Review Excerpt from Booklist (Starred Review) by Kara Dean:
“The Giant Peach Yodel is a delightful blend of humor, folktale elements, and American tall-tale charm. The alliterations and consistent rhythm make it perfect for reading aloud, while the warm illustrations add to the story’s homespun appeal. This heartwarming tale, where a child saves the day, will captivate young readers and remind them that sometimes, even the smallest person can be the biggest help.”

The Giant Peach Yodel, illustrated by Barry Root, is a delightful and humorous picture book that combines Russian folktale elements with an American tall-tale twist. Join Tall Papa Tom, Pretty Mama May, Little Buddy Earl, and their quirky family as they embark on an adventure to the Peach Pickin’ Festival. Along the way, they discover the surprising power of Little Buddy Earl’s yodeling.

The family sets off in their jalopy, excited about the festival. However, their excitement turns to disappointment when they arrive at the peach orchard owned by the grumpy Cranky Uncle Frankie and find scrawny peaches. But Little Buddy Earl, with his continuous yodeling, reveals his hidden talent – making fruit grow!

With his infectious yodels, Little Buddy Earl transforms a tiny peach into the largest peach in the land. The family, now filled with newfound hope, rallies together to harvest the enormous peach. Their teamwork and the power of Little Buddy Earl’s yodeling lead them to triumphantly continue their journey to the Peach Pickin’ Festival.

Peppered with lively alliterations and a consistent rhythm, The Giant Peach Yodel is perfect for reading aloud. The book’s warm illustrations, featuring vibrant shades of orange and yellow, perfectly complement the text, evoking a sense of homespun charm.

This heartwarming tale reminds readers that sometimes the smallest person can make the biggest difference. It also includes a bonus recipe for peach cobbler, encouraging readers to engage further with the story’s themes of teamwork and the joy of sharing delicious treats.

Synopsis:
In this hilarious and timely picture book, co-authored by Jan Peck and David Davis, Mother Goose has gone green, taking on a new mission to save the earth one rhyme at a time. The playful and “recycled” rhymes featured in the book invite children to join in the fun while learning about environmentalism.

Illustrated by Carin Berger, The Green Mother Goose brings new life to classic nursery rhymes with an eco-friendly twist. Old Mother Hubbard now shops with cloth grocery bags, emphasizing the importance of reducing single-use plastic. Old King Coal, once a symbol of pollution, becomes a better old soul who works tirelessly to keep our skies smoke-free. And Hickety, Pickety, the little hen, is now a cage-free bird, promoting animal welfare.

This imaginative and humorous book, published by Sterling Publishing Company, has won the prestigious Green Poetry for Children Award from the Santa Monica Library. The collaboration between Jan Peck and David Davis showcases their skillful adaptation of Mother Goose rhymes with an environmental focus. Each rhyme is crafted with wit and cleverness, making it a joy for children and adults alike.

With an ISBN of 978-1402765254, The Green Mother Goose is a delightful addition to any child’s bookshelf. Priced at $14.95, it offers an entertaining and educational experience that encourages young readers to become stewards of the planet.

Review Excerpt from Early Childhood Blog:
“The Green Mother Goose is a hysterical book that combines humor, skillful rhymes, and timely themes of environmentalism. Authors Jan Peck and David Davis have brilliantly adapted classic nursery rhymes, creating a fun and educational experience for children. The playful illustrations by Carin Berger further enhance the book’s charm. It’s clear that Mother Goose has gone green, and young readers will delight in joining her mission to save the world one rhyme at a time.”

Synopsis:
In “Way Out West on My Little Pony,” Jan Peck brings the vibrant and lively spirit of the West to life for children through rhythmic and enchanting lyrics. This adorable rhyming story takes young readers on a fun and lighthearted adventure, where they mosey down a Western trail and encounter a variety of critters that call the Wild West home.

From racing roadrunners to stinky skunks and digging armadillos, each Western creature adds excitement to the journey. Jan Peck’s charming prose sparkles with animation, igniting children’s imaginations and immersing them in the rugged landscape of the West.

