Pepe's Journey

Inspiring and transformative, Pepe's Journey is a classic example of a hero's quest for self-discovery and is designed to help build a child's self-confidence all while tackling the most difficult social issues of racism, discrimination, inclusion and bullying. This beautifully told story encourages self-esteem as it offers an inspiring message that with some courage and determination, we are all able to overcome life's challenges and ultimately take control of our own destiny. No one knows how one little peacock egg ended up hatching in the nest of wild turkeys, but everyone, including Pepe, believes he is a turkey. Pepe doesn't look like anyone around him, and even though he is loved and supported by his family, he is teased and bullied by others because he looks..."different." After a period of exploration, Pepe discovers his self-confidence and most importantly, that his value isn't determined by outward appearances, but rather by the content of his character. This timeless tale raises questions about bullying, inclusion, discrimination, and the importance of being true to yourself. Join Pepe, as he seeks to discover the missing pieces to his own life's story, the power of courage and self-respect, the secret of how to stop the bullies who tease him, the importance of unity within the community and what it truly means to belong. A WORD FROM THE AUTHOR: "I can't stress enough how badly our children are in need of self-esteem, courage and compassion or how much our society as a whole, is in need of kindness and empathy! PEPE'S JOURNEY was inspired by real events and is designed to empower children everywhere who find themselves, friends or their family being persecuted by bullies because they may appear... 'different.' When I was five years old, my family moved from the Bay Area, to a tiny little town where I unfortunately discovered, I was labeled as 'different' by my peers. I was painfully shy, teased and bullied, and no matter how hard I tried, I just didn't fit in. I discovered early on that the bullies wouldn't follow me into the library at recess, so this is where I ended up spending the majority of my entire elementary school years. I remember I was shocked that I was unable to find even one book, in this vast library, that could help me. So many years had gone by, and I forgot about this painful chapter in life, until an event happened that took me right back to grade school and inspired this book. After moving to a rural piece of property, I was admiring this peaceful landscape when a group of wild turkeys came strolling by. Imagine my surprise when one turned out to be a peacock! Every year this lone peacock would return with this family of turkeys. Wild peacocks are common in many areas, but not here in Northern Idaho. I couldn't help but remember what it felt like to be an outsider, and so with a little imagination, I wondered what it would be like to grow up in a world where everyone was the same color, everyone that is except for you. I have no idea where he found her, but finally one spring when, Pepe (as he came to be called) returned with the turkeys, he was accompanied by a female peacock and his own little family of chicks! This story is based on my imaginings of Pepe, the peacock, his turkey relatives and his journey through life."