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
When Fred the Snake and Friends explore USA-West (Fred the Snake Series Book 9)
Peter B. Cotton’s When Fred the Snake and Friends Explore USA West is a playful, rhyming adventure following Fred and his friends as they travel through the western United States. From the glitz of Hollywood to the icy tundra of Alaska, the group encounters famous landmarks, wild landscapes, and even a few unexpected mishaps along the way. The book, filled with Bonnie Lemaire’s lively illustrations, is both a fun journey and an introduction to geography, history, and culture for young readers.
What makes this book shine is its whimsical storytelling. Cotton’s rhymes are bouncy and engaging, pulling kids along from place to place without ever feeling forced. Take, for example, the moment in San Francisco when Jim daringly flies through the Golden Gate Bridge, “Devilishly he flew right through it. You are not supposed to do it!” That cheeky humor, combined with the fun rhythm, keeps the story moving at a delightful pace. The book doesn’t just inform, it entertains, making each stop on the journey feel like an adventure.
The illustrations add even more charm. Bonnie Lemaire’s artwork is bright and full of personality. Each scene bursts with color and detail, making every location feel distinct. In Yosemite, when Jack helps rescue a wounded eagle, the expressive characters and dramatic action pull kids right into the moment. There’s a warmth to the way she brings these animal friends to life, making their friendships feel genuine. Whether it’s Fred grinning under the Hollywood sign or the group bundled up under the northern lights in Alaska, the images make the book feel like a travel scrapbook of unforgettable memories.
The book moves at an exciting pace, making it a thrilling journey from one destination to the next. With so many places to explore, each stop offers a glimpse of adventure before the group moves on. For children who love rich details, it might spark curiosity and inspire them to learn more about specific locations. Meanwhile, the fast-moving storyline is perfect for kids with shorter attention spans or those just beginning to explore these places. It’s a whirlwind tour full of energy, ideal for bedtime reading and sure to leave young minds eager for more discoveries!
When Fred the Snake and Friends Explore USA West is a delightful read for young adventurers and parents who want to introduce their kids to the wonders of travel. The rhymes are catchy, the illustrations are vibrant, and the humor keeps it light and engaging. It’s perfect for kids who love animals, geography, or just a fun, fast-paced story. Whether you’re looking for a way to spark a child’s curiosity about the world or just want a fun book to read aloud, Fred’s latest adventure is a great pick.
Pages: 66 | ASIN : B0CHWMWVV6
When Fred the Snake and Friends Explore USA Central (Fred the Snake Series Book 8)
Peter B. Cotton’s When Fred the Snake and Friends Explore USA Central is a lively, rhyming adventure that follows Fred and his crew as they travel across the central United States. Through colorful illustrations and playful verse, the book introduces young readers to famous landmarks, historical sites, and natural wonders, from the Alamo to Mount Rushmore and the Grand Canyon. Along the way, Fred and his friends engage in fun activities, attending a rodeo, panning for gold, and even witnessing a wedding in Las Vegas. The book is a celebration of exploration, friendship, and curiosity, all wrapped in a lighthearted storytelling style.
The whimsical rhymes and bouncy rhythm make this book a delight to read aloud. Cotton keeps the energy high with short, punchy lines that carry a singsong quality, making the journey feel even more exciting. The humor is gentle but effective, as seen when Jack mistakes a bison for an enormous cow or when Fred and Bernadette try their luck on a trapeze. These little moments add charm and keep the narrative engaging. The writing style is simple yet expressive, ensuring that kids stay entertained while subtly absorbing geographical and historical facts.
The illustrations by Bonnie Lemaire add another layer of magic to the story. Each page bursts with vibrant colors and lively characters, bringing the adventures to life. The depiction of famous locations, like the towering sandstone formations of Monument Valley and the fiery eruption of Old Faithful, captures their grandeur in a way that’s accessible to children. The expressive faces of Fred and his friends make their experiences even more relatable, whether they’re braving a storm or marveling at presidential sculptures. Lemaire’s artwork complements the story perfectly, enhancing the book’s fun and educational value.
One of the standout elements of the book is how seamlessly it blends fun with learning. While Fred and his friends are busy having adventures, young readers are exposed to American history and geography in a way that feels effortless. The mention of Crazy Horse, the importance of the Alamo, and the vastness of the Grand Canyon are woven into the storyline without feeling like a lesson. Even practical life lessons, like the warning against gambling in Las Vegas, are sprinkled in with humor. The book strikes a great balance, never too serious, never too silly.
When Fred the Snake and Friends Explore USA Central is a fantastic pick for young readers who enjoy adventure, animals, and travel. It’s an excellent choice for parents looking for an engaging way to introduce their kids to famous American landmarks, as well as for teachers who want to add a fun book to their geography lessons. The rhymes, the humor, and the lively illustrations make this a book that kids will want to revisit, and the promise of more Fred the Snake adventures to come makes it even better. If you love books that entertain while they educate, this one is a great addition to your collection.
Pages: 48 | ASIN : B0BSVHYVGG
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
LITERARY TITAN 