Thank you for visiting the site of Melissa Northway, the writer and creator of the Penelope series along with many other unique stories. Feel free to take a look around and don't forget to check out her latest work at picpocketbooks.com.
Polka Dots Publishing
Melissa founded Polka Dots Publishing, Inc. in December of 2010, with a goal to create interactive and educational children’s storybook apps and books utilizing digital technology. Our services now include consulting for new and established authors and developers looking to maximize social media platforms. From concept to creation, we can provide you with expert advice and strategies to make sure your app or book gets noticed. Learn more about Polka Dots Publishing
Penelope the Purple Pirate
“Penelope the Purple Pirate is a fun interactive romp with Penelope and her charming friends…wonderful read and discover app with great visuals and sounds! Love the fun filled facts at the end to test everyone’s comprehension.” -Alexandra Uhl, owner of A Whale of a Tale Children’s Bookshoppe
Learn more about Penelope the Purple Pirate
Gerry the Giraffe
“Gerry the Giraffe HD is a delightful story about Gerry and his quest to improve his volleyball skills... This beautifully illustrated book is set in Africa where giraffes love to play volleyball. Gerry is left behind when his friends on the “Super Sonics” team go off to volleyball camp...”
-Alison, The iMums
Learn more about Gerry the Giraffe
Current Giveaway
Book of the Week: Millie Fierce Sleeps Out
Little girls can be strong and fierce and brave—and sometimes their ferocity is just the thing they need to save the day. Jane Manning wrote one of my favorite children’s books I’ve reviewed over the past two years called , Millie Fierce, and she doesn’t disappoint with her latest adventure with this rather fun-loving and […]
In the Spotlight
Jimmy Osmond of the Osmond Family and Children’s Author
When Regnery Kids contacted me about reviewing Jimmy Osmond’s children’s book Awesome Possum Family Band I jumped at the chance. I use to watch The Osmonds on TV and loved the Donny & Marie show so much. I was so enthralled with the crew, my mother had a friend who worked with them […]
Featured Guest Post
Guest Post :: Michelle Anaya Talks Storybook Apps
Becoming a published author had always been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. I wrote in journals, jotted ideas on post its, scribbled and doodled in sketch books but my partial stories and ideas never went beyond that. My blog was the first in many steps taken to […]
From the Blog…
Mrs. Potato Head’s Packing Essentials
School’s out and if you’ve been bitten by the travel bug and are looking for some expert travel and packing tips, look no further! In Pixar’s timeless Toy Story movies, Mrs. Potato Head packs Mr. Potato Head with all his essential travel needs – including his angry eyes and an extra pair of […]
App of the Week :: Let’s Paint Dinosaurs by Dotnamestudios
Since I was a kid I have been fascinated by dinosaurs. I mean really, these huge beasts walked our lands! We do still have some dinosaurs left today but much smaller than say the T-Rex or my all-time favorite Stegosaurus. Great white sharks, alligators and sea turtles have been around for a long time. […]
Book of the Week: Millie Fierce Sleeps Out
Little girls can be strong and fierce and brave—and sometimes their ferocity is just the thing they need to save the day. Jane Manning wrote one of my favorite children’s books I’ve reviewed over the past two years called , Millie Fierce, and she doesn’t disappoint with her latest adventure with this rather fun-loving and […]
Can a Mobile Phone Help the Development of Children?
