When Fred the Snake and Friends Explore USA-East


Children - Adventure
48 Pages
Reviewed on 06/29/2022
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

Hi, my name is Peter Cotton (not named after a rabbit). I wrote my first story about Fred “When Fred the Snake got Squished and Mended” a very long time ago to teach my children how (not) to cross the road. There are now 7 books, all in rhyming verse and beautifully illustrated by Bonnie Lemaire.

I grew up in England and became a doctor in 1963. I specialized in stomach problems. My particular focus has been the use of flexible instruments called endoscopes. They look a little like snakes. Maybe that’s why I chose to write about Fred.

I moved to America in 1986 to Duke University in North Carolina, and then in 1994 to Charleston, to the Medical University of South Carolina. I stopped treating patients 10 years ago, but still do some research and teaching. I enjoy traveling and have given lectures in more than 50 countries. I have written a lot of medical books and articles. I published my memoirs called “The tunnel at the end of the light; my endoscopic journey in six decades”.

I am lucky enough to live on Dewees Island, South Carolina with my wife Marion. Together we are blessed with 4 healthy “children”, 8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Two of the grands, Perdy and Jack, feature in the books. They will be helping Jim guide Fred and friends in my 8th book around the central states very soon, and then on to the west coast.

Signed copies of the books are available at www.drpetercotton.com

    Book Review

Reviewed by Amy Louise Hill for Readers' Favorite

When Fred the Snake and Friends explore USA-East by Peter Cotton is a fun-filled and adventurous picture book for young children. Jungle Jim and his friends go sightseeing around the USA. From New York City to Niagara Falls, this unusual group of friends sees it all! Ever wondered where the president lives? Well, you're sure to find out in this incredibly entertaining book. So what are you waiting for? Join Jungle Jim, Perdy, Jack, Fred the Snake, and many more as they discover the endless adventures the world has to offer!

When Fred the Snake and Friends explore USA-East was a pleasure to read. The story is well written and aimed at both educating and entertaining the young reader. It's great to see books like these that teach children in fun ways rather than using textbooks, as children tend to lose interest quickly if what they read is boring. That won't be the case with this book as I am sure any child reader will have the time of their life! The story is full of adventure and rhyme is used to help children learn more easily. The bright and colorful illustrations by Bonnie Lemaire are adorable and creative; children will love them! I want to wish Peter Cotton all the best in his future writing, and I can't wait for the next books! Congrats on the wonderful book, it will surely be a huge success with any young reader.

Doreen Chombu

Join Fred and his friends as they explore the United States of America in When Fred the Snake and Friends Explore USA-East by Peter Cotton and illustrated by Bonnie Lemaire. In this installment, the gang journeys through the east. Their journey starts from where they ended their previous one, in Charleston, South Carolina. They visit beautiful sites in the nation's capital, Washington, D.C., and later view New York City from the sky. Their next stop is Chicago, a windy city with skyscrapers. They board a paddle boat on the Mississippi in St. Louis, Missouri. Coco gets lost in New Orleans, Louisiana, and is found in a doggie pound. They venture off to Georgia and then to Florida. Their journey takes an unexpected turn when they visit Cape Canaveral, Florida. Finally, the gang goes back home and ends their journey with plans to travel west.

I loved reading When Fred the Snake and Friends Explore USA-East because of the cute animal characters. Peter Cotton is a creative writer, and he illustrates this perfectly. Fred the snake and his animal friends are all colorful, adventurous, and appealing creatures. Bonnie Lemaire did a great job with the illustrations. The book is perfect for children because it teaches them geography and important national sites. It also includes rhyming words. I was impressed with the way Cotton found words that rhyme with all the cities and sites the group visited. Have fun reading this tale with your kids today.

Marie-Hélène Fasquel

When Fred the Snake and Friends Explore USA-East by Peter Cotton is an adorable children’s book, with colorful, amusing, and lovely illustrations by Bonnie Lemaire. They combine perfectly with the rhyming text. To top it all, the content is as entertaining as it is knowledgeable. It allows the young reader to learn so much about the beautiful eastern USA. As a mother and a teacher, I adore the concept of having delightful animals going on an adventure during the school holidays. What could be more appealing?

When Fred the Snake and Friends Explore USA-East by Peter Cotton is a wonderful children’s book that parents, teachers, and kids alike will enjoy. It is fun, engaging, and interesting and it teaches the reader so much about the geography of the United States. It includes such amazing places as Charleston, Washington D.C., and monuments such as the Capitol. This lovely story is packed with information and references to events such as the war in Vietnam. It is, above all, an adventure.

Improving one’s knowledge of the country is a fabulous opportunity and that is probably what makes this book so special. I appreciated everything about it and could not recommend it more highly. If you are concerned about some children’s lack of enthusiasm for culture, then this book is the perfect answer. We need to make culture great again and that is exactly what the author and illustrator have done. Thank you for being so inspiring!

Edith Wairimu

Join Fred and his friends in their fun adventures once again in the educative children’s book When Fred the Snake and Friends Explore USA-East by Peter Cotton. Fred’s group of friends boards Jungle Jim’s plane ready to explore new places. They go to Washington, D.C., while taking in the sights from the sky, landing close to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and seeing the Capitol Building. They continue to explore and later decide to head on to New York. They view the Statue of Liberty, and the Freedom Tower and enjoy strolling through the Central Park zoo. They fly to Niagara Falls and later to Chicago. From water-skiing in Lake Michigan to touring New Orleans, exploring the Everglades in Florida, and going on a dreamy adventure to space, the friends enjoy their journey before returning home.

Children will enjoy the work’s engrossing and colorful illustrations and fun-loving characters. I loved learning about the different places in each state and found the friends’ adventures immersive. The detailed, but straightforward maps included will spark children’s imaginations, inspiring them to learn and visit other states. I found the list of locations and activities mentioned helpful for anyone who plans to visit the areas covered. The rhythmic verses make the story an easy read for children. When Fred the Snake and Friends Explore USA-East by Peter Cotton is an informative, fun work that children will appreciate. It is accessible and offers interesting geographical and historical information. I am looking forward to reading more books in this series.