Oh, no! Fred the Snake didn't look both ways to see if there were any speeding vehicles coming. Now, he's cut in two! Fred must wait in the hospital for the doctors to sew him back together. But they need a special bendy thread that can only be found in the distant, wild jungle! Can Jungle Jim help?
British-born semi-retired Professor of Medicine in Charleston, SC, widely traveled and author of many medical books. He wrote the first story about Fred the snake getting squished (and mended) when his kids were young, to teach them how (not) to cross the road. When they had their own children, they asked "what happened to Fred-Fred" (so-called because he was in two pieces initially). So, Peter dusted it off and found a publisher. It seemed popular and fun, so there are now 8 books (beautifully illustrated by Bonnie Lemaire) about Fred the friendly snake. After recovering from squishness, Fred has gone to school, welcomed Jungle Jim and other animals, explored Charleston, enjoyed the beach and taken his friends camping. Books 7,8 ans 9 have Fred and friends exploring the cities and sights of USA.
The midwest book review said "Move over for Fred-Fred, Lewis Carroll"
When Fred first ventured out from his new home he did not know how to cross the road safely.
He thought that the barbers pole was another snake so "rushed, without a glance into the path of an ambulance". He got squished! Why did I choose that odd word, when he actually got BISECTED? Maybe not to upset my then young children, who eventually called him Fred-Fred. Happily the doctor mended him with the special thread that Jungle Jim collected from under a rhino. The story has a happy ending
As he fell asleep I heard Fred say
“It’s been a very trying day;
tomorrow when I cross the road
I won’t forget my Forest Code.”
And nor will you, that’s my advice,
Lest you spell your name like Fred-Fred, twice.
Comment on this Bubble
Your comment and a link to this bubble will also appear in your Facebook feed.