Earl Vincent de Berge's 'Big Ears Jack and Friends' has achieved bestselling status in the young adult category while earning a 5-star review from Readers Favorite. The book transports readers into the rarely seen world of the Sonoran Desert, where they encounter extraordinary plants and animals through magical storytelling. De Berge's lifelong passion for the desert, ignited by adventures in Baja California, fuels this collection of tales that blends education with fantasy.
The central character is Big Ears Jack, a large jackrabbit with huge ears and magical powers used for good. Described as "the king of desert kindness," Jack serves as a good friend to all desert creatures. His diverse companions include mischievous coyote brothers Nosey and Wag, racing dragonfly Blue Dasher, the Kangaroo Rat Chorus, tree-lizard Boris, dust devil Giro, Hawk Conchita, and red ants. The cast expands to include Lady Treble Clef (a watchful cactus), puma poet Paulina, musical tarantula Diana, sea lion Lady Chrona who dreams of flying, scheming seagull Swindler, beautiful bobcat Miss Mucha Purrs, chatterbox tortoise Mr. Shellie, and Young Red Fox with his rabbit love Adorna.
Reviewer Essien Asian noted that "the author presents educational information in detail while using the dialogue between the characters to stimulate young readers' imaginations." Asian further observed that "the mix of strategically placed pictures, an engaging narrative style, and thought-provoking subplots regarding these animals ensures that young readers will learn vital lessons in diplomacy and survival from 'Big Ears Jack and Friends' while enjoying a captivating adventure."
An Amazon reviewer highlighted the enticing chapter titles including 'Sheriff Diamondback and the Egg-Thieving Coyotes,' 'Dianna the Musical Tarantula,' 'Swindler (a thieving seagull) and Big Umpo the Sea Lion,' and 'Lady Treble Clef and Dust Devils Rescue a Javelina Family.' An AWA reviewer praised the book's world-building, stating that "de Berge weaves the flora and fauna of Baja California into the narrative, making the setting feel like a character itself." The reviewer added that "talking cacti, dust devils playing tag, and wise desert tortoises enrich the stories, placing readers in an enchanting ecosystem where the line between reality and fantasy blurs."
The collection consistently explores themes of community, creativity, and environmental respect. While young readers enjoy magical adventures and witty dialogue, adults appreciate underlying messages about cooperation, individuality, and harmony with nature. 'Big Ears Jack and Friends' is available in print and ebook formats at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Earl-Vincent-de-Berge/author/B09R6M1G4Y?.
De Berge has also authored the travel memoir 'A Finger Of Land On An Old Man's Hand,' which immerses readers in a transformative journey through Baja California in 1962 and 1964. The book received a 5-star review from ReaderViews, with one reviewer calling it "a beautifully written, fabulous tale of an incredibly brave and daring journey." The author has published three poetry collections—'Allegro to Life,' 'Swans to Carry Me,' and 'Wind in the Elephant Tree'—that explore nature, human nature, love, desert silence, and life in Guatemala. Additional information, including excerpts from the Baja book and selected photos with insider details about 1960s Baja, is available at https://www.earldeberge.com.
