Islandport Press

12/08/2025

🌊🐟 This whimsically illustrated, beautifully told tale of a Maine fisherman's day at sea is coming back to bookstores in PAPERBACK this November!

Whether you're raising little ones on the Maine coast, or just returned from a family vacation in Acadia, this classic tale is a perfect addition to your child's bookshelf--representing an unforgettable tradition of Maine history.

"For many years during the late 1800s, Maine Fisherman Eben York rowed his dory from Chebeague Island to Portland Harbor several days a week to sell his catch, a remarkable round-trip journey of twelve nautical miles. While this is a fictionalized tale of a day at sea, it is intended as a tribute to Eben York and his descendants, especially Charlie Eben Webber, and al the courageous fisherman of that era."

-Author Jean Flahive

12/08/2025

History lovers 👋👋 check out Lambertfilms's film covering the forgotten story of Maine civil war soldier Billy Laird. This real-life story provided the source material for Jean Flahive's young-adult novel BILLY BOY.

Flahive painstakingly researched William Laird's story, and her novel provides a wealth of information about Mainers’ role in the Civil War.

https://www.islandportpress.com/product-page/billy-boy?srsltid=AfmBOorW-mn5nPlbCXDmtSQbuuI0gp0i2S_Ui-ACDRNaKiSO1iT8t7-G

31/07/2025

SNEAK PEAK 👀 Read "Tracking a Buck," an excerpt from Christi Holmes (Elliott's) memoir, ALWAYS GAME. Elliott's barrier-breaking travelogue of outdoor adventure captures the many stops and starts of hunting, and more generally, being a beginner (something we can all relate to).

In this excerpt, Elliott reflects on solitude, insecurity, and that pesky feeling of 'not good enough.' As an average day of sitting in a tree stand comes to a close, she spots something that will take her on a wild adventure through the snow covered woods of Maine..

31/07/2025

🏕️✍️🌲 Our very own Alexandra S. D. Hinrichs will be one of the faculty at this year's retreat! It's an intimate retreat at the Rockywold Deephaven Camp in Holderness, New Hampshire, capped at just 30 attendees, with lots of hands-on instruction with talented authors. There are a few spots left for a few lucky writers, illustrators and creators. Reserve today!

We are looking for 8 more people to join us for our SCBWI New England Squam Lake Writing Retreat!

LAST WEEK TO REGISTER!
Registration by 3pm ET on July 31!

Join us by the lake for a fun, relaxing, and inspiring weekend of nature, writing sessions, and presentations with agent Charlotte Wenger (Prospect Agency) and editor Alexandra Hinrichs (Islandport Press).

WHEN: Starts at 3pm on Saturday, September 6, 2023; ends Monday at 12pm on September 8, 2023.

LOCATION: Rockywold Deephaven Camps, Squam Lake, Holderness, NH — you can check it out at www.RDCsquam.com

REGISTER TODAY!
For more details and pricing, and to sign up: https://www.scbwi.org/events/squam-lake-writing-retreat-2025

This year, spots are limited and you must register by Thursday July 31 to secure a place and submit material for a critique. PLEASE NOTE: personalized critiques will be an add-on when you register. We will be scheduling one-on-one sessions over the three days; you will be assigned a time upon arrival if you purchase a session.

What is Squam Lake Writing Retreat?
This is an opportunity for children’s book writers and illustrators to connect, improve their craft, and network with an industry professional. Rejuvenate your writing in this idyllic, rustic setting, enjoy presentations, get creative with staff and peers, and delight in the ambiance and delicious food.

This retreat is open to children’s book writers and writer-illustrators of all levels and genres, both published and trying hard to be published — creators of board books, picture books, chapter books, middle-grade novels, young-adult novels, and graphic novels, etc.

Grab your hiking boots, a flashlight, and your laptop and join us.
And yes, there will be campfires!

PLEASE NOTE: Day Tickets are available for those who cannot attend the whole weekend and/or would like to attend the weekend but opt to find their own lodging.There is a separate registration with a critique option, so to register, use this link:
https://www.scbwi.org/events/squam-lake-writing-retreat-2025-day-ticket

As co-directors, we look forward to seeing you by the lake!
Shawn Anderson (Co-Regional Advisor)
Kathy Quimby Johnson

If you have any questions, please email Shawn at [email protected]

25/07/2025

There's never been a better time to support public radio... Tune in to Maine Calling on Monday 7/28 to hear upcoming Islandport author Rylan Hynes discuss storytelling through the lens of their work at The Telling Room and, of course, writing their debut novel, GRAFTING (Forthcoming from Islandport Press in Spring 2026)

For more information...

