Welcome, Mom’s Choice readers! Today we have a chance to hear from Peter Cotton, the internationally recognized medical pioneer and professor who, we are glad to report, has turned his considerable talents in retirement to writing books. This ex-Brit now lives on Dewees Island, South Carolina, creating wonderfully inventive books for children ages 3–8 about Fred the lovable snake and his companions. Fred playfully conveys good advice for young readers with easy-to-understand rhymes. Five of Peter’s books have won the Mom’s Choice Award, and reviewers have noted that the books are a great way to teach geography to kids. In the seventh book in the series, When Fred the Snake and Friends Explore USA-East, youngsters are taken on an adventure through the eastern United States. Let’s hear from the author about how he became involved in creating these popular books and what else may be in store.

MCA: Peter, we’d like to extend you a huge welcome to you, as well as our congratulations. Won’t you start things off by telling us a bit about yourself?

I grew up in England, where the first tale was conceived long ago as a bedtime story for my then-young children about how (not) to cross the road. When I moved to the U.S., people asked why my mother had called me after a rabbit.

Actually, she did not. The British author Beatrix Potter wrote about Peter Rabbit, Flopsy, Mopsy, Cottontail and Benjamin bunny. Peter Cottontail is an American abbreviated version. My middle name is Benjamin, so I guess I am committed.

Regardless, everyone gave me rabbit mementos which has been fun (and one live one, which misbehaved).

When my children had their kids, they asked what happened to “Fred-Fred”? (They called him that because he was temporarily divided in an accident.) I teamed up with a special illustrator (Canadian Bonnie Lemaire) and published the first book, When Fred the Snake Got Squished and Mended. Together we 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. Our books have received numerous 5-star reviews (“move over,  Lewis Carroll”) and Mom’s Choice gold awards. I always enjoy presenting Fred at schools and libraries.

When not busy with Fred’s adventures, I travel widely to lecture, to enjoy my family, and to play golf. I reflect on life and on my career at www.petercottontales.com/blog, and in my published memoirs The Tunnel at the End of the Light.

MCA: Could you provide our readers with a brief synopsis of the series?

This is the seventh of nine books about Fred. The first three books focus on Fred the snake—how he got into trouble crossing the road, became popular when going to school and welcoming a visit by Jungle Jim and other animals. He and his new friends then explored Charleston, South Carolina, went to the nearby beach, and then went camping. In those and subsequent books, Fred, Jim, and his animal friends are joined by young Perdy and Jack (my grandchildren) and Coco and Kiki (their dog and cat). Books 7, 8 and 9 have them crossing the USA, visiting many of the famous sights and places. All texts are rhyming.

This seventh book starts in Charleston, SC, where Fred lives. He gets Jungle Jim to take him, young Perdy and Jack, and several animals on adventures around the Eastern States. First stop: Washington DC. “See the Capitol, behind those doors, our leaders sit to make the laws. Check out the White House resident, our Commander-in-Chief and President. Wouldn’t it be a lot of fun, to take a ride on Air Force One?” Then NYC, Niagara, Chicago, St. Louis (seeing the arch). “Jim swooped and flew right through it (you are not supposed to do it).” Paddle steamer to New Orleans, then through Georgia to Florida (Everglades, fun park, and Cape Canaveral). “Dreaming, Fred had a thought. He could be an Astronaut.” Back to Charleston via Kitty Hawk, “where brothers Wright made the first successful flight.”

MCA: Peter, what inspired you to become an author, and have your life experiences influenced your writing?

I enjoy writing. I have written close to 1,000 medical publications and 10 textbooks. The most popular one has been translated into eight languages. I have lectured in more than 50 countries. Having retired from medicine, I have itchy feet and fingers. I started to write these books for young children, based on a long-ago bedtime story for my then-young children. They were popular and I couldn’t stop. I love working with Bonnie the illustrator, who not only draws to my text, but adds fun things to it. I also published my memoirs 10 years ago—The Tunnel at the End of the Light: My Endoscopic Journey in Six Decades.

MCA: What do you hope readers will take away from your books?

Fun—and some educational messages. How not to cross the road. Hospitals are not too scary. Be helpful at school. Be careful when camping (mushrooms), rafting (waterfalls), and at the beach (rip tides). Learn about the USA, geography, and famous places.

MCA: All good lessons. What do you find most rewarding about the writing process? Conversely, what are some of the challenges you face?

Family and friends asking for more. The only challenge is getting enough sales to continue.

There continue to be lots of great reviews and awards. I’ve been compared to Hilaire Belloc, Roald Dahl, even Lewis Carrol.

This picture book has a distinct Dr. Seuss-esque quality because of its clever use of rhyme and unexpected storyline. Most of the rhymes work well, making this an enjoyable story to read aloud, whether at school or at home.

MCA: Do you have any advice for aspiring authors who are just starting their writing journey?

Follow your passion … there will be challenges.

MCA: Peter, it was such a pleasure to have you with us today. It’s great to hear you “can’t stop” writing, and we expect to hear more from Fred and his friends before long. Thanks again for joining us!