Award Winning Books:
Illustrated Children’s Series & Author Visits;
Plus Critically Acclaimed Historical True Crime,
& Our Latest Release, “Bay State Skye!”
THE BUMPY, LUMPY HORSESHOE CRAB
Come along on this young horseshoe crab’s adventure. There are sample pages of the book,
lots of information about horseshoe crabs, videos
of horseshoe crabs, book reviews, & a free teacher curriculum download.
DID YOU MAKE THE HOLE IN THE SHELL
IN THE SEA?
Was it a shark, or did some other sea creature make a perfectly drilled hole in a clamshell? Come along and solve the mystery! There are sample pages of the book, lots of information about and videos of lobsters, sea stars, moon snails, and seagulls, and free teacher curriculum.
SOMETHING’S TUGGING ON MY CLAW!
What could be tugging on the little, blue lobster’s claw? Come along and solve the mystery. There are sample pages of the book, information about lobsters, and two separate opportunities to win a free copy of the book.
Find out about this fictitious, yet authentic, glimpse into the inner circle of the Gloucester seafood industry in 1990 that’s based on actual events and interviews with fishermen, seafood processors, and restauranteurs. See photos and videos of places and events in the Cape Ann area that are featured in this compelling tale.
AUTHOR VISITS
Author visits are a perfect fit for private and public elementary schools. They’re a fun and interesting way to learn about the sea animals included in our stories, as well as a way to gain insight into the writing and illustrating process. Click here for more information.
Publishers Weekly Spotlights
“Perfection To A Fault” & “Bay State Skye“
in Its Popular Magazine
As we have just passed the 100th anniversary of that fateful day when Frederick Small boarded a train bound for Boston, only to learn ten hours later that his lakeside cottage in Ossipee, New Hampshire had burned to the ground, and his wife, Florence, was feared dead inside, we are honored that Publishers Weekly has printed a review of Perfection To A Fault in their prestigious magazine. The sleepy village of 1916 Ossipee, New Hampshire had no forewarning they would be thrust into the limelight with a tragic fire, murder, and sensational trial of the century unfolding before them. Although Florence’s life ended in such a horrific way a little over one hundred years ago, many believe she still resides in the old cottage today.
We are equally honored to have our latest historical fiction, Bay State Skye, receive what IBPA called “a stellar review” from Publishers Weekly. Click on the link below to read the review, and then check out our Bay State Skye page to enjoy some videos from many of the events featured in the book.
Click here to read the complete Publishers Weekly Review of Bay State Skye.
To read the Publisher’s Weekly review of Perfection To A Fault, click on the link below.
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2014 Silver Falchion Award Winner for Best Children’s
Picture Book
Mystery writer and event founder, Clay Stafford, awards Janice S. C. Petrie the 2014 Silver Falchion Award for Best Children’s Picture Book.
“Did You Make the Hole in the Shell in the Sea?” has been named the winner of the prestigious 2014 Silver Falchion Award in the Best Children’s Picture Book division.
Mystery writer and founder Clay Stafford presented Janice S. C. Petrie with the 2014 Silver Falchion Award for Best Children’s Picture Book at the “Killer Nashville” Mystery Writer’s conference in August. “This category is for children learning to love books. Judged on a combination of originality and telling of the story, and the accompanying illustrations, the goal of this category is to identify exciting books to inspire young readers…There is rarely a murder here or a very scary monster, but there is always a mystery to solve.” This award is sponsored by Barnes and Noble and Mystery Writers of America, among others.
“Something’s Tugging on My Claw!” is a Mom’s Choice Award Recipient
Something’s Tugging on My Claw! has been chosen to receive a Mom’s Choice Award for Children’s Picture Books. It feels great to have our book, based on a very special blue lobster, acknowledged in this way. (July 2016)
Two Great Distributors to Choose
Whether you’re a library, school system, or educator, we have two great distributors ready to take your order for our books. Please feel free to contact Brodart Books and Library Services for all orders within the continental United States, or Follett School Solutions for both domestic and international orders for school systems and educators.
A Second Printing for “Perfection To A Fault”
Just as the 100th Anniversary of this Fascinating True Crime Approaches
The first printing of Perfection To A Fault: A Small Murder in Ossipee, New Hampshire, 1916 is almost sold out. With a second printing on the horizon, we were sure to keep this captivating story, recently reviewed by Publisher’s Weekly and Kirkus Reviews, exactly the same. However, a new cover and a much requested Photo Gallery were added as an appealing addition. The second printing should be available to purchase or order from your favorite bookstore around June 21, 2016.
