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OH DEER!
When a loner sasquatch’s turnip garden is besieged by deer, he’s having none of that.
For Jasper, life as a sasquatch isn’t too bad. He has a nice house in the woods where he lives alone. Just the way he likes it. Being around other animals can be a little stressful. So Jasper keeps to himself, and life is good, even if some days are a bit lonely. To keep himself busy, Jasper decides to grow a turnip garden. It’s hard work but it’s very satisfying. With caretaking, the garden should yield a bountiful crop of yummy turnips.
But one morning, just as the turnips are almost ready for harvest . . . disaster! Hungry deer have swooped in to eat Jasper’s garden! Clever Jasper comes up with a way to thwart these turnip thieves. But as it turns out, the deer are even more clever. Though Jasper tries more and more ways to keep his veggies safe, nothing seems to work.
Then the situation changes, and someone special needs some help. Maybe a little company isn’t such a bad thing.
For Jasper, life as a sasquatch isn’t too bad. He has a nice house in the woods where he lives alone. Just the way he likes it. Being around other animals can be a little stressful. So Jasper keeps to himself, and life is good, even if some days are a bit lonely. To keep himself busy, Jasper decides to grow a turnip garden. It’s hard work but it’s very satisfying. With caretaking, the garden should yield a bountiful crop of yummy turnips.
But one morning, just as the turnips are almost ready for harvest . . . disaster! Hungry deer have swooped in to eat Jasper’s garden! Clever Jasper comes up with a way to thwart these turnip thieves. But as it turns out, the deer are even more clever. Though Jasper tries more and more ways to keep his veggies safe, nothing seems to work.
Then the situation changes, and someone special needs some help. Maybe a little company isn’t such a bad thing.
37 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2025
32 people want to read
About the author
Phaea Crede
12 books34 followersPhaea Crede loves writing silly picture books for silly kids. Serious kids, too!
After graduating from Sarah Lawrence College in the 2000s, Phaea pursued a career in comedy before discovering her true passion for writing picture books. Some of her favorite things to write about are cats, vegetables, big feelings, and pizza.
As a writer with dyslexia, Phaea is proud to demonstrate that disabilities don’t have to stand in the way of dreams. She hopes to connect with kids and adults who think they can’t write—and convince them that they can!
Phaea lives outside of Boston with her husband, two kiddos, two cats, and a 50-pound lap dog named Frieda.
After graduating from Sarah Lawrence College in the 2000s, Phaea pursued a career in comedy before discovering her true passion for writing picture books. Some of her favorite things to write about are cats, vegetables, big feelings, and pizza.
As a writer with dyslexia, Phaea is proud to demonstrate that disabilities don’t have to stand in the way of dreams. She hopes to connect with kids and adults who think they can’t write—and convince them that they can!
Phaea lives outside of Boston with her husband, two kiddos, two cats, and a 50-pound lap dog named Frieda.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
March 31, 2025
Kids will get a kick out of this book. Jasper is a Sasquatch, a human-like furry giant known by some as Big Foot. He lives alone in the forest and likes it that way. The other animals overwhelm him with all their chattering, laughing, and hugging. If they knock on his door, he hides. But sometimes, it is boring and lonely, so he decides to grow a turnip garden. When the turnips start to sprout, the deer move in, and Jasper shoos them away. That's when he realizes deer like to eat gardens, so he works on building a fence and placing "Keep Out!" "No Trespassing!" "No Turnips Here!" signs, thinking that will do the trick to keep them out.
The following day, he sees the deer tearing up his garden. They quickly jump the fence when they see him coming, but he doesn't give up. He weaves netting out of vines to cover his turnips and smiles, sure that this will stop the trespassers. But the next day, he growls when he sees the deer playing in his garden. He breaks out his books for help and reads HOW TO GET DEER TO LEAVE YOUR GARDEN ALONE.
