Islandport Press has partnered with Maine Audubon to produce and distribute a new children’s board (on thick board instead of paper) 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.

“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.”

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.

“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.”

Islandport Press and Maine Audubon are discussing future books in the series and could release additional titles as early as Fall 2015.

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.

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.

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 in the state, 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 http://www.maineaudubon.org for more information.