Podcast Summary: Living The Next Chapter

Episode E677 – Peter Cotton: Tales from Frank the Snake for Children from a Doctor, Grandfather, and Storyteller

Host: Dave Campbell
Guest: Dr. Peter Cotton
Date: February 20, 2026

Episode Overview

In this heartwarming and lively episode, host Dave Campbell sits down with Dr. Peter Cotton, a retired gastroenterologist turned children’s author, best known for his “Fred the Snake” series. They explore Peter’s unique journey from a world-renowned medical career to writing amusing, educational rhyming stories for children. The episode delves into Peter's inspirations, the creation of Fred the Snake, collaborating with his illustrator, weaving educational themes into his books, and the joy of sharing these stories with his grandchildren and young readers worldwide.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Peter Cotton’s Medical Background and Shift to Storytelling

Retirement and New Beginnings:
- After retiring from medicine, Peter was encouraged by his wife and children to revisit a bedtime story—about Fred the Snake—he once told his kids over 30 years ago.
- “I was very fortunate in being at the beginning of the flexible instruments, endoscopes … I was fortunate to be one of the pioneers … wrote a lot about it, traveled and lectured … but now I've really concentrated more on the children's books.” ([02:35-03:35])
From Technical to Imaginative Writing:
- “Medical articles and textbooks have to be very carefully thought through and researched … Whereas children’s books, do anything you like.” ([09:22])

The Origin and Magic of Fred the Snake

Genesis of the Character:
- Fred began as a cautionary bedtime tale to teach his children about crossing the road safely.
- After rediscovering the text decades later, Peter collaborated with Canadian illustrator Bonnie Lemaire to bring Fred to life in book form.
Family as Inspiration:
- Peter’s grandchildren, Purdy and Jack, appear as characters in more recent books. “They've been all over the place together ... including in the most recent book that we just published.” ([06:51])
Including Educational and Moral Lessons:
- The books blend fun adventures with lessons about road safety, trying new experiences at school, being cautious around nature, and the importance of safety at the beach.
- “I was trying to be amusing and fun, but also a bit educational. There’s some morals ... for instance, in the camping book, it’s careful about mushrooms and berries ... in the beach book ... being careful when you’re swimming in the ocean.” ([07:31])

Collaborating with a Creative Illustrator

Bonnie Lemaire’s Essential Contribution:
- “She’s actually more than half of the books ... Every time we get a nice review, everyone talks about the illustrations and not me, which is great.” ([10:48])
- The process includes Peter supplying the rhyming text and Bonnie contributing sketches, often adding her own creative ideas.
- “She not only illustrates what my text ... but she throws things in as well. She’s an innovator ... It’s very much a team effort.” ([12:20])
On Creative Control:
- “Pretty much let them do their thing … Give them the text ... a few suggestions ... she comes back with sketches ... and then go into color.” ([13:05])

Adventure, Education, and Humor

Themes and Adventures:
- Fred the Snake’s journeys often involve traveling across the United States, visiting famous sites, and overcoming challenges—all intended to be both entertaining and education-laden for young readers.
- Stories are laced with rhyming humor, visual gags, and gentle morals.
Rhythm and Memorable Messages:
- The books’ rhyme schemes and illustrations evoke classics like Beatrix Potter and the Cautionary Tales of Hilaire Belloc.
- “I loved the books I enjoyed when I was a kid, which were ... a lot of illustrations and some of them in rhyming. Like Hilaire Belloc ... Cautionary tales, children’s books.” ([18:52])

Family, Community, and Legacy

Intergenerational Connections:
- Peter cherishes being able to share his stories both with his immediate and extended family—including his great-grandchildren—and through live readings in classrooms and public libraries.
- “Oh, I love it. Yeah, I love it ... We're aimed at sort of three to eight year olds ... they like to play with Fred.” ([17:06])
Personal Touch:
- Having family members as book characters is seen as a treasured legacy.
- “I've got a bunch of grandchildren and now three and three quarter great grandchildren. So they join in ... they seem to enjoy them.” ([20:48])

Community and Environment

Life on a Unique Island:
- Peter describes his life on Dewees Island, a car-free, eco-conscious community near Charleston, South Carolina—with wild beaches, no shops, and a tight-knit social scene.
- “It’s a remarkable community of people … I've been chairman of the social committee here for 15 plus years and we arrange a lot of events, get togethers. It really couldn't be more fun than ... It's great.” ([28:40-29:29])

