Blog Archives
Places I Had Visited
When Fred the Snake and Friends Explore USA West follows a travel-loving snake and his friends as they enjoy some of the sights on the West coast of the USA, from Hollywood California to Alaska and Waikiki Beach, Hawaii. What was the inspiration for the destinations they visit in your story?
Fred asked me which places I had visited and liked best.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
Meeting the bear in Alaska. “If you meet a bear, be brave, shout out loud, and madly wave. Get together in a bunch to avoid becoming lunch.”
Did you find anything in your research of this story that surprised you?
The old word “Eskimo” is no longer proper. We should refer to the different nations, like Inuit and Aleut.
What is your favorite place to visit, and does it hold any special meaning or memories for you?
San Francisco was the first US city I visited in 1971 while still living in England. I was impressed by its grandeur, pretty houses, sunshine, and hamburgers.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Award-Winning Books
When Fred the Snake and Friends Explore USA-East follows a friendly snake and his pals who set off together to tour famous landmarks along the eastern coast of the United States. What inspired you to write this children’s book?
Peter Cotton is a retired MUSC Professor living on Dewees Island in South Carolina, writing books for young children about Fred the snake and his friends. Peter grew up in England where the first tale was conceived long ago as a bedtime story for his then-young children about how (not) to cross the road.
When they had their kids, they asked what happened to “Fred-Fred?” (They called him that because he was temporarily divided in an accident). Peter teamed up with a special illustrator (Canadian Bonnie Lemaire) and published the first book When Fred the Snake Got Squished and Mended. Together they now have a series of nine popular award-winning books, having fun in rhyme with Jungle Jim, Perdy, and Jack and several animal friends. They go to school, welcome Jungle Jim, try camping, visit the beach, tour Charleston, and recently have been exploring the sights of the USA. Peter’s books have received numerous 5-star reviews (some mention comparisons with Hillaire Belloc, Roald Dahl, and Lewis Carroll) and 5 Mom’s Choice gold awards. Peter enjoys presenting Fred at schools and libraries.
When not busy with Fred’s adventures, Peter travels widely to lecture, to enjoy his family, and to play golf. He reflects on life, and on his career at www.petercottontales.com/blog, and in his published memoirs The Tunnel at the End of the Light.
Peter says that he was not named after a rabbit.
The artwork in your book is fantastic. What was the collaboration process like with illustrator Bonnie Lemaire?
Easy, she is terrific. Not only draws my ideas but enhances them
What draws you to write books for young readers?
I like writing, having almost a thousand medical papers and 10 textbooks, can’t stop once retired! Grandkids like them, especially Perdy and Jack who feature in the last few books
Can we look forward to seeing Book 8 in this series soon? Where will it take readers?
Books 8 and 9 are published covering USA Central and West See details at www.petercottontales.com/books.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | X (Twitter) | Instagram | Amazon
Hold on tight, and go along on their ride.
When Fred the Snake and Friends Explore USA-East (Fred the Snake Series Book 7)
When Fred The Snake and Friends Explore USA East, book seven in the Fred and Snake series by Peter B. Cotton, takes young readers on a playful, rhyming adventure across some of the most famous cities and landmarks on the eastern side of the United States. Fred, the friendly snake, and his pals board a plane and set out on a whirlwind tour that includes Washington D.C., New York City, Niagara Falls, Chicago, New Orleans, Orlando, and more. Along the way, they marvel at skyscrapers, visit museums, try new foods, and even dream of space travel. The book blends geography, adventure, and humor, making learning about new places feel like an exciting game.
Right off the bat, the book’s rhyming style is fun and bouncy. It keeps the energy up, making it a great read-aloud story. Lines like “Past the Statue of Liberty, it welcomes all who come to visit” introduce history in a way that feels light and engaging. The rhythm gives the book a sing-song quality, though, at times, it leans a little too heavily on keeping the rhyme scheme intact rather than deepening the descriptions. While this makes it easy to follow, I sometimes wished for a bit more storytelling beyond the playful tour guide format.
The illustrations by Bonnie Lemaire are another highlight. They are bright, cheerful, and full of movement, capturing the joy of adventure. Whether it’s Jim flying low under the Charleston bridge or the gang looking up at the towering Freedom Tower in New York, the art makes each location feel alive. One of my favorite moments was the scene at Niagara Falls, where the characters admire the waterfall from a balloon—it’s whimsical and visually exciting. The colorful, cartoonish style fits the tone perfectly and will keep kids engaged.
One thing I really appreciated was the way the book slips in fun facts without making it feel like a textbook. When the story mentions the Freedom Tower’s height of 1,776 feet and why that number is important, it’s an important little history lesson wrapped in an adventure. Similarly, the quick stop at Kitty Hawk to acknowledge the Wright brothers adds a nod to aviation history.
When Fred the Snake and Friends Explore USA-East is a great pick for young kids who love adventure and silly characters. It’s perfect for early readers, especially those who enjoy rhyming books with lively illustrations. Parents and teachers looking for a light introduction to U.S. geography will find it useful, though older kids might want something with a bit more detail. If you’ve got a little traveler at home or a child who loves Fred’s previous adventures, this book is a delightful journey worth taking.
Pages: 48 | ASIN : B09XVL9N5K
Frog Butts and Toad Warts? Fascinating Frog Facts
If you’ve ever wondered what makes frogs and toads so fascinating, or if you just enjoy the idea of a book with “butts” in the title, Frog Butts and Toad Warts? is your new favorite read. Jessica Lee Anderson delivers a delightful mix of education and entertainment, all wrapped up in a visually stunning package, thanks to Bob Ferguson II’s vibrant photography. It’s the kind of book that makes learning irresistible.
From quirky facts about frog butts (yes, really!) to scientific tidbits about their adaptations, this book doesn’t just skim the surface it dives into the weird and wonderful world of amphibians. Anderson’s writing is clear, engaging, and friendly, making complex biological concepts easy to understand for readers of all ages.
Ferguson’s images capture everything from the details of a frog’s color to the warty textures of a toad’s skin. Every shot is crisp, colorful, and packed with personality just like the frogs themselves. This book could sit proudly on a coffee table, but it’s equally at home in a classroom or on a kid’s nightstand.
One of the standout features is how well Frog Butts and Toad Warts balances fun and education. Whether you’re a herpetology enthusiast or a parent trying to entertain a frog-obsessed child, this book has something for you. It’s a joy to read aloud, and the tidbits of knowledge sprinkled throughout are perfect for sparking conversations (or impressing your friends with random frog facts).
Frog Butts and Toad Warts? is a valuable teaching tool. It’s accessible enough for young kids to enjoy independently but packed with enough substance to captivate adults. It’s a perfect gift for animal lovers, budding scientists, or anyone who appreciates a good mix of weird, wild, and wonderful. And let’s be honest—how often do you get to say you’ve read a book with a chapter about frog butts?
Pages: 31 | ASIN : B0DP1HL3CZ
LITERARY TITAN 