KISS THE BUTTERFLY

Terrorism, trust, and transformation in the heart of the Amazon

Before Martin and Chris Kratt were Wild Kratts, we were Earth Creatures. I joined Martin and Chris when they were trying to launch a concept of wildlife films for children.

This story is based on the beginning of what is now a multi-generational wildlife show called Wild Kratt’s©, The Kratt Brothers©, Zooboomafoo©, and many more titles. In essence, this is the meaning of the “Butterfly Effect.”… the actions you take, whether positive or negative, will have lasting and even global effects in the future.

The novel occurs between 1990 and 1995 in Chapel Hill, NC, Warren, NJ, Peru, and Jackson Hole, WY.

Character names have been changed since the story takes twists and turns interwoven in fact and fiction.

So, join me in flight as we embark on one wild adventure…get your bug spray out!

KISS THE BUTTERFLY | 76,138 Words is a historical fiction novel based on the adventures of wildlife photographer Jessica Bridgeford through the Peruvian Amazon in 1992. This happened to be the year that the notorious guerrilla warfare group, The Shining Path, was taking over the country of Peru. A Southerner to the core, Jessica will take the reader through the trials and tribulations of her travels, bad-ass female confrontations with the Shining Path, and her love of nature and environmental conservation.

Excerpt from the book:

“Jessica hoisted her 60-pound pack on her back, grabbed the two Pelican cases that protected her camera equipment, and marched into the Peruvian jungle. Manu National Park had been protected by guards at the southern and northernmost points, but not now. As the group of scientists and filmmakers entered the jungle to conduct research and film one of the most pristine jungles in the World, there was a rude awakening and not from the wildlife.

Getting down to the jungle was fraught with bombed-out hotels, conspiracies around every corner, and death. Jessica would find herself fighting for her life and preserving the Amazon Jungle. “

PRAISE FOR KISS THE BUTTERFLY

Great read with lots of adventures and surprising twists along the way!

Rick Kramer

Incredible book and an exciting read! The adventure of it all is compelling! I was immediately absorbed into this exciting story. Not only is the reader drawn into the little know trauma of Guzman and his notorious “Shinning Path” but the atmosphere of Peru in the early 90’s. One can feel the Amazon waters lapping into the Pecky-pecky and the thrill of viewing the incredible wildlife within the bounds of the national forest…like meeting the rivers otters for the first time! I, also, learned so much about plant life and wildlife. WHAT AN ADVENTURE! I love every word about “Cracker”. She definitely deepened the love and understanding of all our four legged friends.

North Carolina Reader

What an adventure! I couldn't put it down. Page turner and beyond. The photos transported me right into Jessica's wild hair escapades. Now I've got to get my feet dirty in the Amazon and experience it first hand!

Mary G.