Maine Calling is a daily, live call-in radio program devoted to civilized conversations about almost anything – from politics and poetry to education and climate change, literature, and so much more. And every day, you the audience are invited to join the conversation with your phone calls, emails...

24/07/2025

Your friendly reminder that this inspiring and FREE event is tonight! Pop into Elements: Books Coffee Beer this evening from 6 pm to hear from local immigrants who are changing their communities for the better 🤝

On Thursday, July 24 from 6:00-8:00pm, join Islandport Press, Heart of Biddeford, and Biddeford Adult Education at Elements for Immigrant Solidarity Project: An Evening with Immigrants in Public Service.

This evening panel discussion will feature immigrants in public service who will share their stories, concerns, and hopes for the future of life in Maine and America.

A portion of proceeds from book and beverage sales will support Youth Full Maine's food security programs.

This event is free and open to the public.

FMI: www.elementsbookscoffeebeer.com/events

15/07/2025

07/07/2025

Check out this great review of Ron Joseph's, BALD EAGLES, BEAR CUBS, AND HERMIT BILL in the Belgrade Lake News!

"Endangered species and their restoration are evident in this zoologist’s long career, practicing here in our marvelous Maine woods and mountains and lakes. Thank goodness his talent stayed here where he grew to love wildlife from its beginnings. Beautiful Belgrade captured him and kept him close." (Martha F. Barkley)

Hermit Bill is not the only hermit featured in Bald Eagles, Bear Cubs and Hermit Bill, a wildlife nature book full of Maine memories by biologist Ron Joseph. Yes, he knows what he is telling you from the wilds of Maine and written during COVID shutdown.

06/07/2025

📣 BOOK ANNOUNCEMENT! 📣

Rebecca Rule is back to ask the age-old question… WHO LOVES BLUEBERRIES? Teaming up with her is illustrator Arpita Choudhury, who brings to life the lively cast of critters searching the blueberry barrens of Downeast Maine for a snack.

🫐 Stay tuned for the official cover reveal! 🫐

01/07/2025

"He was as gentle and cuddly as a well-behaved house cat... After meals, Pepe rolled on his back and remained motionless — a signal that he wanted his throat and belly combed with a dog brush. When we obliged, he closed his eyes, purred, and uttered soft guttural sounds like the ones Grampa made dozing in his La-Z-Boy."

Would you believe us if we told you that the beloved pet Ron Joseph memorialized in his Portland Press Herald column this week is a skunk? 🦨🦨 Just another day on a dairy-farm in rural Maine!

Read more of Ron Joseph's delightful stories in BALD EAGLES, BEAR CUBS, AND HERMIT BILL, available at Islandportpress.com

Ron Joseph has fond memories of the skunk, with its scent glands removed, that became a part of his childhood.

01/07/2025

📣📣 We're so grateful to be a part of this amazing series. This particular conversation could not be more topical — legislators, change makers, activists, and hopefully our , will come together for a inspiring night of conversation and solidarity ✨🤝

On Thursday, July 24 from 6:00-8:00pm, join Islandport Press, Heart of Biddeford, and Biddeford Adult Education at Elements for Immigrant Solidarity Project: An Evening with Immigrants in Public Service.

This evening panel discussion will feature immigrants in public service who will share their stories, concerns, and hopes for the future of life in Maine and America.

A portion of proceeds from book and beverage sales will support Youth Full Maine's food security programs.

This event is free and open to the public.

FMI: www.elementsbookscoffeebeer.com/events

30/06/2025

Word's getting out that Lady Oyster is joining the Islandport Press team! Big thanks to Portland Food Map (an amazing resource, FYI) for the shout-out in this week's Maine Food and Dining News. We're working hard with Virginia on her book and we can't wait to share with you all! 🦪🌊💃

New food and dining developments are taking place all across Maine. Here are some recent updates to keep you in the know: Bene’s Beef (instagram) opened for business yesterday in Lewiston. Chef TJ Castiello and his family are serving a menu (middle left) of roast beef sandwiches and tallow fries. ...