Photo courtesy of Digital Information World How Can a Mobile Phone Help the Development of Children? For many parents and non-parent adults alike, there is a belief that children either shouldn’t have or do not need a mobile phone. Sometimes this belief stems from the fact the parents themselves did not have any […]
In the Spotlight :: Mary Kole of Kidlit
A few years ago I was introduced to Mary Kole at a Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators function. She had just graduated from college and was working as an Associate Agent at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. Mary spoke to a room of children’s writers about the children’s book industry and what changes she saw within the […]
Movie Review & Giveaway :: Chuggington “Explorer Koko”
BRAND-NEW ‘CHUGGINGTON’ DVD, ‘EXPLORER KOKO,’ TO BRING PRESCHOOLERS ABOARD FOR EXCITING ADVENTURES THIS SPRING! Latest Release in Popular ‘Chuggington’ DVD Series from Anchor Bay Entertainment Moves Full Steam Ahead into Retail Nationwide this May. Bet you can’t catch Koko! Young trainees and families from coast-to-coast will honk their horns for […]
The Helpful Honda Guys Celebrate Teachers During Teacher Appreciation Week
Teacher Appreciation Week was held during the week of May 5-9th. I had my daughter bring some flowers and a card as a little token for our thanks! Both her reading teacher and First grade teacher have done a wonderful job in teaching her basic math and reading skills. What an amazing job they have – to […]
PBS Kids Launches Super Vision That Makes The Most of Screen Time
PBS KIDS launched a new revolutionary app designed specifically for parents that will give them the “super power” to engage with their kids in the digital medium as never before: PBS KIDS Super Vision. Some of the PBS Kids shows we have enjoyed over the year include Sesame Street, Word Girl and Dinosaur […]
Book of the Week :: The Golden Trophy by Bee Square
The first thing that came to mind when I opened up the new eBook by Barcelona-based Bee Square, The Golden Trophy, are the wonderful illustrations because they remind me of the classic Golden Books (with a modern twist) that we grew up with as kids. You have the option to have the story […]
New Uses for Old Books
Back in the day when I had a little more time on my hands (pre-kid), I use to visit estate sales and antique stores and loved to pick up old books. Though I am in the app and eBook world – I still love to open a new or old book! Though some old books […]
App of the Week :: WILD KRATTS World Adventure by PBS Kids
This week, PBS KIDS announced a brand new app called WILD KRATTS World Adventure. A must have-app for fans of the popular PBS KIDS series, WILD KRATTS, World Adventure brings animal science to life! Through 30 levels of game play, WILD KRATTS World Adventure helps build key skills and encourages science inquiry. […]
A Dr. Seuss Birthday and Read Across America Giveaway
Image courtesy of Oceanhouse Media This is such a fun time of year for students and book authors! This Sunday, March 2nd, is the 110th birthday of Dr. Seuss! Every year the National Education Association honors his birthday with Read Across America Day (RAAD)- an annual reading motivation program that calls for every child […]
Join LitWorld’s “World Read Aloud Day” on March 5th
Image courtesy of LitWorld Worldwide at least 793 million people remain illiterate. Two-thirds of them are women. I am really excited to be working with the Mrs. P Be-A-Famous Writer contest again this coming year! This will be the third year working together and the second year that my company, Polka Dots Publishing, is sponsoring […]
Review & Giveaway :: Anchor Bay Entertainment Releases “Brewster Leads The Way”
LATEST ‘Chugginton’ DVD, ‘brewster leads the way,’ MAKES TRACKS FOR MORE TRAINTASTIC FUN FOR FANS NATIONWIDE! Preschoolers from Coast-to-Coast to Embark on Exciting Escapades With Latest Release from Anchor Bay Entertainment – February 11, 2014 It’s Brewster’s turn to take the spotlight! Young viewers nationwide are in for thrilling, high-speed adventures featuring one […]
Guest Post :: Michelle Anaya Talks Storybook Apps
Becoming a published author had always been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. I wrote in journals, jotted ideas on post its, scribbled and doodled in sketch books but my partial stories and ideas never went beyond that. My blog was the first in many steps taken to […]
App of the Week :: Duckie Deck Family Photo
App Developer Duckie Deck released a really fun app this month called Family Photo. Duckie Deck’s Family Photo enables you and your child to create your own set of colorful, expressive characters and bring them together for a group photo. They designed this app with toddlers in mind and the app is easy to use […]
Review & Giveaway: My Dog the Champion by Anchor Bay Entertainment
MY DOG THE CHAMPION BRINGS INSPIRING STORY OF A CITY GIRL AND HER FOUR-LEGGED FRIEND TO FAMILIES NATIONWIDE New Feature Film – Starring Dora Madison Burge, Lance Henriksen And Cody Linley–– Bounds onto DVD for the First Time from Anchor Bay Entertainment – February 4, 2014 Today, Anchor Bay Entertainment releases My Dog the […]
Awesome DIY Valentines Day Cards for the Kids
Valentine’s Day is so much fun for the kids! I can remember how much I looked forward to handing out and receiving Valentine’s Day cards at school. But back in the day, we didn’t have many choices except the cards you bought at the grocery store. Nowadays you can find so many clever ideas! […]
