Wendy Gilligan

The World of Wendy Gilligan

Heartwarming Stories with the Pine Valley Pals

Wendy Gilligan’s heartwarming stories featuring the Pine Valley Pals celebrate friendship, resilience, and the power of creativity to overcome big emotions and challenges.

About the Author

Wendy Gilligan

Wendy Gilligan brings over 30 years of education experience (K-8) and Special Education expertise to her writing. Inspired by her time in the classroom and as a Teacher Librarian, she created the Pine Valley Pals series.

These amazing Social Story Picture Books are based on real students and true-life challenges. The author’s mission is to help children develop self-regulation and independent problem-solving skills. Her stories bring out a supportive, understanding approach to learning, making a lasting impact on parents, students, and educators alike.

Order Your Copy Today!

Penelope Panda Hat Day

Pip and the Playground

Rocky Racoon

Coming Soon

Our Happy Readers

My son is just like Rocky Racoon, routine is everything. This story helped us talk about change and how to feel ready for school. A must-have for anxious kids.

We adored Gertie's Pink Slippers. It's such a gentle, comforting tale about big feelings and creative problem-solving. Gertie's dad is a perfect example of supportive parenting!

As an educator, I appreciate how Wendy's books tackle real-life scenarios, such as performance anxiety (Penelope Panda) and math anxiety (Tommy Turtle). They are fantastic tools for social-emotional learning.

The Ask three and then ask me strategy in Tommy Turtle is brilliant! It empowered my daughter to seek help from her peers first, boosting her confidence in class.

Meet the Pine Valley Pals!

The Pine Valley Pals are a lovable group of friends who face big emotions, solve everyday challenges, and celebrate unique strengths. Join Rocky, Gertie, Penelope, Pip, and Tommy on their adventures in friendship and self-discovery.

Meet the Characters

Welcome to our magical classroom where every day is a new adventure in learning, laughter, and growing together! Get to know the lovable characters who fill this story with fun, heart, and lots of imagination.

🐼 Penelope the Panda

Penelope is full of big feelings! She's emotional, creative, and learning how to handle her ups and downs. Making friends is a little tricky for her sometimes, but she's working on it. You’ll always spot Penelope in her sparkly party dresses and all things purple—including her favorite purple shoes!

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🦦 Pip the Otter

Zoom! That’s probably Pip dashing by. He’s quick, curious, and a bit of a know-it-all (but in a lovable way). Pip loves climbing, wearing band t-shirts, and rocking his orange and blue running shoes. He may talk fast, but he’s always ready to help… with his own twist.

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🦒 Gertrude the Giraffe

Penelope’s best friend and the life of the party! Gertrude is tall, graceful, and full of fun. She twirls through the day in her sparkly tutu, pink bow, and glittery pink high-top sneakers. Oh—and don’t forget her perfectly painted nails. Gertrude brings joy wherever she goes!

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🦝 Rocky the Raccoon

Rocky may be shy at first, but once you hear one of his silly jokes, you’ll never forget him. With messy hair and t-shirts full of funny sayings, Rocky loves to make others laugh. He’s smart, thoughtful, and always adds clever ideas to the group.

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🐢 Tommy the Turtle

Yes, turtles can play baseball—and Tommy is proof! Sporty, silly, and full of strange little noises (was that a hum or a burp?), Tommy keeps everyone on their toes. His painted shell is as unique as his personality, and he's always ready for the next game.

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🐦 Miss Ophelia Ostrich

The class wouldn’t be the same without their gentle, sparkly-eyed teacher. Miss Ophelia Ostrich wears lovely dresses and bright jewelry, and she never gives the answers away—but she always knows how to help her students think things through. A wise, kind guide who believes in each of them.

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🦗 Jupiter the Cricket

Look closely—Jupiter is hiding somewhere on every page! The class pet and secret observer, Jupiter the Cricket is small but mighty. He’s always watching, always listening, and always near when you need him most.

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Wendy Gilligan

The World of Wendy Gilligan

Heartwarming Stories with the Pine Valley Pals

About the Author

Wendy Gilligan

Order Your Copy Today!

Penelope Panda Hat Day

Pip and the Playground

Rocky Racoon

Coming Soon

Coming Soon

Our Happy Readers

Meet the Pine Valley Pals!

Meet the Characters

Ready to Inspire Your Little Learner?