Nicholas, A Vermont Tale

by Peter Arenstam, Karen Busch Holman (Illustrations)

After traveling across his home state of Massachusetts (Book One), Maine (Book Two), and New Hampshire (Book Three), Nicholas and his friend Edward the chipmunk cross into Vermont, still in pursuit of the family journal. The two creatures make new friend and learn a great deal about the state of Vermont. But will Nicholas ever find the family treasure and return home?

Book Four in a four-book series about Nicholas’s adventures in the Northeast.

156 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2010

About the author

My unconventional career since graduating from Bates College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy has helped inform my writing life. After college, I learned wooden boat building at the Apprenticeship at the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath, Maine.
I took care of and sailed Mayflower II, the replica of the historic Pilgrim ship for over twenty years, and have even held roles in feature films and television documentaries related to Mayflower history.
I have designed and built a number of watercraft including a 38’ reproduction 17th century shallop for The Pilgrim John Howland Society.
As Director of Massachusetts Bay Maritime Artisans, at the Jones River Landing in Kingston, Massachusetts, I taught boat building classes for adults and children and organized an annual maritime lecture series. I am now the Executive Director of the Pilgrim John Howland Society, based in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
I have been a frequent lecturer and public speaker on Mayflower and maritime history and visit many schools and libraries throughout the country to talk to children about my work and the craft of writing.
With an MFA in creating writing for children from Simmons University, I am now crafting stories I hope are entertaining and enlightening for readers of all ages.

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son and I have really enjoyed reading about the adventures of Nicholas. We love the silly adventures that he has and the ongoing search for the journal. I have to say we were not thrilled, after reading all four stories, with the way that it ended but all in all these are great stories, rich with the history of our New England states and we're very glad we read them. My son loves when we see or hear about places mentioned in these 4 books.

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the fourth and final book of the Nicholas series I'm reading with my 7 year old. Overall the series was good, the chapters are perfect for bedtime reading. However I felt this fourth installment was the weakest one. The story felt rushed and didn't have as much history as the others. Also there ere some unbelievable parts including a mythical sea monster. I know it's about a mouse but even within the context of the. Ok it didn't seem right.
Also aft four book the ending felt rushed and the finale was underwhelming, I recommend the series overall though.