Description

Hop aboard the Traveling Culinary School Bus with Pescado Pete, Shelly the sea turtle, and a lively crew of young chefs as they roll along Florida’s beautiful Emerald Coast — from Rosemary Beach to Pensacola. Every stop brings a new flavor, a new friendship, and a new lesson about caring for the sea. In Pescado Pete’s Traveling Culinary School – Panhandle Turtle Trail Edition, readers are invited to explore the world through food, laughter, and coastal discovery. Pete, the big-hearted chef with a twinkle in his eye, teaches his students that the best recipes begin with curiosity — and end with sharing. Alongside Shelly, the wise and witty sea turtle, kids learn the importance of protecting marine life, keeping beaches clean, and choosing ingredients that honor the ocean’s balance. From grilling Gulf shrimp in Destin to stirring Key lime parfaits in Seaside, each chapter blends culinary fun with coastal conservation. Readers will find easy-to-follow recipes, fascinating local facts, and heartwarming adventures that celebrate the joy of cooking and the power of teamwork. Whether it’s learning how shrimpers keep their nets turtle-safe or how recycling helps sea creatures thrive, the lessons are woven naturally into every meal and memory. This richly illustrated book captures the spirit of the Florida Panhandle — its sunlit beaches, friendly coastal towns, and the deep connection between people and place. With colorful chapter art and a bonus coloring section, it’s both a storybook and an activity guide that invites children and families to read, cook, and create together. Pescado Pete’s Traveling Culinary School isn’t just about recipes — it’s about respect, discovery, and the magic that happens when kids learn that good food can do good things.

Long Book Description: Set along Florida’s stunning Emerald Coast, Pescado Pete’s Traveling Culinary School – Panhandle Turtle Trail Edition invites readers of all ages on a sun-soaked journey filled with discovery, laughter and the joy of cooking by the sea. This imaginative storybook follows the adventures of Pescado Pete — a lovable chef with a heart as big as the Gulf — and his clever sidekick, Shelly the sea turtle, as they teach a group of kids how food, friendship, and conservation go hand in hand. From the pastel cottages of Rosemary Beach to the sugar-white sands of Pensacola, Pete’s bright silver school bus-turned-kitchen rumbles along Highway 30A, serving up lessons that mix science, sustainability, and storytelling. Each stop brings a new recipe inspired by local flavors and a chance to learn about the environment that makes the Gulf Coast so special. Children discover how fishermen use turtle-safe nets, how recycling helps protect sea life, and why caring for coastal ecosystems ensures there’s always a future for both fish and families. At every destination, readers are treated to a sensory feast. They can almost smell the butter sizzling on cast-iron griddles, hear the waves lapping at the docks, and feel the warm coastal breeze carrying the aroma of shrimp, citrus, and spice. Pete shows his students that cooking isn’t just about following a recipe — it’s about creativity, respect, and connection. Shelly reminds them that every action, no matter how small, makes a difference to the ocean and the creatures who call it home. The Panhandle Turtle Trail Edition blends the excitement of a road trip with the wonder of hands-on learning. Each chapter includes vibrant illustrations by George Paul Trudeau that capture the charm of Florida’s coastal communities — from bustling seafood markets and quiet barrier islands to family picnics under palm trees. The companion coloring book section invites young readers to interact with the story, transforming every page into a shared family experience. Beyond the adventure, the book carries a deeper message: that understanding where our food comes from and how it affects the planet can inspire lifelong care for nature. The recipes are simple enough for kids to try with adult supervision, yet meaningful enough to spark conversations about sustainability, kindness, and gratitude. Whether readers are learning how to make Seaside Shrimp Tacos, Grayton Beach Grouper, or Pensacola Key Lime Pie, each dish celebrates the beauty of fresh, local ingredients and the joy of cooking together. Author Pye Theriot and illustrator George Paul Trudeau have created a world where learning feels like play and every page celebrates community, curiosity, and compassion. Their shared love of coastal culture shines through in every detail — the sparkle of sunlight on the water, the laughter of children at a seaside kitchen table, and the quiet reminder from Shelly that protecting our oceans begins with simple choices. Pescado Pete’s Traveling Culinary School – Panhandle Turtle Trail Edition is more than a children’s storybook — it’s a hands-on invitation to taste, explore, and care. It encourages families to connect through food, adventure, and the values that make coastal living truly special. With its mix of engaging storytelling, beautiful imagery, and educational insight, this book is perfect for classrooms, family kitchens, beach cottages, and anyone who believes that food can teach as much as it nourishes. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or young reader, you’ll find this journey unforgettable. Step aboard Pete’s traveling kitchen, roll down the coast with Shelly and the kids, and discover how delicious it feels to protect what you love — one meal, one beach, and one big adventure at a time.