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 her onlineopens in new window and on Facebookopens in new window and Instagramopens in new window.

A fame-obsessed peacock gains much-needed perspective… A helpful title for kids growing up in the social media age.
 —Kirkus Reviews

Prabhat’s use of vibrant colors coupled with Peacock’s expressive poses amplify his proud handsomeness. Readers will note the similarities between Peacock and Mo Willems’s beloved Pigeon, while enjoying the illustrations and wisdom imparted… A gorgeously illustrated cautionary tale about the peaks and valleys of fame, this is a recommended purchase.
 —School Library Journal

It’s an inventive introduction to the increasingly prevalent world of social media and fleeting fame, playfully positing that, while fun can be had in those arenas, real satisfaction comes through real-life friends and deeper interactions. The snazzy illustrations are a delight, and Peacock’s dramatic poses are particularly entertaining. A splashy, sweet story about the pitfalls of fame and the value of true friendship.
—Booklist

• Watch the author read Peacock and Sketchopens in new window. Interested in this book? Purchase a copy to continue (or start) the conversation with the children in your life.
• Navigating Friendship and Social Media (PDF, 110 KB)opens in new window
  Excerpt from the reader's note.