Looking Forward

More Fred Adventures?
- Although Peter is currently focused on a new edition of his memoirs, he hints that more Fred the Snake stories are possible in the future:
- “Fred 11 is on the back burner, but we'll see, he's still a possibility for us.” ([26:19])
Book Availability:
- All ten Fred the Snake books can be purchased individually or in packages (including the USA Trilogy) directly from his website, signed by Peter.
- “I sell signed copies of all the books from the website and individually or in a package of all ten of them.” ([31:10])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Embracing His Name
- “I was apparently named after a rabbit, Peter Cottontail ... I had a choice either to get irritated when people kept asking me that question or to embrace it ... So we got a lot of rabbits around the place.” —Peter Cotton ([01:21])
On Educational Stories for Kids
- “The first book was to teach them how not to cross the road ... there are some morals ... but I haven't actually got into digestive hygiene or ... the poop stuff.” —Peter Cotton ([13:46] and [14:08])
On the Impact of School Visits
- “He [Fred the Snake] and I go together to read at schools and libraries ... the teachers hate that. Scrabbling around, trying to chase off this electric snake.” —Peter Cotton ([16:34])
On the Influence of Classic Children’s Books
- “Winnie the Pooh was one of my favorites and has always been remain so … I loved the Cautionary Tales of Hilaire Belloc ... they're in rhyming and very strong on teaching people what to do or what not to do.” —Peter Cotton ([23:44])
On the Joy of Being an Author for Kids
- “I still remember an author coming to my school in Canada ... I’m in my mid-50s and I still remember ... the actual person is standing there ... like a superstar ... So I'm sure there's an impact for your children that come to you.” —Dave Campbell ([19:37])

Important Segment Timestamps

[02:35–03:52] – Peter describes his medical background and why he transitioned to writing for children
[04:44–05:56] – Introduction of Fred the Snake and the first book’s creation
[07:31–09:00] – On rhyming, illustration, and blending fun with moral lessons
[10:48–12:54] – Partnership with illustrator Bonnie Lemaire, her creative input, and team effort
[14:08–14:44] – Discussion of future books on healthy eating and humor around “poop” themes
[17:06–17:35] – The joy and chaos of school readings with Fred and an electric snake
[23:44–25:27] – Reflecting on childhood favorites and cautionary tales
[26:30–26:40] – Peter celebrates the release of the tenth Fred book
[28:40–29:29] – Life in an eco-friendly island community and its impact on his stories

Closing Thoughts

This episode is a testament to living a vibrant "next chapter" in life, as Peter Cotton reveals how anyone can combine expertise from a previous career with storytelling to touch new generations. Through humor, rhyme, and adventure, his Fred the Snake books both entertain and educate, making bedtime stories memorable for families everywhere.

“Please go fall in love with Fred … I'm sure he’d love to spend some time with you and your children and tell great stories, travel the world. … For helping us to make memories with our children. … everyone, go check out petercottentails.com.”
—Dave Campbell, Host ([32:43-33:38])

Podcast Summary: Living The Next Chapter

Episode E677 – Peter Cotton: Tales from Frank the Snake for Children from a Doctor, Grandfather, and Storyteller

Host: Dave Campbell
Guest: Dr. Peter Cotton
Date: February 20, 2026

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Peter Cotton’s Medical Background and Shift to Storytelling

Retirement and New Beginnings:
- After retiring from medicine, Peter was encouraged by his wife and children to revisit a bedtime story—about Fred the Snake—he once told his kids over 30 years ago.
- “I was very fortunate in being at the beginning of the flexible instruments, endoscopes … I was fortunate to be one of the pioneers … wrote a lot about it, traveled and lectured … but now I've really concentrated more on the children's books.” ([02:35-03:35])
From Technical to Imaginative Writing:
- “Medical articles and textbooks have to be very carefully thought through and researched … Whereas children’s books, do anything you like.” ([09:22])

The Origin and Magic of Fred the Snake

Genesis of the Character:
- Fred began as a cautionary bedtime tale to teach his children about crossing the road safely.
- After rediscovering the text decades later, Peter collaborated with Canadian illustrator Bonnie Lemaire to bring Fred to life in book form.
Family as Inspiration:
- Peter’s grandchildren, Purdy and Jack, appear as characters in more recent books. “They've been all over the place together ... including in the most recent book that we just published.” ([06:51])
Including Educational and Moral Lessons:
- The books blend fun adventures with lessons about road safety, trying new experiences at school, being cautious around nature, and the importance of safety at the beach.
- “I was trying to be amusing and fun, but also a bit educational. There’s some morals ... for instance, in the camping book, it’s careful about mushrooms and berries ... in the beach book ... being careful when you’re swimming in the ocean.” ([07:31])

Collaborating with a Creative Illustrator

Bonnie Lemaire’s Essential Contribution:
- “She’s actually more than half of the books ... Every time we get a nice review, everyone talks about the illustrations and not me, which is great.” ([10:48])
- The process includes Peter supplying the rhyming text and Bonnie contributing sketches, often adding her own creative ideas.
- “She not only illustrates what my text ... but she throws things in as well. She’s an innovator ... It’s very much a team effort.” ([12:20])
On Creative Control:
- “Pretty much let them do their thing … Give them the text ... a few suggestions ... she comes back with sketches ... and then go into color.” ([13:05])

