About
At Penliest Pen, we believe in the power of stories to inspire, connect, and spark understanding across cultures. Our debut book, Peter Wore His Red Shoes, brings together heartfelt storytelling and vibrant illustration to celebrate courage, belonging, and the beauty of new beginnings. Behind every page are the talents of author Peter Walfrey and illustrator Dayne Sislen — a team dedicated to creating books that stay with readers long after the last word.
To Know Is Nothing At All,
To Imaging Is Everything.
– Anatole France
Peter Walfrey
Peter Walfrey is the founder of Penliest Pen and the author of its first book, Peter Wore His Red Shoes. A full-time doctor, Peter finds joy in storytelling as a way to connect hearts and share experiences. His debut book draws from his own childhood as a little boy, capturing the wonder, challenges, and small victories of starting a new life in America. Writing is his passion project — a way to honor his roots and inspire young readers to embrace their own journeys.
“Those red shoes made me feel like I belonged. I hope this story helps other kids find their own.”
— Peter Walfrey
Dayne Sislen
Dayne Sislen is the illustrator behind Peter Wore His Red Shoes. With over a decade of experience bringing children’s stories to life — and more than 35 years in marketing and design — she blends artistic creativity with a deep understanding of how to connect with young readers. Dayne loves collaborating with authors to develop characters that leap off the page and into a child’s imagination. Whether sketching at her desk or finding inspiration at the playground, she brings warmth, whimsy, and heart to every project.
“Every character I draw starts with a spark — and a dash of playground magic.”
— Dayne Sislen
