A Pika's Adventure (Children's Book)

Journey with Pip the American Pika: A Tale of Friendship, Transformation, and Adventure

Pip the Pika Meeting Mona the Caterpillar

In the rugged talus slopes of Montana, amidst the towering rocks and vibrant wildflowers, lives Pip, a tiny American pika with a heart as big as the mountains themselves. Pip spends her days bustling about, gathering a colorful assortment of forbs, flowers, moss, twigs, and mushrooms with her sharp teeth. These treasures are carefully stashed away in her hay pile — her all-you-can-eat salad bar for the harsh winter ahead.

After a busy day of collecting, Pip loves to bask in the warm sun on talus rocks, marveling at the graceful flight of ravens, magpies, and eagles soaring high above. "They're so lucky to have wings," she often muses, feeling a pang of longing to experience the freedom of flight herself.

Pip Watching Birds Fly

One fateful afternoon, while gathering vegetation for her hay pile, Pip encounters Mona, a slow-moving caterpillar munching contentedly on leaves. Mona introduces herself in a deliberate, gentle voice, adorned in vibrant greens and golds, hinting at the transformation to come.

Despite their differences — Pip is quick and agile, Mona is slow and deliberate — the two become fast friends, sharing stories under the twinkling night sky. But their newfound bond is soon tested by two mischievous ermines, Quick and Flick, who cruelly tease Mona for her deliberate pace and colorful appearance. It's a poignant moment that touches on themes of bullying and acceptance, resonating deeply with young readers.

Quick and Flick Bothering Mona the Caterpillar

Enter a wise yellow-bellied marmot, who steps in to defend Pip and Mona, teaching valuable lessons about standing up to bullies and embracing differences. With the marmot's intervention, the ermines are whisked away by a golden eagle, ensuring peace returns to Pip's rocky home.

As autumn wanes and Pip's hay pile grows, disaster strikes in the form of two hungry mountain goats, devouring her meticulously stored winter food supply. Distraught, Pip turns to Mona for comfort and finds solace in their shared friendship and resilience.

Mountain Goats Eating Pip's Haypile

Mona, meanwhile, continues her own journey of transformation, climbing a tree to weave herself into a chrysalis. Pip watches in awe as her friend undergoes a miraculous metamorphosis, preparing to emerge as a magnificent monarch butterfly. It's a poignant moment of change, touching on themes of growth and transformation that resonate with children experiencing their own personal changes, much like puberty.

Pip the Pika, Watching Mona Emerge

When Mona finally emerges from her chrysalis, adorned in vibrant orange and black wings, Pip is amazed. "You can fly!" she exclaims, marveling at Mona's newfound freedom. Inspired by her friend's wings, Pip's inventive marmot friend creates a prototype flying contraption using local materials, harnessing Mona's flight to help Pip soar through the skies.

Together, Pip and Mona embark on an incredible journey to Mexico, where thousands of monarch butterflies migrate annually to escape the cold northern winters. They marvel at the vast landscapes of Mexico, filled with fluttering monarchs and breathtaking beauty. Inspired by the ocean's waves, Pip learns to surf and opens a taco and burrito shop by the beach, bringing joy and delicious flavors to their new friends.

Pip in Mexico, Watching Monarch Butterflies

Through Pip and Mona's adventures, children learn about friendship, courage, and the power of transformation. It's a story that captivates with its vibrant colors, whimsical characters, and heartfelt lessons, encouraging young readers to embrace their unique qualities and spread their wings to explore new horizons.

Whether read aloud or enjoyed as a beautifully illustrated tale, "Pip the American Pika" promises to inspire and delight children of all ages, leaving them eager to embark on their own adventures and discover the magic that lies within every friendship and every transformation.

Pip the Pika on Her Haypile

This delightful story was written by Jere Folgert, with the invaluable help of our twin boys, Rowan and Seneca. Their voices and ideas shaped every page, as they were right there with us, offering thoughts like, "Yes, that's perfect!" or "Nope, I don't like that." Their creative input brought the characters to life in ways we never could have imagined alone. Reading to kids and involving them in the creative process sparks curiosity and inspiration, opening doors to endless possibilities. When children engage with books in this way, it encourages them to think critically, ask questions, and most importantly, dream big. As they listen to stories like Pip’s, their imaginations soar, and they realize that anything is possible — from flying with butterflies to opening a taco shop by the beach. It’s this interaction that truly makes the world of books come alive, igniting a spark of creativity that will last a lifetime.