'Big Ears Jack and Friends' is a collection of tall tales featuring extraordinary animals and plants from the Sonoran Desert of Baja California that can bring young people's love for nature to life, generate interest in wildlife, and foster respect for environmental issues.
'Big Ears Jack and Friends', Earl de Berge's bestselling book for young readers, achieved finalist status in the Children's Book International Book Awards, in both the Fable and Nature categories recently. In June, a reviewer from Reader's Views drew parallels with Aesop's Fables and a number of other classic animal stories for young readers.
"Big Ears Jack and Friends by Earl Vincent de Berge is a reading experience similar to Aesop's Fables, in that each chapter is a story featuring an animal, plant, or insect as the main character, with a life lesson for the reader at the end of each adventure/chapter." Rachel Denning wrote.
Denning went on to say, "The stories are similar to what parents or older readers will likely have seen on TV when they were younger, and with the setting being in the desert, if you think of The Lion King, The Wild Thornberrys, or Wild Kratts, you'll get a good idea of what to expect. I like that there is a range of various types of characters, some I knew and others I learned about, and how they have their individual stories, but then are found joining in on other characters' stories as well. As an 'older' reader myself and having read a few of the stories to my preteen kids, I can say they have all been enjoyed and appreciated, regardless of the age gap between us. The messages within the stories are timeless, needing to be remembered and reiterated to members of every generation."
'Big Ears Jack and Friends,' is a captivating story that weaves together a delightful tapestry of tales inspired by the flora and fauna of Baja California's Sonoran Desert. This enchanting collection introduces readers to a vibrant cast, including clever coyotes, playful foxes, whimsical boojum trees, and elusive bobcats. Each story not only entertains but also educates, making it a rare gem that sparks curiosity and wonder about the natural world.
These personalized plants and animals appeal especially to youngsters, capturing their imagination and making the stories engaging and relatable. The narratives’ charm keeps young readers hooked, inviting them to explore the adventures of these lively characters. Each fable is built with an educational backdrop that teaches children about this fascinating ecosystem. Through storytelling, the book subtly introduces concepts related to nature, biodiversity, and environmental awareness. Readers learn about the characteristics and behaviors of these animals, fostering a deeper appreciation for wildlife and their habitats.
Among Jack’s friends readers will meet Nosey and Wag, mischievous coyote brothers; Blue Dasher, a racing dragonfly; the Kangaroo Rat Chorus; tree-lizard Boris; Giro the dust devil; Hawk Conchita and the red ants; Lady Treble Clef, a watchful cactus; Paulina, the puma poet; Diana the musical tarantula; Lady Chrona, a sea lion who dreams of flying; a scheming sea gull named Swindler; the beautiful bobcat Miss Mucha Purrs; Mr. Shellie the chatterbox tortoise; and Young Red Fox and his sweet love, the beautiful rabbit Adorna -- along with many others.
Earl's own adventures in Baja California ignited a profound passion for the desert’s extraordinary wildlife, driving him to share these magical stories with young readers. His own deep appreciation for the Sonoran Desert’s unique plants and animals inspired him to create a chapter book that invites youngsters to explore, learn, and dream, making every tale a gateway to adventure. Older readers enjoy the fun and charm of the stories and find joy in reading them aloud to younger kids.
‘Big Ears Jack and Friends' is available in print and ebook form on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Earl-Vincent-de-Berge/author/B09R6M1G4Y.
In a review of 'Big Ears Jack,' an AWA reviewer said, "One of the book’s greatest strengths is its world-building. De Berge weaves the flora and fauna of Baja California into the narrative, making the setting feel like a character itself. Talking cacti, dust devils playing tag, and wise desert tortoises enrich the stories, placing readers in an enchanting ecosystem where the line between reality and fantasy blurs.
"The themes of community, creativity, and environmental respect run throughout the collection. Young readers will enjoy the magical adventures and witty dialogue, while adults will appreciate the underlying messages about cooperation, individuality, and harmony with nature."
Reviewer Essien Asian said, "The author presents educational information in detail while using the dialogue between the characters to stimulate young readers' imaginations. The mix of strategically placed (illustrations), an engaging narrative style, and thought-provoking subplots regarding these animals ensures that young readers will learn vital lessons in diplomacy and survival from 'Big Ears Jack and Friends' while enjoying a captivating adventure.”
In his review on Amazon Mark Winheld stated, "If you're up for more fantasy fun, you'll be tempted by chapter titles like 'Sheriff Diamondback and the Egg-Thieving Coyotes,' or 'Dianna the Musical Tarantula,' or 'Swindler (a thieving seagull) and Big Umpo the Sea Lion,' or 'Lady Treble Clef and Dust Devils Rescue a Javelina Family,' and many more."
'Big Ears Jack And Friends' is available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Earl-Vincent-de-Berge/author/B09R6M1G4Y and other online book retailers. More information is available at https://www.earldeberge.com/otherbooks.
About Earl Vincent de Berge:
Author Earl Vincent de Berge is an Arizona native, and a writer, photographer, and poet. With a master’s degree in political science from the University of Arizona, he founded Behavior Research Center, Inc. and created the respected and widely published Rocky Mountain Poll (RMP), of which he was Editor for 35 years. Earl’s photographs, logbooks, and essays reflecting on life experiences serve as foundations for his prose and poetry. He has recently published three collections of his poems, “Allegro to Life,” “Swans to Carry Me,” and “Wind in the Elephant Tree,” which touch on nature, human nature, love, desert silence, and life in Guatemala. He is currently assembling “The Man Who Ate His Dreams,” a biography of a rags-to-riches businessman, artist, and poet, as well as the first of possibly many sequels to “Big Ears Jack and Friends.”
Earl and his wife Suzanne split their time between Arizona and Guatemala where they founded the nonprofit Seeds for a Future to help low-income rural women improve their families’ access to adequate food and nutrition (www.seedsforafuture.org).
Contact:
Earl Vincent de Berge
https://www.earldeberge.com/
edb1326@hotmail.com
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