Gaye Levy
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After awhile, one prepping book starts to look like another. It does not really matter whether it is fiction or non-fiction, they all tend to have a common theme. Now don’t get me wrong, I thirst for – no crave for – more. Every book has its own twist on the survival and preparedness message so I keep reading and reading and reading. Okay, you get the drift.
Anyway, today’s book is something unique and different. Prepper Pete Prepares is an introduction to prepping for the kiddos – you know, those little guys and gals that motivate us to keep our planet and world safe for generations to come.
Before we start the interview (and giveaway) with the author, Kermit Jones, I must tell you that when I first received a pre-release copy of Prepper Pete, I was enchanted. To the best of my knowledge it was the first book of its type to hit the marketplace. A few others have been published since then but to me, this is the first and best.
Enjoy the interview with Kermit and be sure to check out the details of this week’s giveaway below.
An Interview with Kermit Jones
Tell me about your book, Prepper Pete Prepares: An Introduction to Prepping for Kids. What is it about?
I think it makes sense if I start at the beginning.
I was working on a fictional Prepper novel, and one of the characters has young children. As they’re trekking through the woods on foot, I asked myself, “how would you prepare children for something like this?”
I have four young daughters, myself, so that naturally led to, “how would I explain this to my own children?” I had seen a few episodes of the show, Doomsday Preppers, and all I knew was that THAT was NOT how I wanted it to go down! I mean, sure, I want them to know that it’s good to be prepared, but scaring them into a gas mask or “going underground” out of fear isn’t what I think we (as Preppers) should be doing. I’d rather teach them critical thinking skills that can be applied to both “prepping times” as well as “normal life.”
I started looking for Prepper books for children, and guess what… there are none! Zilch. Nada. Zero. I was rather shocked. There are one or two for families with children, but they are targeted at adults. I decided I wanted to do something about that!
As for Prepper Pete Prepares: An Introduction to Prepping for Kids – I think the title pretty much says it all! It’s designed to introduce the idea of “prepping” to kids in a non-threatening way.
A lot of people prep for a lot of different reasons, and this book covers a handful of “the big ones” (reasons to prepare). Prepper Pete is an ant who decides he needs to be better prepared, and he starts prepping for a variety of reasons. He stores extra food, learns useful skills like growing a garden, and he starts using equipment that doesn’t require electricity. He also buys a gun and ammunition for hunting and defense, and he also takes a gun safety course and practices often (hey, I didn’t say it’d be popular with everyone!). He tucks his kids in at night assuring them that they can sleep better because they are prepared.
What type of research did you have to do while writing Prepper Pete Prepares?
Perhaps “research” is a bit of a misnomer. With such an entry level topic, the book really revolves around general knowledge from the Prepper/survivalist world. I just wanted to present it in a semi-fun, non-threatening way for kids.
My initial research was to figure out what was on the market… when that came up empty, I just started writing. I’ve always enjoyed sharing with and teaching children, and I enjoy heading up family events and shin-digs such as Vacation Bible School, AWANAs, community events, etc. People normally comment that my interaction with kids is great, but between you and me… I’m usually just having fun! But it seems to work.
How long did it take to write?
I always joke and tell people that it took about an hour to write. Whereas that may be true for the initial layout and rough draft, it’s actually taken about six months (in between life, work, family, kids, etc.) to bring to market. That includes having to find an illustrator (who is also working in between life, work, family, kids, etc.), having the images digitized, layout for the digital guy, more layout for the digital guy (sorry, Jeff!), etc.
So the “writing” of it was the quick and easy part! The preparation and final editing, on the other hand, has proven to be quite a bit much! Every time I say, “I think this is it!” – someone comes along and says, “how about this…” and it initiates another round of edits. I think each round makes it better, though, so it’s definitely worth it!
Every book, fiction and non-fiction, includes a message. What message do you hope my readers will take with them after reading Prepper Pete Prepares: An Introduction to Prepping for Kids?
Well, first, I think that being prepared is a fabulous idea. Prepper Pete covers natural disasters, economic collapse, solar flares, and the like!
