MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
January 5, 2015
Contacts:
Islandport Press
Dean Lunt, Publisher
info@islandportpress.com
(207) 846-3344
Maine Audubon
Michelle Smith, Communications Manager
media@maineaudubon.org
(207) 838-0511
Islandport Press and Maine Audubon Announce New Partnership
Four-book children’s series to feature Maine wildlife stories
A Snowy Owl Story will be released at Maine Audubon’s Winter Carnival on February 14, 2015. Learn more>>
Yarmouth, Maine – Islandport Press is partnering with Maine Audubon to produce and distribute a new children’s board book that will tell the story of a displaced Snowy Owl. The book, slated for release in February, 2015, is expected to be the first in a new series called “Wildlife on the Move.” The book will be launched at Maine Audubon’s annual Winter Carnival celebration on February 14 at their Gilsland Farm headquarters in Falmouth.
The book, A Snowy Owl Story, is written by children’s book author and editor, Melissa Kim, and illustrated by Jada Fitch. The goal of the “Wildlife on the Move” series is to bring well-written, engaging stories about wildlife migration, conservation and respectful human interaction with nature to a Pre-K through second grade audience. Islandport is working with naturalists at Maine Audubon to produce a scientifically accurate, narrative nonfiction story that is also gorgeously illustrated and designed to appeal to a young audience.
“Most books for the pre-K audience are very basic natural history books that simply recite facts about animals,” says author Melissa Kim. “These books tell stories about specific wildlife, how and why they move and what role people can play in their lives. I’ve not seen board books like this before and am honored to be part of this unique partnership to help introduce young people to important wildlife conservation concepts.”
A Snowy Owl Story will be sold through all typical retail channels (as well as at Maine Audubon’s Nature Stores) and Maine Audubon will use the book as a cornerstone of its education efforts for its preschool outreach and school collaborations in Maine. Ten percent of earnings from book sales will be used to support Maine Audubon educational outreach programs that benefit underserved preschools statewide.
“We are thrilled to partner with Islandport Press for this exciting project,” noted Eric Topper, Education Director at Maine Audubon. “We know that understanding and appreciating nature starts with teaching young people to revere and respect the wildlife and habitat immediately around them. We will be able to use these books to help teachers introduce ecological and science-based content while simultaneously encouraging values related to wildlife conservation.”
Islandport Press and Maine Audubon are discussing future books in the series and could release additional titles as early as Fall 2015.
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About Jada Fitch
Jada Fitch is a freelance illustrator from Portland, Maine. She holds a BFA from Maine College of Art and is the author and illustrator of Tea with Hazel.
About Melissa Kim
Melissa Kim, the author of six children’s books, one adult guidebook, and countless articles for children’s magazines, is a former editor of Habitat, the magazine of Maine Audubon, and is currently the children’s book editor at Islandport Press.
About Islandport Press
Islandport Press is a dynamic, award-winning publisher dedicated to stories rooted in the essence and sensibilities of New England. For more information about the company, visitwww.islandportpress.com, or email info@islandportpress.com.
About Maine Audubon
Maine Audubon’s science-based approach to conservation, education and advocacy advances wildlife and wildlife habitat conservation in Maine. Our citizen science programs connect Maine people to engaging volunteer opportunities that make meaningful contributions to conservation research. The largest Maine-based wildlife conservation organization, Maine Audubon has eight centers and wildlife sanctuaries and serves over 50,000 people annually, with 15,000 members and 2,000 volunteers.
Please visit www.maineaudubon.org for more information
