Welcome to BookView Interview, a conversation series where BookView talks to authors.
Recently, we talked to Peter Contardo about his writing and recently released book, Macie and the Magic Veggies, a fun and meaningful book that not only entertains but also inspires young readers to see the magic in everyday life (read the review here).
P. S. It was Macie from Macie and the Magic Veggies who spoke with Peter!
Peter Contardo is a social entrepreneur, storyteller, and creator of the Macieverse, known for his ability to turn ideas into impactful projects that inspire and educate. With Macie and the Magic Veggies, he introduces children to the magic of nature, healthy eating, and environmental stewardship, sparking curiosity in young readers about the world around them. His broader work includes co-founding Access to Fresh to combat food insecurity and champion food literacy, especially among children and seniors in underserved areas. He also serves as an advisor to Dube’s Farm and Market, supporting the growth of sustainable, local food systems.
Peter’s journey has taken him from a successful career in video storytelling, marketing, and consulting to living out his childhood dream of farming—growing blueberries, raising goats, and even building a barn venue. His diverse experiences and deep-rooted values, shaped by his upbringing in a family of early childhood educators, infuse his stories with warmth, wisdom, and timeless life lessons that resonate with both kids and their parents.
Beyond the world of Macie, Peter is a Pinewood Derby champion, a Space Camp graduate, and the proud owner of a life-sized Yoda. He believes that grapes are nature’s candy and that we need more teachers like Ms. Frizzle! When he’s not dreaming up new adventures in the Macieverse, you can find Peter on the pickleball court with his wife, quoting classic (in his mind) movie lines to his grown kids, or reading to his granddaughter…Macie.
Step into Peter’s world to discover engaging resources, exclusive content, and more!
Macie: “Why did you decide to write books for kids like me instead of another kind of book?”
Peter: That’s a great question, Macie! The truth is, I was planning to write a book—just not a children’s book. Before you came along, I was thinking about writing a business book, something focused on leadership or marketing. But then my granddaughter—your real-life inspiration—was born, and everything changed. I realized that the most important stories we tell are the ones that can shape the minds of our little ones like you. Writing for kids brings me joy because it allows me to share the values that have shaped my life, like curiosity, care, and impact—in a way that feels like magic. My hope is that these books help bring families together and spark a conversation or two.
Macie: “I feel like a hero in my stories, but my adventures don’t always start that way. Why is that?”
Peter: That’s because your stories follow something called The Hero’s Journey, Macie. It’s a way of storytelling that has been around for a very long time! At the start of each adventure, you’re just a regular kid—curious but unsure. Then, something happens that pulls you into a new world, like discovering the magic of growing your own veggies. Along the way, you face challenges, learn new things, and grow stronger. By the end of each story, you’re not the same Macie—you’ve learned new things and made a difference. This kind of storytelling helps kids see that learning and growing are part of what makes them heroes in their own lives.
Macie: “How did Farmer Lundyn become so important to my story!”
Peter: Farmer Lundyn is inspired by an amazing real-life farm girl who is the daughter of a business partner. She took me around her farm and showed me how she grows her crops with so much care, and it struck me how rare it is for young girls to see female farmers in action. I wanted you—and all kids—to have a role model who shows that farming is rewarding work important to supporting the community. In the story, Farmer Lundyn is your guide, teaching you where food comes from and how to care for the land. She’s there to show kids that growing food is empowering—and that young girls, especially, can be leaders in the world of farming and agriculture.
Macie: “The activities at the end of the book are so fun, and I like the songs, too! Why did you add them?”
Peter: I didn’t want your story to end when the last page was turned, Macie. The activities help kids and their families connect with what they just read. Whether they’re spotting vegetables, answering questions, or even trying to grow something themselves, these hands-on experiences make your adventures feel real. And because my wife and daughter are both educators, they helped make sure these activities were fun and a great way for kids to learn.
Songs are so much more than just fun, Macie! Music is one of the best ways for kids to learn. I wanted to take the lessons from your books and make them even more engaging. Music makes your story more interactive—kids can sing along, dance, and remember the lessons without even realizing they’re learning.
Macie: “You call it the Macieverse, but what is that exactly? Is it bigger than just my stories?”
Peter: Oh, Macie, the Macieverse is much bigger than just your books! It’s a world built around curiosity, learning, and making real connections to where our food comes from. It started as a single story, but it has grown into books, songs, interactive activities, and partnerships with organizations dedicated to improving food access and literacy—like Access to Fresh, the nonprofit I co-founded (with Farmer Lundyn’s mom!).
When kids read these stories, they’re not just enjoying a fun tale—they’re stepping into a world that encourages them to explore, learn, and grow. My hope is that the Macieverse will inspire children to be curious, care for each other, and take pride in the world around them. And we’re only just getting started!
Macie: “What’s next for me and my friends in the Macieverse? Are there more adventures coming?”
Peter: Your next adventure, Macie and the Magic Berries, is all about caring about each other by sharing nature’s bounty with friends. You’ve always loved fresh berries, but when you realize that not all of your friends have access to them, you set out to make a difference. With a visit to Farmer Lundyn’s farm, you’ll learn how all of us can make an impact on our community. And to make it even more fun, there’s a brand-new song, “I Love My Berries!”, so kids can sing along while learning about healthy eating and caring for others.
Your adventures are just beginning!
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