Penfield Books

09/15/2026

07/28/2026

Penfield Books and Joan Liffring-Zug Bourret are discussed in this article from CEO Monthly Magazine.

Creativity often thrives when different disciplines are allowed to intersect. For Forrest Heusinkveld, a career spanning music performance, private

06/12/2026

Penfield Books author Michele Patrick is an award-winning writer who served as speechwriter for the President's Cabinet and the United States Senate. She'll be in Cedar Rapids IA to deliver a presentation at National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library on Friday October 16th, 6-730pm.

05/16/2026

Miriam worked on many Penfield titles over the years, she will be missed.

Iowa City - Long-time Iowa City resident, Miriam Rosenbaum Canter, passed away at age 103 on May 12, 2026 following a brief illness.

05/04/2026

In observance of Cinco de Mayo, here’s a Penfield Books classic from 2011:

Written in Spanish and English, this book presents hundreds of wise old sayings relative to faith and religion, animals, relationships and family, adversity, and other topics.

Author Arturo Medina, born and raised in Mexico City, provides both English and Spanish translations of the proverbs with brief explanations.

The proverbs are accompanied by photographs of Mexican crafts, folk art, and architecture, chosen to show the visual traditions that parallel the rich oral traditions represented in this book.

Some examples:

Los Dichos de los viejitos son Evangelios chiquitos.
Old people’s sayings are tiny fragments of the gospel.

Dios aprieta pero no ahorca.
God may squeeze you tightly, but he does not strangle you.

Hazte miel, y te comerán las moscas.
Turn yourself into honey, and you will be eaten by flies.

No hay quince años feos ni viuda rica despreciable.
There is no ugly debutante nor despicable rich widow.

05/01/2026

It’s Maifest weekend in the Amana Colonies! You can find this 2003 release by Peter Hoehnle and Penfield Books in many Amana shops.

Description:

The German immigrants who settled the Amana Colonies of Iowa in 1855 brought with them a rich cultural heritage of arts and crafts. That heritage is explored and celebrated in this book.

This comprehensive title explores everything from clock making, furniture, and woodworking to basketry, caning, and carpet weaving. Full-color photographs by photographer Joan Liffring-Zug Bourret show the beauty that abounds in Amana, including gorgeous gardens and architecture. Together, the text and photos become their own work of art.

04/24/2026

This is an excellent repurposing of scrap wood! You can find our original Danish titles, postcards, and magnets all over Elk Horn IA.

A larger-than-life troll has arrived in Elk Horn 🌿 Take a behind-the-scenes look at the 22-foot “Fjord Ferryman” and the story it tells — then go find it for yourself.

STORY: https://www.kcci.com/article/giant-wooden-troll-unveiled-at-museum-of-danish-america-in-elk-horn/71112608

03/31/2026

This interview in Canvas Rebel Magazine discusses Penfield Books and Joan Liffring-Zug Bourret, and features a photograph by Joan:

We recently connected with Forrest Heusinkveld and have shared our conversation below. Forrest, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today