But the message doesn’t have to be scary. In fact, his signature quote is that he tells his kids, “Some people prepare because they are afraid. Our family doesn’t have to be afraid… because we are prepared!” And I think that’s the heart of it… everyone should prepare for the right reason, and they should realize that it’s a mindset as much as anything else.
Can you tell us a little bit more about yourself?
Well, I already mentioned four daughters (ages 4, 6, 8, and 10). I’ve been married for over thirteen fabulous years to an amazing woman that continues to put up with me and my (sometimes) hair-brained schemes… you know, like when I up and decide to become a Prepper… or perhaps a children’s book author! Okay, so the Prepper thing has been a bit of our nature since we’ve always believed in self-sufficiency and living within our means.
I grew up in the heart of Virginia… a very rural community – as in, go to the middle of nowhere and hang a left! A little over 110 in my graduating class for the entire county, and no stoplights in the entire county, either (even though it’s one of the largest land-sized in the Commonwealth of Virginia).
Let’s see… I’m a Chaplain in the Navy, and I was on Active Duty up until February of this year when I transitioned into the Reserves. I hope to return to Active Duty soon, but in the meantime, I work as a government civilian. As for schooling, I graduated from the Naval Academy in 1998 (was a Surface Warfare Officer) and later Seminary in 2005 (when I entered the Chaplain Corps).
Do you have plans for another book?
Definitely! The next three are already written, and we’re just waiting on the illustrator to catch up! But as I said… she’s busy with real life, too!
Prepper Pete’s Twelve Days of Prepper Christmas is just a fun, short book, based on some gifts my family gave me when I first “got into prepping.” They literally came out singing the song with some pretty resourceful gifts that all fit into “a Luggable Loo with some bio T.P.” (the first day of Prepper Christmas gift). That one will be out in November or December, as well.
Prepper Pete’s Gun of Son is a gun safety book for kids. I’m a firm believer in firearm safety, but I also think that familiarity for young people is key. It prevents the “forbidden fruit” syndrome. I’ve already had quite a bit of interest from several firearm safety instructors, and we’re hoping it will be out in early 2014.
Survivalist Sam Stocks Up is a fun book that introduces Bean, Bullets, Bandages, and Bad Guys to explain a different aspect of prepping for kids. Already written… should be after Gun of a Son.
At the moment, the last one on the list is Prepper Pete Gets Out of Dodge which is “a bug-out book for kids.” It deals with being on the move, OPSEC (operational security), etc. Hopefully mid-2014.
Okay, I lied… that’s not the last. We hope to come up with an “Activity Book for Kids” soon, too. It’ll cover things kids need to know to be prepared for various situations… when and how to call 9-1-1 and what to say, locate a fire extinguisher and how to stop, drop, and roll, etc. Perhaps what to do if you find yourself lost. The sort of stuff they used to teach in school, but that I don’t see being taught these days. Parents can go over each issue with their kids and “sign them off” when they demonstrate they know what to do. Maybe it’ll also be a coloring book… who knows!
Is there anything else you would like to share with my readers?
To be honest, I’m just honored to have an opportunity to share anything, including this book! But if I had one thing to share with the grownups, it would be to teach every kid you know the importance of being resourceful and thinking critically! That, and remember that prepping doesn’t have to be harsh or scary. In fact, you can make it fun, and it will be just as effective (if not more so!).
Who is the publisher and will your book be sold online at Amazon?
The publisher is Kamel Press (www.KamelPress.com), a small, young company with an array of genres. Their first book was a Prepper fiction novel (they’ve had others since then). Prepper Pete will be their first children’s book. As for buying options, is on Amazon and available for purchase in pretty much all bookstores (though not on the shelf).
The Book Giveaway
A copy of Prepper Pete Prepares has been reserved for one lucky reader. Here is this week’s book festival question:
What suggestion do you have to ensure that the children in your life (children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends) do not become afraid during a disaster or crisis event?
To enter the giveaway, you need to answer this question by responding in the comments area at the end of this article. The deadline is 6:00 PM Pacific next Wednesday with the winner notified by email and announced in the Sunday Survival Buzz. He or she will have 48 hours to claim the winning books.
