by Donald Hood
Published Thu, Oct 5th 2017, 10:26 | Awards
1888PressRelease - The illustrated children’s book transports readers to life in 1620 through the eyes of its whimsical characters.
PLYMOUTH, Mass. –When Barnicle, a crafty cat, boards the Mayflower as a stowaway, he makes a friend out of a mouse named Agnes instead of making a meal out of her. As their journey to the New World ends, the two friends part ways. Barnicle searches for new adventures and Agnes gives birth to her son. Fate soon brings Barnicle together with Agnes’ orphaned son, Husk, in the Wampanoag Village. Can these two unlikely friends take on new adventures together?
In this lively historical novel, creator Mary Shields transports readers to a different time to explore what life was like in 1620 through the eyes of Barnicle and Husk. The book is illustrated by Bob Ostrom who has done former collaborative design work with Shields for a prestigious family-themed entertainment company. Weaved throughout the story are interesting facts about transatlantic voyages, the Pilgrims and Wampanoag people with important lessons about courage, strength, and acceptance.
“Barnicle and Husk gives young and young-at-heart readers a fun way to learn about America’s story and rich history through the spirited adventures of endearing fictional characters and amusing illustrations,” said Mary Shields. “Writing this book, with the encouragement of Wampanoag Chief Flying Eagle, Earl Mills, Sr., was a personal and passionate journey, one on which I’m excited for others to join me.”
The first book goes beyond traditional children’s literature and includes an Impact Statement from Linda Jeffers Coombs, Wampanoag historian.
Shields will continue the Barnicle and Husk series with time travel and adventures. The next book is scheduled for release in the Summer of 2018 which will about the Pilgrim’s experience, told to Husk from Barnicle’s perspective.
Barnicle and Husk: The Adventure Begins is available through all major bookstores and in ebook format, including Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, SDP Publishing at SDPPublishing.com and BARNICLEandHUSK.com. Shields will donate a portion of the proceeds from the book’s sales to Plymouth 400, Inc., Plymouth Colony’s 400th anniversary commemoration. To learn more, visit BARNICLEandHUSK.com.
About the Creator
Mary Shields is the founder and president of Shields Design Studio in the historic Plymouth, Mass., waterfront. She splits her time between Plymouth and Harpswell, Maine, with her husband, Jim McKinnell. She has two grown stepchildren and two beautiful granddaughters. Mary holds a Bachelor of Arts and an Associate’s degree in Art Education from Framingham State College and has completed studies at the Massachusetts College of Art and the Boston Architectural Center. She is currently on the Board of Trustees for the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Plymouth, is Chairperson for Beth Israel’s Community Business Partners and sits on the Plymouth 400, Inc. Board of Directors.
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