Peacock and Sketch

This fun story about the highs and lows of media stardom is perfect for readers not yet ready for Charlotte's Web.

A gorgeous peacock hatches an escape from the zoo in search of fame, only to realize that it's not all that it's cracked up to be, and that instant stardom can be tough and beauty is more than feathers deep.

Peacock loves to see his friend Sketch, a girl who comes to the zoo and inks drawings of him. But life was lonely when she wasn't around. As a free bird, his adventures attract all the attention he’d always dreamed of, adoring fans, tons of photos, and news headlines. But when he starts to molt, as peacocks do, his tail feathers fall out. His fame evaporates, and Peacock finally comes to appreciate Sketch, who’s stayed by his side from the beginning.

This story is a lighthearted exploration of the fleeting nature of social media stardom, and the importance of real-world friendships. Includes a Note to Parents and Caregivers about how to navigate social media with kids.  

Dr. Allan Peterkin is a physician and writer. He is a professor of psychiatry and family medicine and head of the Program in Health, Arts, and Humanities at the University of Toronto. Dr. Peterkin is the author
of several children’s books, including Chill, The Flyaway Blanket, and The Dream Journal. He lives in Toronto, Canada.

Sandhya Prabhat is an independent animator and illustrator. She earned her MFA in Animation and Digital Arts from NYU Tisch School of the Arts Asia, and a BA in literature from Stella Maris College. Sandhya has illustrated many children's books, including Ani's Light. She lives in the Bay Area of California. Visit sandhyaprabhat.com and @SandhyaPrabhat on Facebook and Instagram.