Fred the Snake and his friends are off on another adventure. Fred the Snake and Friends Explore USA-Central by Peter Cotton tells readers that they have explored many parts of the United States, but this time, they’re heading west. They shop in Dallas and visit the Alamo in San Antonio, the site of a famous battle between the United States and Mexico. They visit a rodeo and they enjoy the bucking broncos while dressed like cowboys. Their journey takes them to Mount Rushmore where they see the faces of past presidents carved in stone on the mountainside. They carry on to Yellowstone and the canyons, and they even pan for gold in Durango. It’s a grand adventure, full of learning opportunities as they explore not only their country but also their country’s history.

Peter Cotton’s picture book When Fred the Snake and Friends Explore USA- Central is another installment in the Fred the Snake series. Exploring different parts of the USA and learning important skills for young people, this series is a great educational tool, as well as an entertaining read. Told mostly in rhyming verse, the lyrical journey is a compelling historical adventure. The bright, bold, colorful illustrations add another dimension to the developing plot and help move the story along. The story is heartwarming and the characters are full of fun and laughter. They all get along and work, play, and travel well together. This book will open young readers’ minds to the wonderful history that surrounds them and the many sights they have yet to explore. Loved it.

When Fred the Snake and Friends Explore USA-Central by Peter Cotton is an adventure book for children. It’s the eighth book about Fred the Snake. In this installment, Fred and his friends are traveling across the central part of the United States, starting in Texas. Next, they head north to visit Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park. Then they go south to see the Grand Canyon and end up in the Las Vegas area. Fred and his girlfriend Bernadette get married in Vegas, and the friends go on a celebratory boat ride on Lake Mead. In addition to the famous tourist destinations, the friends stop at several other places that, although less well known, are interesting locations to visit. Written in rhymes, it briefly describes what the friends see in each area they visit. The book is illustrated by Bonnie Lemaire.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading When Fred the Snake and Friends Explore USA-Central by Peter Cotton. I’m sure my children would have liked the story when they were young, too. I like how Cotton describes each place the friends visit; this is just enough to teach children something about each stop without going over their heads with unnecessary details. You will enjoy the rhyming, which is never forced or unnatural. The illustrations by Bonnie Lemaire are charming, too, with each being appropriate and descriptive of the area being visited. Although Cotton doesn’t say what ages he intends his story for, it would be suitable for those just learning to read and for younger children who need to have a story read to them. I recommend it to children, parents, and grandparents.