Set along Florida's stunning Emerald Coast, Pescado Pete's Traveling Culinary School - Panhandle Turtle Trail Edition invites readers of all ages on a sun-soaked journey filled with discovery, laughter and the joy of cooking by the sea. This imaginative storybook follows the adventures of Pescado Pete - a lovable chef with a heart as big as the Gulf - and his clever sidekick, Shelly the sea turtle, as they teach a group of kids how food, friendship, and conservation go hand in hand. From the pastel cottages of Rosemary Beach to the sugar-white sands of Pensacola, Pete's bright silver school bus-turned-kitchen rumbles along Highway 30A, serving up lessons that mix science, sustainability, and storytelling.
Each stop brings a new recipe inspired by local flavors and a chance to learn about the environment that makes the Gulf Coast so special. Children discover how fishermen use turtle-safe nets, how recycling helps protect sea life, and why caring for coastal ecosystems ensures there's always a future for both fish and families. At every destination, readers are treated to a sensory feast. They can almost smell the butter sizzling on cast-iron griddles, hear the waves lapping at the docks, and feel the warm coastal breeze carrying the aroma of shrimp, citrus, and spice. Pete shows his students that cooking isn't just about following a recipe - it's about creativity, respect, and connection. Shelly reminds them that every action, no matter how small, makes a difference to the ocean and the creatures who call it home.
The Panhandle Turtle Trail Edition blends the excitement of a road trip with the wonder of hands-on learning. Each chapter includes vibrant illustrations by George Paul Trudeau that capture the charm of Florida's coastal communities - from bustling seafood markets and quiet barrier islands to family picnics under palm trees. The companion coloring book section invites young readers to interact with the story, transforming every page into a shared family experience. Beyond the adventure, the book carries a deeper message: that understanding where our food comes from and how it affects the planet can inspire lifelong care for nature. The recipes are simple enough for kids to try with adult supervision, yet meaningful enough to spark conversations about sustainability, kindness, and gratitude. Whether readers are learning how to make Seaside Shrimp Tacos, Grayton Beach Grouper, or Pensacola Key Lime Pie, each dish celebrates the beauty of fresh, local ingredients and the joy of cooking together.
Theriot, Pye: - "Pye Theriot is a lifelong food lover, storyteller, and coastal adventurer whose work celebrates the magic found where land meets sea - and where good food brings people together. Born with a Cajun heart and a Gulf Coast soul, Pye grew up surrounded by the flavors, laughter, and traditions of Louisiana's kitchens and Florida's beaches. Those early memories of family gatherings, local markets, and cast-iron pots simmering with gumbo became the foundation for a lifetime spent exploring the connection between culture, cuisine, and conservation.As founder of Coastal Foodies of Florida LLC, Pye has combined his passions for storytelling, culinary education, and ocean stewardship into a creative mission: to teach others that every meal tells a story, and every choice can help protect the waters that feed us. His work spans food and travel writing, children's literature, and environmental outreach - all united by the belief that cooking is both an art and an act of care. Through Coastal Foodies, he partners with chefs, educators, and conservation groups to highlight local ingredients, traditional recipes, and the people who keep coastal communities thriving.The Pescado Pete's Traveling Culinary School series grew out of that mission - a joyful blend of adventure, humor, and hands-on learning designed to inspire the next generation of food lovers and ocean caretakers. Pye's colorful storytelling invites readers to taste the world, one coastline at a time, while discovering how small everyday actions can make a lasting difference for the planet.When he's not writing or developing new projects, Pye can often be found exploring Florida's Panhandle with his wife, Janet, his creative partner and fellow traveler. Together, they have built a life around discovery - photographing shorebirds, sampling local seafood, and meeting the people whose stories shape the spirit of the coast.Deeply rooted in the rhythms of the Gulf and guided by a passion for preservation, Pye continues to share his belief that the best adventures start in the kitchen - with an open heart, a shared table, and a love for the sea."