He follows the book's suggestions, but when he wakes, the deer are partying in the torn-up vegetable garden, and his Sasquatch's ROAR to chases them off, leaving behind one little turnip and a cute little crying fawn. He looks at the scared fawn and feeds him his only turnip. That's when he realizes he has to face his fears to help the fawn find his family. He picks him up and carries him back to his herd. All the deer cheer and treat Jasper as a hero. Jasper was a little overwhelmed, but it also made him feel a little nice.
Now, Jasper chatters, laughs, and even sometimes hugs with the other forest animals, but he still finds time to be alone.
Many children feel overwhelmed by their surroundings and will be able to identify with Jasper the Sasquatch. Other children will love reading about the naughty deer, which makes them laugh. Adults who battle with wildlife eating their vegetables will identify with Jasper, too, and will love the theme of overcoming your fears and never giving up. Teachers could use this book to talk about mythical creatures and grab their students' interest in Big Foot.
Everyone will enjoy the funny, colorful illustrations Erica created to help tell the story. All the little details Erica included will keep kids turning the pages and visiting many times to see Jasper, the deer. I love the last illustration. It was a great way to end the book. The illustration of Jasper sitting at his desk reading the "How to" books, wearing glasses, and tapping his pencil on his chin, deep in thought, while a little mouse watches, was so cute.
The following day, he sees the deer tearing up his garden. They quickly jump the fence when they see him coming, but he doesn't give up. He weaves netting out of vines to cover his turnips and smiles, sure that this will stop the trespassers. But the next day, he growls when he sees the deer playing in his garden. He breaks out his books for help and reads HOW TO GET DEER TO LEAVE YOUR GARDEN ALONE.
He follows the book's suggestions, but when he wakes, the deer are partying in the torn-up vegetable garden, and his Sasquatch's ROAR to chases them off, leaving behind one little turnip and a cute little crying fawn. He looks at the scared fawn and feeds him his only turnip. That's when he realizes he has to face his fears to help the fawn find his family. He picks him up and carries him back to his herd. All the deer cheer and treat Jasper as a hero. Jasper was a little overwhelmed, but it also made him feel a little nice.
Now, Jasper chatters, laughs, and even sometimes hugs with the other forest animals, but he still finds time to be alone.
Many children feel overwhelmed by their surroundings and will be able to identify with Jasper the Sasquatch. Other children will love reading about the naughty deer, which makes them laugh. Adults who battle with wildlife eating their vegetables will identify with Jasper, too, and will love the theme of overcoming your fears and never giving up. Teachers could use this book to talk about mythical creatures and grab their students' interest in Big Foot.
Everyone will enjoy the funny, colorful illustrations Erica created to help tell the story. All the little details Erica included will keep kids turning the pages and visiting many times to see Jasper, the deer. I love the last illustration. It was a great way to end the book. The illustration of Jasper sitting at his desk reading the "How to" books, wearing glasses, and tapping his pencil on his chin, deep in thought, while a little mouse watches, was so cute.
July 6, 2025
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A delightful and humorous story about finding balance between social and alone time.
Jasper the introverted Sasquatch is looking for a hobby. He thinks turnip gardening will be a great way to keep busy. What he doesn't anticipate is the battle against the group of deer that wants to eat all of his turnips. Join Jasper as he thinks up new ways to keep everyone away... until he realizes maybe he doesn't have to.
Love the message of this book. It shows that it's perfectly okay to prioritize alone time. I love that Jasper was able to set boundaries with his friends, allowing him to spend quality time with them without feeling as overwhelmed.
The illustrations are wonderful. Bright and colorful with plenty of chaotic humor.
Includes an Author's Note at the end that examines the importance of recognizing our own needs and being able to balance time with friends with time alone.
Sweet characters, engaging illustrations. Such a fun read.
A delightful and humorous story about finding balance between social and alone time.
