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