Accompanied by Herb Leonhard’s fantastical illustrations, the book captures the essence of the West, beautifully portraying the cowgirl’s imaginative exploration of this wild frontier. The illustrations vividly depict the diverse wildlife and rugged scenery, captivating young readers and transporting them to the enchanting world of the West.

Published by Pelican Publishing Company and with an ISBN-10 of 1589806972, “Way Out West on My Little Pony” is a perfect addition to rowdy prairie-themed storytimes. It embraces the joy of adventure, introduces children to Western critters, and celebrates the unique charm of the Wild West.

Review Excerpt from Sharon M. Lawler, Librarian, Universal City, Texas:
“This adorable rhyming story by Jan Peck is a natural fit for rowdy prairie-themed storytimes. Young readers will mosey down a Western trail, encountering racing roadrunners, stinky skunks, and digging armadillos in this fun and lighthearted adventure. The book captures the essence of the West, and Herb Leonhard’s illustrations bring the rugged landscape to life. ‘Way Out West on My Little Pony’ is sure to captivate children’s imaginations and transport them to the enchanting world of the Wild West.”

Title: Pirate Treasure Hunt!

Synopsis:
In the interactive picture book, “Pirate Treasure Hunt!”, written by Jan Peck and illustrated by Adrian Tans, Captain Dare beckons young readers to embark on a thrilling adventure they will never forget. This captivating story invites children to join a crew of pirates on a quest for a treasure that is more valuable than gold.

Published by Pelican Publishing Company and with an ISBN of 1-58980-549-6, “Pirate Treasure Hunt!” takes young readers on an interactive journey filled with excitement and imagination. Captain Dare leads the way, guiding children through a series of challenges as they search for a secret pirate treasure hidden deep in a cave, high on a cliff, and past a treacherous lagoon.

With Adrian Tans’ vibrant illustrations, the book brings the seafaring world of pirates to life, capturing the spirit of adventure and discovery. As children join Captain Dare on this unique treasure hunt, they actively participate by repeating the orders given by the captain, immersing themselves in the role of a daring pirate.

In addition to the engaging story, “Pirate Treasure Hunt!” offers exciting programs for readers, which can be found on the author’s presentations page. These programs further enhance the interactive nature of the book, allowing children to fully immerse themselves in the world of pirates and treasure hunting.

With a retail price of $15.95, “Pirate Treasure Hunt!” promises an unforgettable journey filled with suspense, camaraderie, and the thrill of uncovering a treasure more valuable than anything, even gold!

Books for the youngest scientists!

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers sells these books in the USA, Australia, England, Japan, and Korea.

Way Up High in a Tall Green Tree was on PBS Teacher Resource Recommended Science Book List.

Also featured in Time Magazine for Kids.

A finalist for The Institute of Texas Letters and Friends of the Austin Public Library Award for Best Children’s Book.

Way Down Deep in the Deep Blue Sea has sold in paperback and audio from Scholastic Book Clubs.

Synopsis:
“The Giant Carrot,” illustrated by Barry Root, is a delightful children’s book that has garnered acclaim and recognition. Named as the “Best Children’s Book of the Year” for 1998 by Bank Street College, this charming tale is a variation of the folktale “The Turnip.”

Published by Dial Books for Young Readers, Penguin/Putnam, with an ISBN of 0803718233, “The Giant Carrot” invites readers on a whimsical adventure filled with humor and suspense. The book has received a starred review in the School Library Journal and has been included on multiple prestigious award master lists, including the Kentucky Bluegrass Award, the Arkansas Diamond Award, the Pennsylvania Young Readers’ Choice Award, and the Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Award.

With 32 pages of vibrant full-color illustrations, the book captures the imagination of young readers, making it a perfect choice for read-aloud sessions. The story unfolds with a fine, humorous sense of storytelling as the characters attempt to pull a giant carrot from the ground. The tale begs to be read aloud and savored, providing a delightful and entertaining experience for children aged 4-9.

“The Giant Carrot” is a heartwarming and enjoyable picture book that showcases the talent of both author and illustrator. It promises to captivate young readers with its lively storytelling, captivating illustrations, and the amusing twist on the classic folktale.