Christell Chapin
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 confidence all while tackling 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 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 looks like no one around him, 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 our value isn’t determined by outward appearances, but rather by the content of our character. This timeless tale raises questions about bullying, discrimination, the value of self-esteem 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 and what it truly means to belong.EXAMPLE PAGE:But now he saw strength and courage too,Made no difference his feathers were blue,It all came from somewhere, deep down inside.'My family was right!' Pepe joyfully cried!A WORD FROM THE AUTHOR: 'In today’s racially charged atmosphere, I can’t stress enough how badly our children need self-esteem and how much our society is in need of compassion 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 seem 'different.' In 1967, my family moved from the Bay Area, to a tiny little town called Freestone. At five years old, 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 time. 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 passed, 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 he would return with this same family of turkeys. With a little imagination, I wondered about the difficulties and struggles of growing up as the only peacock up in a world full of turkeys where everyone is the same color, everyone that is, except for you. This story is based on my imaginings of Pepe, the peacock, his turkey family and his journey through life.' 3
