MaineBusiness.com

Heartwarming tale about what really matters is set for release Oct. 1

YARMOUTH, MAINE (SEPTEMBER 2009)—Times were tough in the New England fishing village where Marcie lived. No one had any money, and work was hard to find. So villagers rejoiced one glorious fall when an unexpected bounty of scallops filled their little bay. But for young Marcie, a week of harvesting scallops also brought an unexpected adventure and an unforgettable lesson about what really matters.

Marcie's heartwarming story comes to life in "The Scallop Christmas," a gorgeously illustrated new children's book from Maine-based Islandport Press that is set for release Oct. 1.

First-time author Jane Freeberg lives on Georgetown Island in Midcoast Maine and has lived in the Pine Tree State for more than three decades. "The Scallop Christmas" is loosely based on a true story told to her by a friend years ago. "It rattled around in my brain for 35 years, and when it came to mind, I'd think, 'That's a great story. I ought to write it down,'" she said. "I'm so glad I did."

Freeberg will celebrate the release of the book with a book signing from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Georgetown Historical Society, 20 Bay Point Road.

"The Scallop Christmas" also introduces talented young illustrator Astrid Sheckels of Greenfield, Mass. Sheckels, who says she can't remember a time when she wasn't drawing, illustrates the book in a classic style that brings Marcie's coastal village to life in vivid, realistic images. One of Sheckels’ goals is to ensure that each illustration not only complements the words, but advances the story by giving it more depth, dimension and flow, much like a movie.

Islandport Press is an independent, family-owed book publisher based in Yarmouth, Maine. Islandport publishes and distributes quality books about Northern New England. For more of our titles, please go to www.islandportpress.com. For information about The Scallop Christmas, please email books@islandportpress.com or call 207-846-3344.