“Perfection To A Fault”
First Printing
“Perfection To A Fault”
Second Printing May 2016
Author Events & Conferences
Author events/book signings at Barnes & Noble in Peabody, MA and Augusta, ME.
Mark Your Calendars!
We have many upcoming author event appearances scheduled.
If you’re in the area, please stop by and say hello. We’d love to see you there!
2014
- Barnes & Noble, Peabody MA, by the North Shore Mall on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014 at 11am. Live sea animals will be included in this presentation.
- Barnes & Noble, Manchester NH, on Sunday, November 23, 2014 from 1pm to 3pm. (Discovery Weekend) Live sea animals will be included in this presentation.
- Barnes & Noble, Augusta ME, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014 from 11am to 1pm (Teacher Appreciation Day) Live sea animals will be included in this presentation.
- Barnes & Noble, Burlington MA, by the Burlington Mall on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014 at 6:30pm. Live sea animals will be included in this presentation.
- Barnes & Noble, Stamford CT, on Sunday, December 21, 2014, from 1pm to 3pm. Live sea animals will be included in this presentation.
2015
- Barnes & Noble, Framingham MA, on Friday evening, January 16, 2015 at 7pm. Live sea animals will be included in this presentation.
- Barnes & Noble, Wellington FL, on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at 11am.
- Barnes & Noble, Pensacola, FL, on Saturday, January 31, 2015, at 11am.
- Barnes & Noble, Destin, FL, on Sunday, February 1, 2015 at 12 noon.
- Barnes & Noble, Enfield, CT, on Saturday, February 14, 2015, at 11:30am. Live sea animals will be included in this presentation.
- Barnes & Noble, Tampa, FL, on Saturday, March 14, 2015, at 1pm.
- Barnes & Noble, Wilmington DE, on Saturday, March 21, 2015, at 12pm.
- Barnes & Noble, St. Johns Town Center, Jacksonville FL, on Saturday, April 11, 2015, at 1pm.
- Barnes & Noble, Sarasota FL, on Tuesday, April 14, 2015, at 4:30pm. (Seminar for Educators)
- Barnes & Noble, Fort Myers FL, on Friday, April 17, 2015, at 4:30pm. (Seminar for Educators)
- Barnes & Noble, Wellington FL, on Saturday, April 18, 2015, at 10:00am. (Seminar for Educators)
- Barnes & Noble, Middletown RI, on Friday, April 24, 2015, at 11am. Live sea animals will be included in this presentation.
- Barnes & Noble, Canton CT, on Saturday, April 25, 2015, at 11am. (Book Fair) Live sea animals will be included in this presentation.
- Barnes & Noble, Livingston NJ, on Saturday, May 16, 2015, from 2pm-4pm.
- Barnes & Noble, Cherry Hill NJ, Saturday, May 30, 2015, at 1pm.
- Barnes & Noble, Milford CT, on Friday, June 5, 2015, at 6:30pm. (Book Fair) Live sea animals will be included in this presentation.
- Barnes & Noble, North Haven CT, on Saturday, June 6, 2015, at 11am. Live sea animals will be included in this presentation.
- Barnes & Noble, Salem NH, Thursday, June 11, 2015, from 5pm-8pm. Live sea animals will be included in this presentation.
- Barnes & Noble, Prudential Center, Boston MA, on Saturday, June 20, 2015, from 12pm – 2pm. Live sea animals will be included in this presentation.
- Barnes & Noble, Hadley, MA, on Sunday, June 28, 2015.
- Barnes & Noble, Glendora CA, on Saturday, July 25, 2015, at 11am.
- Barnes & Noble, Burbank CA, on Sunday, July 26, 2015, at 1pm.
- Barnes & Noble, San Mateo CA, on Saturday, August 1, 2015, at 12pm.
- Barnes & Noble, Peabody MA, near the North Shore Mall, on Saturday, August 15, 2015, at 11:30am. Live sea animals will be included in this presentation.
- Barnes & Noble, Tampa FL, on Saturday, September 26, 2015 from 12 noon – 2pm. Storytime scheduled for 12:30pm.
- Barnes & Noble, Wellington FL, on Saturday, October 17, 2015 from 10am – 2pm. Storytime scheduled for 11am.