Note: If you are reading this article in your email client, you must go to the Backdoor Survival website to enter this giveaway in the comments area at the bottom of this article.
The Final Word
In my opinion, we all need to focus some of our preparedness efforts on the young people that will be around long after we are gone. Instilling a preparedness mindset early is important but it needs to be done in a manner that is engaging in fun. I commend Kermit for writing some great books that will help the kiddos ease into prepping in their own special way – without fear and with abundant enthusiasm.
I hope you will enter the giveaway to win your own copy of this fabulous new book!
Enjoy your next adventure through common sense and thoughtful preparation!
Gaye
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Spotlight Item: Prepper Pete Prepares: An Introduction to Prepping for Kids
Prepper Pete works very hard to keep his family safe by preparing for events that may happen in the future… things such as power outages, bad storms, illness, and other disasters. Join our hero as he explores the many reasons to “be prepared” and fun things your family can do, too!
Children will love this fabulously illustrated book that shows them, in a fun and non-threatening way, how to be ready in case things go wrong.
Bargain Bin: Today is all about books. Listed below are all of the books in the current Backdoor Survival Book Festival. There are both fiction and non-fiction titles and a bit of something for everyone.
THE BACKDOOR SURVIVAL BOOK FESTIVAL 4.0 – NON-FICTION
Backyard Cuisine: Bringing Foraged Food to Your Table
Home Remedies
Living on the Edge: A Family’s Journey to Self-Sufficiency
Make It Last: Prolonging + Preserving the Things We Love
Make Your Place: Affordable, Sustainable Nesting Skills
The Pocket Guide to Wild Mushrooms: Helpful Tips for Mushrooming in the Field
Good Clean Food
The Amazing 2000-Hour Flashlight
Recipes and Tips for Sustainable Living
The People’s Apocalypse
Go Green, Spend Less, Live Better
THE BACKDOOR SURVIVAL BOOK FESTIVAL 4.0 – FICTION
Going Home: A Novel of Survival (The Survivalist Series)
Surviving Home: A Novel (The Survivalist Series)
Expatriates: A Novel of the Coming Global Collapse
The Border Marches
Rivers: A Novel
After the Blackout
The End: A Postapocalyptic Novel (The New World Series)
The Long Road: A Postapocalyptic Novel (The New World Series)
3 Prepper Romances: Escape To My Arms, plus 2 other e-books (your choice)
Prepper Pete Prepares: An Introduction to Prepping for Kids
THE BACKDOOR SURVIVAL BOOK FESTIVAL 4.0 – LAST MINUTE ADDITIONS
The New Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day: The Discovery That Revolutionizes Home Baking
Escaping Home: A Novel (The Survivalist Series)
Living Ready Pocket Manual – First Aid: Fundamentals for Survival
Shop the Emergency Essentials Monthly Specials: The monthly specials at Emergency Essentials feature discounts of up to 35% off sometimes a bit more.
This month the big news is that all Mountain House tins are 25% off. Of course my favorite is the Mountain House Chili Mac 
but I know the Beef Stroganoff is really popular as well.
A recent Mountain House Order
Other specials to consider are the Baking Mixes Combo and Butter Powder, both of which I use regularly. The butter powder, especially, is good for baking in an automatic bread machine.
These are just a few of the items that are on sale. Click on this link for more: Shop the Emergency Essentials Monthly Specials.
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The Amazon Top Ten Most Wanted Survival and Outdoor Items
Emergency Preparedness Items from Amazon.com
Help support Backdoor Survival. Purchases earn a small commission and for that I thank you!
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My eBook, The Prepper’s Guide to Food Storage will provide you with everything you need to create an affordable food storage plan, including what to buy and how to store it. Nothing scary and nothing overwhelming – you really can do this! Now available at Amazon.
32 Responses to “BDS Book Festival – Prepper Pete Prepares + Interview with Kermit Jones”
I think it’s important to talk about the possibility of different crises scenarios with your children and become confident yourself in self-sustainability. If adults remain calm and confident, children will as well. Having God in your lives and leaning on him is huge as well!
