Tarpacker Press

From the Carolinas, For Curious Minds Everywhere

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  • New Book Launch: Mammoth’s Big Adventure is Now on Amazon! đź¦¬

    I’m so excited to share some big news – my new children’s picture book,
    Mammoth’s Big Adventure: A Young Bison’s Journey Through Yellowstone to Find His Mama, is now available on Amazon! 🦬

    This story follows a curious bison calf named Mammoth who chases a trio of butterflies a little too far from home and suddenly realizes… he’s lost. As he wanders through the incredible landscapes of Yellowstone National Park – from steamy geysers to colorful hot springs and wide, open valleys – Mammoth meets helpful animal friends and discovers courage, friendship, and the importance of family while he searches for his mama.

    It’s a warm, gentle adventure perfect for:

    • Parents and grandparents who love reading cozy bedtime stories
    • Kids who are fascinated by animals and national parks
    • Homeschool families and teachers looking for a fun, nature-themed read-aloud
    • Anyone who has a special place in their heart for Yellowstone

    You’ll also spot real Yellowstone landmarks throughout the book (like Mammoth Hot Springs, Lamar Valley, and more), woven into the illustrations so kids can start to recognize these amazing places and get curious about the natural world.

    👉 You can find the book on Amazon here:
    https://amzn.to/48e1bEa *

    If you enjoy the book, it would mean the world to me if you’d leave a short review on Amazon and share the link with a friend, teacher, or fellow Yellowstone lover. Reviews and shares really help a new book reach more families.

    Thank you so much for celebrating this launch with me – I hope Mammoth’s journey brings your family as much joy as it brought me while creating it.

    *This is an affiliate link.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

  • Get Your Very Own Mammoth Plush Bison đź¦¬

    A Yellowstone favorite—just like the one Noah bought in 2017!

    If you’ve read Mammoth’s Big Adventure, you know how special baby bison are to our family. Back in 2017, Noah picked out a small plush bison at Yellowstone National Park—soft, round, and ridiculously adorable. That little stuffed bison became the inspiration for Mammoth himself.

    Good news:
    You can get the exact same style and manufacturer plush baby bison on Amazon while supplies last!

    It has the same cute proportions, the same soft fur, and the same “I-want-to-hug-this-forever” energy that made Noah immediately fall in love with his. It’s perfect for young readers, Yellowstone fans, or anyone who wants a cuddly reminder of the wild west.

    🦬 Get the Mammoth Plush Here

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

    👉 Order the Mammoth plush on Amazon:
    https://amzn.to/3KexESJ

    Why We Love This Plush

    • Authentic Yellowstone style — same design Noah bought during our family trip
    • Super soft + durable — perfect for kids, collectors, and National Park lovers
    • Great gift idea — pairs perfectly with Mammoth’s Big Adventure
    • Adorable decor — looks great on bookshelves, nursery rooms, and reading nooks

    Whether you want a Mammoth of your own or you’re shopping for the perfect gift, this plush is a fun and meaningful way to bring a piece of Yellowstone home.

  • Welcome to Tarpacker Press

    Hello, and welcome to Tarpacker Press—a place where stories, family, and adventure come together!

    I’m Wendy, a proud North Carolina native who calls Wilmington home. For as long as I can remember, I’ve dreamed of writing a children’s book, and in 2025, that dream came true with the publication of my very first story, Mammoth’s Big Adventure.

    The inspiration for Mammoth’s Big Adventure began back in 2017 on a family trip to Yellowstone National Park, where we explored geysers, watched wildlife, and became members of “Yellowstone Forever.” It was there that my 10-year-old son, Noah, picked out a plush bison calf from a gift shop and named him “Mammoth.” That little bison quickly became part of our family—and years later, his adventures inspired my debut book.

    The name Tarpacker Press is woven from the story of my life and my family’s North Carolina roots. I’ve lived in this state all my life, surrounded by the spirit of both of our great universities—the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University. My dad graduated from NC State, and I went on to earn my degree from UNC. While I was in college, my parents opened a small-town restaurant in St. Pauls called “Tarpackers”—a playful blend of “Tar Heel” and “Wolfpacker” that perfectly captured our family pride in both schools. Years later, when I married Brian, an NC State graduate, that Tarpacker legacy carried on. Today, our sons Benjamin and Noah are continuing the tradition—one at UNC-Chapel Hill and the other at NC State. The Tarpacker spirit has truly become a family story, spanning generations, red and blue, and the heart of North Carolina itself.

    At Tarpacker Press, my hope is to create stories that inspire wonder, celebrate family adventures, and remind readers of the joy of exploring the world together. Mammoth’s Big Adventure is just the beginning—and I can’t wait to share more journeys with you in the years to come.

    Thank you for visiting Tarpacker Press—I’m so glad you’re here!

    Warmly,
    Wendy James

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