I LOVE MAINE
By Nancy Griffin
Macintyre Purcell Publishing
Price: $9.95 

Maine writer Nancy Griffin’s debut children’s book, for ages 0-6, reveals to youngsters what a great place Maine is to live or visit. “I Love Maine” is a must-have treasure for those who live in Maine, or a nostalgic reminder for those who have moved away. With bright, simple illustrations and gentle rhyming scheme, this board book is certain to become a reading time favorite of any toddler.

Children will delight in “I Love Maine” as they recognize many of their favorite spots in the state, including Acadia National Park, Cadillac Mountain, Mount Katahdin and Portland Harbor. From the Fryeburg Fair, Paul Bunyan and Babe, Maine’s snowy winters and famous beaches, “I Love Maine” makes the state come alive.

Griffin has been living in Maine for more than 30 years. A former wire-service and newspaper reporter and editor, she is now a freelance writer for newspapers and magazines throughout Maine and across the country. She is currently the editor of the Gulf of Maine Times, and is the author of two best-selling books;  “Maine 101” and “Making Whoopies: The Official Whoopie Pie Book,” as stated in a news release.
The book is distributed by IPG, www.IPG book.com.

 

WHITEWATER OPERA: DEATH COMES TO THE ALLAGASH
By Jack O’Mara
Maine Authors Publishing, 2011
 
Jack O’Mara, educator and fly fishing enthusiast, announces the release of “Whitewater Opera: Death Comes to the Allagash,”  his powerful tale of adventure, love and betrayal.

In this adventure tale, seven friends and colleagues plan a getaway jaunt on the Allagash River. They form a self-described “tribe” as they canoe and kayak through the rapids, fish from the riverbank, hike and camp in the surrounding woods, and share fireside meals and camaraderie. What starts as an exciting camping trip along one of Maine’s mighty rivers turns dangerous as they endure a series of mistakes, injuries, illnesses and life-threatening accidents, as stated in a news release. The actions of one man and his alcohol-fueled carelessness take a harsh toll on him and the rest of the group when he disregards the potential perils of the north woods. When the natural leaders are threatened, the quieter members are thrust into leadership roles where one wrong decision may cost them their lives.
Lightening the novel’s tension are snippets of humor, the bonding of new friendships, and even budding romance.
 

O’Mara is a career educator who has earned accolades for his teaching and coaching. He, like several of the characters in his book, is passionate about two things: fly fishing and educating children. He and his wife, Anne, divide their time between Jefferson, Maine, and Ipswich, Mass. This is his first book.

Whitewater Opera is available for sale at Amazon.com, Smashwords.com, MaineAuthors
Publishing.com and  www.whitewater-opera.com.