We try to teach the kids about practical preparedness every chance we get. We are intentional about gifts such as; paracord bracelets and key chains; flashlights and headlamps; etc. Over time we teach about how other things come in handy at times and how it is better to have it when you need it; then to need it and not have it.
We also teach the kids about God, His Word and prayer. We let them know that we are responsible for what we can do and God will take care of what we cannot do. We do all we can to prepare and we still pray and trust Him.
My kids are teens and have learned from a very young age that work will keep your home running smoothly and everyone has a job to do. When notified of a storm coming we break down what we need done in smaller pieces, and then we eqch takeca “piece”. Water, heat, backup cooking, generator, animals extra feed & water, shovels at the ready, vehicles facing out and candles and flashlights handy. Makes life so much easier!
I think I would want to read this to my husband. He sees no reason to prep, even though, when he was laid off we ate the food I had saved. Even though,We are in the worst drough…..ever! And unless it rains..a lot we will be buying bottled water just to take a bath. And,even though just 45 min away in San Jose someone tried to bring down the power grid.( you can look it up in the Wall Street Journal, we where miss led at first. )
I think the greatest deterrent to fear is preparedness. As a former Girl Scout, I learned the wisdom of redundancy. As a 70 year old adult, I am absolutely confident that God has a “work-around” contingency plan for everything. I just ask for wisdom — and it comes. Teaching my grandchildren to PLAN, helping them obtain resources for emergencies, practicing the plan and then having fun with the “what if” scenarios that pop when the glitches take place. Kids are wonderfully resourceful and inventive. Being part of the solution helps us stay in control, practice produces confidence, and faith calms us down lets us activate the PLAN.
I have taught all my children and now my grandchildren how to use all types of weapons, and their safety. at a young age. My one grandson that carries on my last name received my old Winchester, at the age of 8, that my grandfather gave me. My other grandson received my Ruger 9 mil at the age of 12, after he had shot his first deer at the age of 11. 2 deers at the age of 12, and one deer at the age of 13. Ky country life is a way they are all taught. When they see my food storage room, most say “gee granddad, I wish our store room had that much food”. Teach by example at a young age.
PS. The targets we shoot at are photos of Nancy and Diane.
Children are amazing little sponges. My boys ( 4 1/2 and 1 1/2) pick up on the smallest details of every day life. I will try to summarize.
Tell them the truth in simple terms
Show them how to do things (everything!) and explain why
Encourage participation (closely supervised, of course)
Make time for silly play every day
Remember you are their role model! I believe life does not need to be made into a game for children to learn, but it also does not need to be demonstrated as scary or drudgery either. Put a positive but realistic spin on life.
And, as my older son has adopted from the book “The Lion and The Mouse,” Always help others. When we have our affairs in order, there is no need to panic and we can focus on helping others. Such a great distraction during scary moments!
Such great answers!! I almost wish I had little ones around again. I did want to stress not talking down to kids, but involve them instead. Give them tasks to do that are age appropriate and help them feel they are helping everyone get thru the situation. Practice when you can before it is real and let’s all pray that is doesn’t get real, ever.
I don’t want to be entered into the drawing as I just won something, but just wanted to put my 2 cents in anyway. Good luck to everyone.
We are currently having very heavy snow here in Northwest Oregon. I have my grandsons (6 1/2 and 5)here and we are snowed in, as my daughter and son in law cannot get up the steep road and our narrow drive. Even the mail did not get in today. Our power went out for a few minutes about an hour ago. The older boy grabbed the flashlight, the younger just ran about cheering. Seems as if that is a fun time thing, as they did not panic, but reacted positive. By staying calm in past outages I must have taught then it is OK! So I echo the others….stay calm! Also, our home is warm from the woodstove, and water is hot for cocoa. So even though we have been snowed in for 3 days now, we are warm, fed, and calm!
Gaye, Thank you so very much for your thoroughness! In addition to winning a copy through your fabulous Festival, people are welcome to like Prepper Pete on Facebook for a chance to win the upcoming “Gun of a Son” book!
You rock!
Kemrit