- Barnes & Noble, Santa Monica CA, on Saturday, November 14, 2015 from 11am – 2pm. Storytime is scheduled for 11am.
2016 *We’re unveiling our new book, Something’s Tugging on My Claw!
- Barnes & Noble, Saugus MA, on Saturday, March 5, 2016, at 2pm. Live sea animals will be included in this presentation.
- Barnes & Noble, Clearwater FL, on Saturday, March 12, 2016, special Storytime at 1pm.
- Barnes & Noble, Benton FL, on Saturday, March 19, 2016, Storytime at 11:15am, book signing to follow from 12-2pm.
- Barnes & Noble, Peabody MA, by the North Shore Mall on Saturday, April 2, 2016, at 11:15am. Live sea animals will be included in this presentation.
- Barnes & Noble, Burlington MA, on Saturday, April 16, 2016, at 4:00pm. Special Storytime at 6:30pm, with live sea animals.
- Bethlehem School, Lynnfield MA, on May 24, 2016 & May 25, 2016.
- Tall Ships Festival, Newburyport MA, on Thursday & Friday, May 26 & 27, 2016, by the banks of the Merrimac River at the Greetings By Design store.
- Andover Rompers, Andover MA, on June 1, 2016.
- Majestic Harbor, Rowley MA, on June 2, 2016.
- Bancroft Elementary School, Andover MA, June 14, 2016.
- American Library Association Conference and Exhibition, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando FL, June 23-28, 2016. Seatales Publishing Company is located at Booth #1991. If you’re in the area, drop by. We’d love to see you!
- Great Beginnings, Danvers MA, July 12, 2016.
- Teachable Moments, Stoneham MA, July 13, 2016.
- Teachable Moments, Melrose MA, July 13, 2016.
- New England American Library Association Conference and Exhibition, Hilton Double Tree Hotel, Danvers MA, October 16-18, 2016.
- North Shore Reading Council, a division of the Massachusetts Reading Association, guest speaker. November 9, 2016, Danversport Yacht Club, Danvers MA.
2017-2018 We’re hard at work presenting preschool and elementary author visits, and loving every minute of it!
We’ve also just released our new fiction, Bay State Skye, based on actual events that’s getting incredible revues. Don’t miss out! Order your copy today!
- Steve Connolly Seafood Company, Gloucester MA, Book Release Celebration and Signing, June 22-24, 2018, 8am-5pm
- Steve Connolly Seafood Company, Gloucester MA, Book Sale and Signing, August 17, 2018, 8am-5pm
- Sea Festival of Trees, Blue Ocean Music Hall, 4 Ocean Front N, , Salisbury, MA, Holiday Book Sale & Signing, November 17, 2018, 10am-4pm
- Holiday Walk, 30 Main Street, Topsfield, MA, Holiday Book Sale & Singing, December 1, 2018, 4pm-7pm
- Steve Connolly Seafood Company, Gloucester MA, Holiday Book Sale & Signing, December 8, 2018, 10am-12pm
2019:
- South School in Andover, MA, March 12, 2019
- IBPA University and Conference, Chicago, IL, April 4th and 5th, 2019
- Festival by the Lake, Wakefield, MA, June 8, 2019. 10am-4pm
Mission
Our goal is to produce quality books that entertain, delight, inform, and inspire. We strive to introduce readers to great stories for all ages. Whether we’re bringing to life a bubbly character from under the sea, telling the true story of a haunting tale from the White Mountains of New Hampshire, or revealing an authentic look into the Cape Ann fishing industry in 1990, we are committed to providing accurate information wrapped up in a captivating story. We are especially dedicated to introducing children and adults to marine life that can be commonly found on the Atlantic coast.
We know how hard teachers work, and are dedicated to making our children’s books user friendly in the classroom. The Bumpy, Lumpy Horseshoe Crab, Did You Make the Hole in the Shell in the Sea, and Something’s Tugging on My Claw! all have curriculum available, developed by teachers, to help educators introduce topics with innovation and creativity.
Our author events are created to introduce students, as well as adults, to many of the captivating sea animals they may encounter on a summer day at the coast. We strive to engage people of all ages in learning about and developing a greater understanding of the characteristics of each animal included in our stories and its habitat. Through our author visits, the characters of The Bumpy, Lumpy Horseshoe Crab, Did You Make the Hole in the Shell in the Sea?, and Something’s Tugging on My Claw! really do come to life!