Jasper the introverted Sasquatch is looking for a hobby. He thinks turnip gardening will be a great way to keep busy. What he doesn't anticipate is the battle against the group of deer that wants to eat all of his turnips. Join Jasper as he thinks up new ways to keep everyone away... until he realizes maybe he doesn't have to.
Love the message of this book. It shows that it's perfectly okay to prioritize alone time. I love that Jasper was able to set boundaries with his friends, allowing him to spend quality time with them without feeling as overwhelmed.
The illustrations are wonderful. Bright and colorful with plenty of chaotic humor.
Includes an Author's Note at the end that examines the importance of recognizing our own needs and being able to balance time with friends with time alone.
Sweet characters, engaging illustrations. Such a fun read.
February 6, 2025
Jasper Sasquatch lives alone in the woods, and he likes it that way. But when he plants a patch of turnips, he's confronted a problem so many vegetable gardeners face: deer, eager to munch on his produce! And these deer aren't just hungry, with no respect for boundaries. They're also annoyingly chipper and lively. After trying one scheme after another to keep the critters out, Jasper finally blunders onto an ideal, and unexpected solution.
With laugh-aloud text and spot-on art, Oh Deer! is a perfect read for well-meaning introverts, oblivious extroverts, exasperated gardeners, and lovers of root vegetables.
This review is based on a ARC I was lucky to get my hands on.
With laugh-aloud text and spot-on art, Oh Deer! is a perfect read for well-meaning introverts, oblivious extroverts, exasperated gardeners, and lovers of root vegetables.
This review is based on a ARC I was lucky to get my hands on.
November 9, 2024
Jasper, a self-proclaimed loner, decides to grow turnips in his garden, embracing and questioning his solitude. This attracts a group of hungry deer, creating humor and conflict. Jasper faces a moment of reflection, ultimately challenging himself to confront his loneliness. The humor is depicted by the character choice, Jasper is a Sasquatch and through the charming illustrations. This story not only engages readers but also offers a thoughtful exploration, fostering awareness and compassion for introversion.
November 23, 2024
Sequel, please! I immediately fell in love with Jasper. He’s a loner sasquatch who takes up gardening and must go to great lengths to protect his turnips. Young readers will adore this charming and persistent sweetheart. I guarantee they will giggle at his failed attempts each time the deer return to eat his precious turnips. OH DEER! by Phaea Crede and Erica J. Chen is filled with hilarious and endearing moments. The focus on the importance of alone time and the surprise ending in this delightful picture book will make kiddos want to read it again and again!
February 20, 2025
Jasper, a solitary Sasquatch, lives in the woods alone with his garden of turnips. However, he must learn to live with a rowdy herd of deer that begin occupying his garden. Throughout the story, Jasper learns about the power of friendship, generosity, and maintaining a healthy balance between alone time and socializing. Chen's illustrations are playful, bold, and fun, and Crede's writing brings these loveable characters to life. This is sure to be a hit with any young readers who also need their alone time!
October 25, 2024
OH DEER! I am in love with this book! There is a perfect balance of humor for both the child who will definitely say, "again! again!" and the adult reader who will read it again and again. Beneath that humor is a reflection for all of those who get drained in social situations. Kudos to Crede and Chen for bringing this fantastical story to the page that is full of giggles and awws.
Also there is turnip farming and a sasquatch, so now you have to go read OH DEER! to find out more.
Also there is turnip farming and a sasquatch, so now you have to go read OH DEER! to find out more.
October 25, 2024
We loved this story about a solitude loving Sasquatch! (A Sasquatch main character is so fun!) The story was sweet and fun, with a good message about keeping your boundaries and also staying open when new opportunities arise. I particularly loved the subtle humor in the text and in the art. The art was also outstanding! This would make a great bedtime or classroom story time read! Definitely recommend!
October 27, 2024
Such a great book about a loner Sasquatch that learns how to make friends with the deer who won’t leave his garden alone. I love how this story validates introverted kids having their own space, while also encouraging them to give other people a chance. It really appealed to my kiddo who’s on the autism spectrum. I also LOVE the color palette the artist chose for this book. It’s so rich and lovely.
