The Story Behind the Story of Zenguin

by Danna Smith

When I first set out to write Zenguin, illustrated by the talented Sydney Hanson, I didn’t consciously aim to create a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) book. Like many of my stories, it unfolded organically, beginning with a simple title I landed on using a play on words and a flurry of questions: 

• What is this book truly about? 

• Who is this Zenguin character, and what unique qualities does he possess? 

• Is he already zen or does he want to become zen and if so, why?

• Will young readers see themselves reflected in his journey or the circumstances he faces? 

• Even though the illustrator brings the character to life in art, what does my version of him look like? This vision helps me “see” the story unfold in my mind.

As I thought about Zenguin, a surprising connection emerged. Being someone who experiences anxiety and mild OCD, I realized he, too, might grapple with anxiety. After all, he lives in a world constantly filled with noise (all that squawk, squawk, squawking!), much like my own human experience.

© Zenguin by Danna Smith, illustrated by Sydney Hanson, published by Workman Kids 2026

I wrote the initial draft of Zenguin seven years ago, but I —and my agent—always felt it hadn’t quite hit the mark. The book and its endearing characters underwent numerous transformations, evolving through many different iterations before finally blossoming into the story that Workman Kids Publishing offered on—well, not quite.

Interestingly, what I sent to Workman was a rhyming board book series proposal. I had written two complete concept board books with ideas for four morenore. While the editor at Workman adored the character and its series potential, the format wasn’t quite right for her. She extended an offer, but with a unique request: scrap the whole thing and create a non-rhyming picture book (not a board book). This meant crafting a totally new story that would introduce Zenguin and unveil how a stressed-out penguin in Antarctica discovers tranquility amidst his noisy world. No pressure, right?

I went back to the drawing board, starting the story of this little penguin’s journey from scratch. I knew his adventure needed to showcase learning, growth, and ultimately showing him paying it forward by teaching his newfound zen techniques to someone else in need.  I love how Zenguin approaches learning to manage his anxiety, he’s incredibly brave and resilient. It’s amazing how you can learn valuable lessons from your own characters!

Even though the book isn’t written in rhyme, I wanted the prose to be lyrical and maintain a calm tone, mirroring Zenguin’s aspirations. The color palette of soft blues, greens, and whites that illustrator Sydney Hanson uses brilliantly adds to the calming effect of the story.

I hope you love this book as much as I do!  It was a journey of many drafts, with each version revealing more about Zenguin and the important lessons he has to share. Getting it “right” was a labor of love, and now, with its release on January 6, 2026, Zenguin is ready to spread his calmness, kindness, and resilience to kids everywhere. Knowing that makes every moment of effort worthwhile!

🐧Giveaway Alert! Share your thoughts in the comments for a chance to win a free copy of Zenguin! A random winner will be chosen on February 10, 2026. If share this post and/or her January 5th 2026 Interview over at www.rateyourstory.org/blog, please mention it and you will get an extra entry or two!

When Danna was a child, her favorite "toy" was a pencil. Today, she is a poet and award-winning author of over twenty-five books for children. When she isn't writing, she's reading, painting, or exploring the trails around her home in Northern California. You can learn more about Danna, her books, and poetry at www.dannasmithbooks.com and www.poetrypop.com