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The original Cave Creek Kid, Braden Peters, pictured with his parents Ken and Linda Peters. The couple has collaborated on a children’s book in honor of the birth of their son.
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Cave Creek Kid captures little cowpokes’ hearts
Creeker couple creates children’s character
by Jim Crawford

CAVE CREEK – There’s a new hombre out there roaming the Valley doing good deeds and spreading the word about kindness, hard work and friendship.

He’s The Cave Creek Kid and he’s based on a real person, but one not quite old enough to ride yet.

Ken Peters, a graphic designer in Cave Creek, created the fictional Kid as a tribute to his son Braden.

The whole concept came about when Ken’s wife, Linda, suggested he create a special, cowboy‑themed party announcement for Braden’s first birthday.

“I started calling him The Cave Creek Kid just because we live in Cave Creek,” Ken says. “Linda suggested I design a special invitation with a Cave Creek Kid character. Once I got started, I couldn’t quit. I was overwhelmed with ideas and spent the next several weeks designing characters and roughing out story ideas. I realized I was creating a very unique and viable children’s brand.”

The Kid packs a guitar instead of a six‑shooter and rides a his trusty horse Amigo while living the cowboy life he loves.

Ken used his skills as a successful graphic designer to create the book, now on sale in selected stores throughout the area.

He is the founder of Phoenix‑based Nocturnal Graphic Design Studio which keeps him busy, he says.

“I’m not doing this to make money. I felt it was important to do this for my son. It’s a labor of love. We hope to create an entire series of the books,” he says. “We’ll be inventing new characters and stories as we go along. We want to teach kids about the area where we live and about the Cave Creek Kid creed.

“A cowboy never fails when there’s a call for a good deed and gladly lends a helping hand to someone who’s in need.” That’s part of The Cave Creek Kid Cowboy Creed and why the Peters are donating a portion of the proceeds from sales of the books to Childhelp for the treatment and prevention of child abuse.

The Peters were familiar with the work of the Scottsdale‑based nonprofit organization and felt it would be a perfect match for The Cave Creek Kid’s message of caring and kindness.

“Initially we contacted Childhelp merely to get permission to mention them in the book,” Ken explains. “They liked the positive message and image the character conveyed and were very excited about working with us.

“We wanted to create fresh characters modeled after the cowboys we grew up with,” Ken says. “Everybody can relate to cowboys. Everybody knows who John Wayne was. Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, Red Ryder, The Lone Ranger. There are no cowboys anymore. The time was just right. It has broad appeal, too. Adults are reminded of their childhood heroes. It has universal appeal.

“We thought The Kid would be a way to teach children wholesome messages about kindness, friendship and hard work.”

Ken and Linda felt it is important as first‑time parents to teach positive lessons to their son and have found a way to pass on these messages through The Kid.

“We’ve found a way to give back to the children in a small way,” he says. “Young children look to us for guidance. They’re the innocent ones. It breaks my heart to think of any child growing up without the security and love they deserve.”

Childhelp officials were impressed with the Peters’ efforts and the message The Kid delivers.

“I loved the book and whole concept when Ken showed it to me,” Childhelp Executive Director John Reid said. “The art, the story, the message: ‘The Cave Creek Kid’ is a fun way to engage children and reinforce the importance of being a good citizen.”

Ken sent a copy to Gov. Janet Napolitano and received a nice reply. He sent a copy of the book to several officials for the purpose of saving the reply to share with his son when he is old enough to understand.

“Books such as ‘The Cave Creek Kid’ open up new worlds of discovery and adventure and start a young person on a lifelong journey of learning and loving to read,” Napolitano replied. “What a tremendous gift.”

You can find your copy of “The Cave Creek Kid” at Big Bronco General Store in Cave Creek, select Hallmark Gold Crown Stores, Little Blue Choo Choo, Rascal’s Ranch, select Saba’s Western Wear stores, and, coming in the fall, the Phoenix Art Museum Gift Shop.

For more information, visit cavecreekkid.com.

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