123 Gulls picture book by Peaks Island resident Beth Rand

Islanders and day trippers alike are invited to attend a festive book celebration for Peaks Island author/illustrator Beth Rand on October 13th to launch her 123 Gulls (Islandport Press). This picture book companion to Rand’s ABC Gulls will be available for the first time this Saturday and she will be present to sign them.

Author/illustrator Beth Rand at her Peaks Island home with her almost-human dog, Charlie.

About this new counting book set in Casco Bay, Rand said,

Campfires, snow ball fights, tubing, winter hikes through the trails, and frisbee on bright, sunny days are activities that children lucky to live in Maine get to enjoy. Inspiration for 1,2,3 Gulls came from the setting where I live, here on Peaks Island. As a follow up to ABC Gulls, this is a companion book with a twist. Since gulls are hardy and don’t flee the winter, I thought it would be fun to show them enjoying the snow and ice.  The gulls remind me of islanders–coming and going on foot, on skis and snowshoes, with carts and sleds–all bundled up and embracing the winter! Even the guitar, ukulele, and harmonica players were added as a nod to our island musicians.

When I asked Beth to pick one of her favorite illustrations in the children’s book, she chose the three gulls making snow angels under starry, winter night. Beth said, “Lightly treading through the snow to create a snow angel was a favorite childhood activity of mine and doing it under 100 stars is the best.”

Three seagulls make snow angels under a winter sky full of stars for counting

The accompanying verse reads:

One-hundred stars twinkling bright.

One moon to light the night.

The illustration of the gulls snow-tenting under a crescent moon reminds me of many nights snuggled in a sleeping bag while backcountry snow camping. Parents and grandparents will rediscover their own winter memories as they share this colorful picture book with the new counters in their lives.

Come celebrate!

123 Gulls Book Launch