November 2, 2024
Sasquatch is a loner but that can be . . . lonely at times. When he takes up gardening as a hobby, he soon has deer nibbling away at his crop.
I like the mix of an imaginary (maybe?) creature with real-life forest animals. That brings a new edge to a story about feeling a little different than others and figuring out how to deal with that.
The art adds to the humor. Kids will love this book--and adults can share their thoughts about Big Foot!
I like the mix of an imaginary (maybe?) creature with real-life forest animals. That brings a new edge to a story about feeling a little different than others and figuring out how to deal with that.
The art adds to the humor. Kids will love this book--and adults can share their thoughts about Big Foot!
November 11, 2024
Another adorable book from Phaea Crede! This one is perfect for all the young introverts out there who need plenty of time alone to refuel... but not TOO much. There's a difference between enjoying alone time and being lonely, and Jasper the Sasquatch learns just the right balance for him as he attempts to protect his crop of turnips. As always, the best life lessons are delivered with a large dollop of humor, and this is one book that does just that.
February 4, 2025
DEER ME!
What a lovely way to share about disabilities in a way that all kids can understand and relate to.
OH DEER should be in every school and home library. The writing pulls the reader in and feel for the main character and the charming pictures are too cute. I can see kids sitting for hours and pouring over the illustrations.
A beautiful book for meant for every soul to read!
Zainab
What a lovely way to share about disabilities in a way that all kids can understand and relate to.
OH DEER should be in every school and home library. The writing pulls the reader in and feel for the main character and the charming pictures are too cute. I can see kids sitting for hours and pouring over the illustrations.
A beautiful book for meant for every soul to read!
Zainab
February 24, 2025
OH DEER! is a funny, sweet tale about happy deer, a turnip patch and an introverted Sasquatch named Jasper.
Crede’s funny text and Chen’s bright, bold palette illustrate the ongoing conflict between Jasper and the forest deer . After Jasper’s many failed attempts to keep the deer out, he finally learns the valuable lesson that having friends doesn’t mean you have to give up your quiet time. A sweet read for all!
Crede’s funny text and Chen’s bright, bold palette illustrate the ongoing conflict between Jasper and the forest deer . After Jasper’s many failed attempts to keep the deer out, he finally learns the valuable lesson that having friends doesn’t mean you have to give up your quiet time. A sweet read for all!
February 28, 2025
Introverts of all ages will love Jasper, a sasquatch who lives quietly in the woods tending his organic turnip patch. Just as his crop ripens, Jasper’s peaceful life is disrupted by a herd of turnip-loving deer.
I love the inventive ways Jasper tries to preserve both his turnips and his quiet life, and the lesson that it’s okay to enjoy time alone. Both the words and pictures are full of voice and humor.
I love the inventive ways Jasper tries to preserve both his turnips and his quiet life, and the lesson that it’s okay to enjoy time alone. Both the words and pictures are full of voice and humor.
June 19, 2025
This hilarious book boasts laugh-out-loud illustrations reminiscent of the Bruce the Bear series. What happens when Jasper the Sasquatch wakes up to find his turnip patch has become a deer salad bar?
It's always refreshing to see a story that depicts compassion for wild creatures, even when they cause us hassles, and kind solutions. OH DEER! communicates humane values in a fun, ingratiating way that will engage a wide audience.
It's always refreshing to see a story that depicts compassion for wild creatures, even when they cause us hassles, and kind solutions. OH DEER! communicates humane values in a fun, ingratiating way that will engage a wide audience.
November 7, 2024
Oh Deer is me in a nutshell, and I’m sure many other readers both young and old can relate to Jasper the Sasquatch who enjoys being with people but also loves his alone time. A playful and humorous tale about honoring and understanding your needs, loving who you are, and leaving room to grow unexpected friendships (and turnips) along the way!
