Pedro's Pan - by Matthew Lasley (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Discover the whimsical tale of friendship between one man and his gold pan, and their journey in the wake of the Gold Rush.

"A plucky pan is a prospector's devoted companion as they venture through the Alaskan interior. But when their search turns up empty, Pan begins to wonder if he's broken in this lighthearted glimpse into gold rush history."
--New York Public Library, Best Books for Kids 2019 (Nonfiction History)

"Though the story is humorous and the protagonist playful, there is some meaty geology and history to be mined within, including information on iron pyrite (aka fool's gold: 'Drat!') and how to pan for gold. Souva's illustrations employ geometric shapes and a muted palette, investing Pan with appealing personality via eyebrows, eyes, and mouth. Backmatter expands upon the story for readers curious to know more. While the book is sure to appeal to educators, especially those teaching about the various gold rushes in western American history, the amusing adventures of Pan and Pedro hold broad appeal for read-alouds with many and varied audiences beyond the classroom. A sweet little nugget of a story."
--Kirkus Reviews

Pedro and his pan go on an exciting adventure together--to strike gold! They hike mountains, whack through bushes, and wade through streams as they sift through dirt and gravel in search of the hidden nuggets. But as time goes by without any success, Pan begins to worry that he is broken. Will he and Pedro ever find what they're looking for? Inspired by the true story of Felix Pedro, a prospector who launched one of the richest gold rushes in Alaska's history, Pedro's Pan offers a glimpse into American history as well as educates how gold panning works in a fun and exciting way.

Review Quotes

"Experience all the excitement of a wilderness gold rush through an unexpected narrator: a prospector's trusted gold pan. In this picture book that's based on the true story of Felice Pedroni, a miner sifts through the creeks of Fairbanks, Alaska, at the turn of the nineteenth century. Pedro and Pan--one in red plaid and suspenders, the other round and shiny with a mobile smile and eyes--explore together, braving wild animals, harsh weather, and hard work before striking it big."
--Foreword Reviews

"Through both the main account and the more explicit step-by-step instructions at the back, readers will get clear ideas of how panning for gold is done, and also how insanely difficult it is. In Souva's stylized illustrations, both prospector and big round pan sport faces that generally mirror each other's expressions amid cone-shaped trees and mountains, as fish, birds, and even bears look on benevolently."
-Booklist

"This simply-written book is a fun way to incorporate history and real-life facts. In the back of the book includes a short bibliography of the real Felix Pedro, as well as tips on how to pan for gold and facts about gold. This book makes learning about history fun and helps gets readers excited to learn more about the past of America and the impact it has on us today."
--Kid's BookBuzz

"A great story about not giving up. It is a great growth mindset book!"
--Diary of a Not So Wimpy Teacher

"Tells the story of an Italian immigrant who has come to Alaska looking for gold--from the perspective of his trusty pan."
--Mackin Educational Community

"Captures that illusive quality we, human beings, all share--the ability to see the possibilities in our situations, no matter the circumstances, and the capacity to envision a brighter tomorrow."
--North of 60 Mining News

"This whimsical tale manages to tell an entertaining story from the point of view of a gold pan ('call me Pan for short') while also conveying basic information about prospecting for gold--a topic almost non-existent in children's picture books. Above all, Pedro's Pan is fun. Lasley focuses on telling a simple story for ages four to seven about the challenges and joys of a pan and his man in the wilderness. Parents and children may read the story solely for pleasure, while educators may use it as a springboard to spark interest in geology and to explore the social, political, and environmental repercussions surrounding Gold Rush history in Alaska and elsewhere. Thanks to a well-written text, imaginative illustrations, and thoughtful pacing, the personalities of both Pan and his prospecting partner Pedro come to life as they search for gold. It is Pan, however, that especially shines. In Lasley's story, Pan is more than a tool; he is a committed partner and companion who helps Pedro in unexpected ways and worries about letting Pedro down. Lasley smoothly incorporates basic information and vocabulary about prospecting into the story, including quartz, black sand, fool's gold (iron pyrite), and panning. Pan's voice is straightforward and engaging, with a touch of humor that both kids and adults can appreciate. Souva's illustrations extend and complement the text with verve. Unlike the time-worn, stodgy historical images of Gold Rush prospectors we're familiar with, Pedro verges on the cartoonish--in a contemporary, energetic way. True to prospector form, he still wears suspenders, patched jeans, and what I presume is a button-down union suit. But Souva's style--a mix of what might be called naive with digital sophistication -- gives a feeling of bringing the past into today."
--Kid Lit North