chapter‑end learning prompts, and themes of unity, resilience, and hope, this book continues the series’ mission of empowering young readers with stories that celebrate courage and community.
The Dangers of Nightbinder is a thrilling, heartfelt adventure perfect for classrooms, families, and young readers who love stories of bravery, friendship, and magical woodland worlds.
In the Depths of Raven Tome
A Shadow Stirs in Walnut Valley
Author and illustrator WA Penn announces the newest and darkest chapter yet in The Adventures of My Friend Spanky the Squirrel with the release of Depths of the Raven Tome. This powerful installment expands the mythology of Walnut Valley, revealing ancient secrets, long‑buried histories, and the rising threat of a force older and more dangerous than anything the Keepers have faced before.
Following the events of The Dangers of Nightbinder, Spanky Starfern and her loyal team—Richard, Fia, Helen, and Willie—must confront the origins of the Raven Tome, a mysterious artifact tied to the creation of the Dark Wing Clan and the rise of Varric Nightbinder. As the Spiral Stone glows once more, the Keepers are thrust into a battle of memory, magic, and truth, where the past refuses to stay buried.
Depths of the Raven Tome introduces new allies, new enemies, and revelations that reshape everything readers thought they knew about Walnut Valley. With themes of unity, resilience, and the power of remembrance, this installment deepens the emotional and moral heart of the series while delivering high‑stakes adventure and richly imagined lore.
Designed for young readers, the book includes a built‑in dictionary, chapter‑end reflection prompts, and immersive storytelling that encourages courage, empathy, and critical thinking.
Depths of the Raven Tome is a gripping, heartfelt continuation of a series beloved by families, educators, and young adventurers who cherish stories of bravery, friendship, and the enduring light of hope.
The Hollowfen-Lanterwood Accord
A New Mystery Rises in Walnut Valley
Author and illustrator W.A. "AP" Penn announces the release of The Hollowfen–Lanternwood Accord, the next captivating chapter in The Adventures of My Friend Spanky the Squirrel. This installment brings readers into a powerful new mystery where memory fades, magic awakens, and two ancient forces—Hollowfen Marsh and Lanternwood Forest—begin to stir at the same moment.
When strange forgetfulness sweeps across Walnut Valley, even affecting the Keepers themselves, Spanky Starfern and her trusted companions must uncover the cause before the Valley’s memories disappear entirely. Guided by mysterious echoes, joined by the Blade Twin Crows, and accompanied by two frightened young rabbits, the Keepers journey into Hollowfen Marsh—where the Whisperless, Echo Moths, and ancient magic reveal a danger rising beneath the surface.
The Hollowfen–Lanternwood Accord deepens the lore of Walnut Valley with themes of unity, courage, and the importance of remembering who we are. With its built‑in dictionary, chapter‑end learning prompts, and richly imagined world, the book continues the series’ mission of empowering young readers through adventure, empathy, and wonder.
This new tale is perfect for families, classrooms, and young readers who love stories filled with mystery, magic, and brave woodland heroes.
Many More Books to follow
All of the stories, characters, artwork, and ideas in this book are the creative work of the author and are copyrighted. We kindly ask that they not be copied, shared, or used in other books, videos, or projects without permission. Protecting creative work helps authors keep making new stories for children, classrooms, and families to enjoy.