February 10, 2025
Oh Deer can readers of all ages relate to this book! Sometimes being in a big, noisy crowd sounds fun but it can also be too much. See how a Sasquatch named Jasper finds a balance between being alone and being part of a caring (but loud) woodland community. The fantastic character expressions and garden mayhem are the turnip on top of this special story.
February 14, 2025
OH DEER! is a picturebook masterpiece! It has everything a reader could possibly want: heart, relatable characters, HUMOR, and turnips! Okay, maybe not all readers want turnips, but you will after reading OH DEER!
Chen’s wonderful illustrations bring the story to life! Kids will beg their parents to read this story again and again, and their parents will do so gladly, chuckling along.
Chen’s wonderful illustrations bring the story to life! Kids will beg their parents to read this story again and again, and their parents will do so gladly, chuckling along.
March 24, 2025
A picture book about an introverted Sasquatch? Yes, please. All Jasper the Sasquatch wants to do is garden his organic turnips in peace, but oh deer! The deer won't leave those turnips alone. OH DEER! is a hilarious read-aloud with heart, and introverts and extroverts alike will appreciate the satisfying conclusion.
March 25, 2025
This book is bright and vibrant, fun and funny! I love the author's voice and the illustrations are perfect for the story. Introverted Jasper the Sasquatch pushes himself out of his comfort zone and grows from it, but also knows where his boundaries are. The book has a great SEL message that kids (and adults) will definitely connect with.
November 15, 2025
A playful tale of solitude, creativity, and unexpected friendship.
Sasquatch loves his alone time—until he doesn’t. To keep busy, he plants a turnip garden…only to find the deer like turnips too. His frantic attempts to protect his garden lead to hilarious chaos and an unexpected, surprisingly pleasant ending for this self-proclaimed introvert.
Sasquatch loves his alone time—until he doesn’t. To keep busy, he plants a turnip garden…only to find the deer like turnips too. His frantic attempts to protect his garden lead to hilarious chaos and an unexpected, surprisingly pleasant ending for this self-proclaimed introvert.
October 31, 2024
An adorable tale of an introverted Sasquatch, a patch of turnips, and hungry deer. Erica Chen's artwork is a perfect pairing with Phaea Crede's sweetly earnest text, leading to an honest and relatable story that makes readers feel both entertained and seen.
December 2, 2024
This book is so sweet and funny! Parent/grandparent gardeners are going to relate, while kids will love how the sasquatch comes up with different ways to chase the deer away. The ultimate message is that it's ok to be an introvert...but that it's rewarding to enjoy friends in small doses.
January 26, 2025
A hilarious story eith lol illustrations about a Sasquatch and his Deer problems. In the end he will find a balance between being alone and having some friends. I might need to read this book a few more times so I can find a balance too. Like a Sasquatch I love my me time reading and writing.
February 16, 2025
Oh Deer! speaks to my introverted heart. Alone time is good but too much alone time is not. But will kids like a story about an introverted Sasquatch who likes to grow turnips? Absolutely! They will laugh along with the story and be drawn in by the illustrations.
March 25, 2025
Not only will OH DEER! make readers of all ages giggle, it also has a great message about setting boundaries with your friends! Perfect for my introverted kiddos trying to figure out peer relationships.
April 18, 2025
Delightful! What a fun story! Sasquatch is adorably relatable and we are drawn into his dilemma and his attempts to solve it. The balance he achieves at the end is perfect for him and many others like him! The illustrations by Erica Chen are vibrant and refreshing! Kids will love this book!!
November 4, 2024
This was funny and charming and oh my deer was it adorable!
November 30, 2024
Absolutely adorable and funny to boot -- the full page spreads are a feast for the eyes!
February 11, 2025
The humorous prose and artwork go hand in hand. As an introvert myself, I can relate to the need for alone time, and I think this will definitely speak to kids with sensory overload concerns.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews