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Famous Places and Memorials

Peter Cotton Author Interview

When Fred the Snake and Friends Explore USA, Central follows an adventurous snake and his crew as they travel across the central United States. What was the inspiration for your story?

Fred and friends enjoyed visiting sights in the Eastern States and asked Jim to take them further.

​The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Bonnie Lemaire?

Great illustrator living near Toronto, Canada. We connected via the publisher and worked together online until we started on the 4th book, about Charleston, SC, where Fred and I live. She came down to see what she would be drawing. Terrific talent. She not only draws my ideas, but enhances them, adding lots of special wrinkles. Purple hair then…

What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?

Introducing young kids to famous places and memorials.

Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Fred and his friends and the direction of the next book?

Jim says they will be off to the West Coast. Maybe Hollywood? Alaska?

Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon

This is the eighth book in the seriesabout Fred and his friends, and the second in the planned trilogy of exploring special places in the United States. Join the fun and educational adventures from Texas to Vegas.


What Are Bees Good For, Anyway?

Prepare to be captivated by the enchanting world of What Are Bees Good For, Anyway? This delightful and enlightening children’s book invites young readers on an educational odyssey into the realm of bees and their profound impact on our ecosystem. Meet Bennie, a young boy with a curious aversion to bees, who embarks on a incredible journey guided by his beekeeping aunt. What unfolds is a revelation about the vital role bees play in sustaining our world, contributing to our food supply, and ensuring the very air we breathe.

Within the pages of Nicole Frankel’s children’s book, vivid and vibrant illustrations transport readers into Bennie’s world as he embarks on a captivating exploration of the multifaceted world of bees. This story imparts essential knowledge, highlighting the importance of bees and their remarkable purpose in our environment. I was deeply moved by the author’s thoughtful inclusion of the fact that bees sting only when they feel threatened, offering a valuable lesson in compassion and understanding. Moreover, the creative portrayal of bees as friendly, relatable creatures—combing their hair and the queen bee adorned with a regal crown—makes the subject matter approachable and endearing to young readers.

What Are Bees Good For, Anyway?, by Nicole Frankel, strikes a harmonious balance between education and entertainment, making it a must-read for classrooms and bedtime alike. It’s an engaging, fun, and informative picture book that not only broadens young minds but also encourages a newfound appreciation for these tiny yet mighty pollinators. This book is a treasure trove of knowledge and a joyous celebration of the incredible world of bees.

Pages: 31 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BVQ16R1V

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