Spring 2025

Peacock and Sketch

  • Interest Level: Kindergarten - Grade 3
  • Reading Level: Grade 3

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 instant stardom can be tough and that 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.

Format Your Price Add
978-1-4338-3279-6
$11.24
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on hardcovers and ebooks when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
Interest Level Kindergarten - Grade 3
Reading Level Grade 3
Genre Picture Books
Category SEL: D Relationship Skills, SEL: E Responsible Decision-Making, Social Emotional Learning
Copyright 2022
Publisher American Psychological Association
Imprint Magination Press — American Psychological Association
Language English
Number of Pages 32
Publication Date 2025-01-01
Text Type Fiction
BISACS JUV039060, JUV002040, JUV039220
Dimensions 9 x 9
Features Note to adults, Original artwork, and Reviewed

Reviews

Booklist

“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

Kirkus Reviews

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

School Library Journal

“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