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Welcome to the Penniman Menagerie

In late-nineteenth-century England, a defunct zoo is rebuilt by a disparate group of individuals who have to learn to work together to save it, encountering unforseen adventures along the way.

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When Sita first meets the Prince of Tigers, she realizes her life is about to change dramatically.

She could never have known, however, that taking the new path that lies before her, will lead to a life filled with profound love but even greater tragedy. As Sita navigates different worlds, going from her life in the small village where she was born, to the green depths of the jungle, and then to the marble palace of the Maharajah, she must dig deep within to find the strength to make difficult decisions and stay true to herself.
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Sita is award-winning!

Sita and the Prince of Tigers has won second place in the Firebird Awards–magical realism and multicultural categories. Click here to listen to the interview.

Hello and welcome to my website.

I’m Winona—a native Californian—and I love reading books and writing stories. My debut novel, Sita and the Prince of Tigers, was recently released and is available on Amazon. You’ll learn more about it on this site, along with bits and pieces about my life and my writing journey.

Warmly,

Winona

About the bookAbout the author

About the Author

Winona Howe grew up in Oakdale, California where she listened to her grandmother’s stories of pre-1900 ranch life in Nevada, played in the barn and climbed trees. These activities were far preferable to practicing the piano and cleaning her room, duties she tried to avoid.

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Praise

Sharon Churches, copy editor

“I, like Sita, have fallen in love with the Prince of Tigers.”

Sharon Churches
copy editor

Puja Shah, author of For My Sister

“Sita and the Prince of Tigers is a magical tale that deeply embraces not only the elements of the natural world around us but also the power of love that resides within.”

Puja Shah
author of For My Sister

Sari Fordham, author of Wait for God to Notice

“In Sita and the Prince of Tigers, Winona Howe has given us a transfixing story of love and redemption. Fans of The Jungle Book will appreciate the feminist perspective and how it changes everything. This debut novel is not to be missed.”

Sari Fordham
author of Wait for God to Notice

Linda Strahan, Emerita – short

"The tale of Sita and the Tiger challenges and moves the reader in enjoyable and unexpected directions. This engrossing narrative offers alternating glimpses into Indian daily life in the palace, the village, and the jungle, and shows that these places are more alike than different."

Linda Strahan, Emerita
University of California, Riverside

Pandora Villasenor

“The lush landscapes and rich characters stayed with me long after I finished reading Sita [and the Prince of Tigers]. This is the kind of book you curl up with on a lazy Sunday afternoon or take with you on vacation.”

Pandora Villasenor
Life Coach and Host of The All Gifts podcast

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On the Blog

Another Sita Signing

Feb 2, 2024

Sita and the Prince of Tigers is having a rerun at the Tyler Galleria Barnes & Noble from 3-5 on Wednesday, Febuary 7. If you want to buy a copy, already have a copy but would like it signed, or just want to stop by and chat for a bit, Sita and I will be glad to...

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California Gold

Jun 14, 2023

I could hardly believe it when, a few months ago, Vernon and I both tested positive for Covid, essentially three years after the pandemic struck. We had been careful. We had been vaccinated and boosted. Sure, wearing masks was no fun, but we had worn them. And now, we...

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La Sierra Reading for Sita and the Prince of Tigers

Jun 14, 2023

“I had great fun at my reading,”  Sari said, “and you’ll have fun at yours, too.” Sari is a friend, a former LSU colleague, and the author of a wonderful memoir, Wait for God to Notice. I’ve asked her for advice about the publishing process more times than I can...

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