Adventure, Education, and Humor

Themes and Adventures:
- Fred the Snake’s journeys often involve traveling across the United States, visiting famous sites, and overcoming challenges—all intended to be both entertaining and education-laden for young readers.
- Stories are laced with rhyming humor, visual gags, and gentle morals.
Rhythm and Memorable Messages:
- The books’ rhyme schemes and illustrations evoke classics like Beatrix Potter and the Cautionary Tales of Hilaire Belloc.
- “I loved the books I enjoyed when I was a kid, which were ... a lot of illustrations and some of them in rhyming. Like Hilaire Belloc ... Cautionary tales, children’s books.” ([18:52])

Family, Community, and Legacy

Intergenerational Connections:
- Peter cherishes being able to share his stories both with his immediate and extended family—including his great-grandchildren—and through live readings in classrooms and public libraries.
- “Oh, I love it. Yeah, I love it ... We're aimed at sort of three to eight year olds ... they like to play with Fred.” ([17:06])
Personal Touch:
- Having family members as book characters is seen as a treasured legacy.
- “I've got a bunch of grandchildren and now three and three quarter great grandchildren. So they join in ... they seem to enjoy them.” ([20:48])

Community and Environment

Life on a Unique Island:
- Peter describes his life on Dewees Island, a car-free, eco-conscious community near Charleston, South Carolina—with wild beaches, no shops, and a tight-knit social scene.
- “It’s a remarkable community of people … I've been chairman of the social committee here for 15 plus years and we arrange a lot of events, get togethers. It really couldn't be more fun than ... It's great.” ([28:40-29:29])

Looking Forward

More Fred Adventures?
- Although Peter is currently focused on a new edition of his memoirs, he hints that more Fred the Snake stories are possible in the future:
- “Fred 11 is on the back burner, but we'll see, he's still a possibility for us.” ([26:19])
Book Availability:
- All ten Fred the Snake books can be purchased individually or in packages (including the USA Trilogy) directly from his website, signed by Peter.
- “I sell signed copies of all the books from the website and individually or in a package of all ten of them.” ([31:10])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Embracing His Name
- “I was apparently named after a rabbit, Peter Cottontail ... I had a choice either to get irritated when people kept asking me that question or to embrace it ... So we got a lot of rabbits around the place.” —Peter Cotton ([01:21])
On Educational Stories for Kids
- “The first book was to teach them how not to cross the road ... there are some morals ... but I haven't actually got into digestive hygiene or ... the poop stuff.” —Peter Cotton ([13:46] and [14:08])
On the Impact of School Visits
- “He [Fred the Snake] and I go together to read at schools and libraries ... the teachers hate that. Scrabbling around, trying to chase off this electric snake.” —Peter Cotton ([16:34])
On the Influence of Classic Children’s Books
- “Winnie the Pooh was one of my favorites and has always been remain so … I loved the Cautionary Tales of Hilaire Belloc ... they're in rhyming and very strong on teaching people what to do or what not to do.” —Peter Cotton ([23:44])
On the Joy of Being an Author for Kids
- “I still remember an author coming to my school in Canada ... I’m in my mid-50s and I still remember ... the actual person is standing there ... like a superstar ... So I'm sure there's an impact for your children that come to you.” —Dave Campbell ([19:37])

Important Segment Timestamps

[02:35–03:52] – Peter describes his medical background and why he transitioned to writing for children
[04:44–05:56] – Introduction of Fred the Snake and the first book’s creation
[07:31–09:00] – On rhyming, illustration, and blending fun with moral lessons
[10:48–12:54] – Partnership with illustrator Bonnie Lemaire, her creative input, and team effort
[14:08–14:44] – Discussion of future books on healthy eating and humor around “poop” themes
[17:06–17:35] – The joy and chaos of school readings with Fred and an electric snake
[23:44–25:27] – Reflecting on childhood favorites and cautionary tales
[26:30–26:40] – Peter celebrates the release of the tenth Fred book
[28:40–29:29] – Life in an eco-friendly island community and its impact on his stories

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E677 - Peter Cotton - Tales from Frank the Snake for Children from a Doctor, Grandfather and Storyteller

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Summary

Podcast Summary: Living The Next Chapter

Episode E677 – Peter Cotton: Tales from Frank the Snake for Children from a Doctor, Grandfather, and Storyteller

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Peter Cotton’s Medical Background and Shift to Storytelling

The Origin and Magic of Fred the Snake

Collaborating with a Creative Illustrator

Adventure, Education, and Humor

Family, Community, and Legacy

Community and Environment

Looking Forward

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Important Segment Timestamps

Further Reading and Where to Find the Books

Closing Thoughts

Summary

Podcast Summary: Living The Next Chapter

Episode E677 – Peter Cotton: Tales from Frank the Snake for Children from a Doctor, Grandfather, and Storyteller

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Peter Cotton’s Medical Background and Shift to Storytelling

The Origin and Magic of Fred the Snake

Collaborating with a Creative Illustrator

Adventure, Education, and Humor

Family, Community, and Legacy

Community and Environment

Looking Forward

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Important Segment Timestamps

Further Reading and Where to Find the Books

Closing Thoughts