The Maine Birthday Book

by Tonya Shevenell

If it was your birthday, what would you wish for?

That’s the question a thoughtful chickadee named Dirigo asks his animal friends who have traveled from Maine’s woods, waterways and wilderness to celebrate his birthday.

Gathered around the dandelion birthday candle, each animal friend offers Dirigo an idea for a special wish as they take turns telling stories about their own Maine birthdays.

You’re invited to the party, too!

Explore the wildlife, geography, and magic of Maine through the birthday stories of Socks, a black bear from Penobscot County; Doodles, a puffin from Knox County; Chester, a snowshoe hare from Franklin County; and over a dozen other friends from all over the state!

A 52-page birthday celebration from the imagination of Maine native, Tonya Shevenell, with watercolor illustrations by Laura Winslow, The Maine Birthday Book is a conversation to be enjoyed every day of the year.

52 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2019

About the author

Tonya Shevenell was walking in the woods when three white-tailed deer witnessed the trees whispering her ideas for The Maine Birthday Book. It’s a magical place where farmland and forest meet the sea.

Born and based in Portland, Maine, Tonya runs a small business, Home Ice Productions, where she works on books, films, music and marketing.

She also spends a lot of time in the imaginary hometown of Malibu Maine.

She's excited about her projects "in-the-works," a new children's book she's researching and a second feature length documentary film. She's also excited that the animals of The Maine Birthday Book are meeting new readers!

Reviews

[Eileen Horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful new children's book for children between 3 and 7. A gang of adorable animals get together to celebrate the birthday of their chickadee friend bringing good wishes as well as lots of information about the state of Maine. Particularly good timing as 2020 is the State of Maine's 200th birthday. I found it fun to read as an adult, as well as to read to little ones. The pictures are beautiful.

[Mike Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful way to learn about the state of Maine with friendly animals. The story is fantastic and the art is beautiful. A children’s book that this dad enjoyed reading to his son.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations and wonderful little story. perfect for my babies first and future birthdays 🥰

[Lisa Nagel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another magical book written by Tonya Shevenell and illustrated by Laura Winslow. This one will pull kids right in. A chickadee is having a birthday but does not know what birthday wish to make and so seeks advice from the friends attending the birthday party. Each animal has not only a birthday wish idea, but also imparts a bit about where they live and what they like. They tell about magical fireflies, beautiful stars and wild blueberries. All the while teaching the reader about Maine and nuggets about life. Just a lovely and fun book to share and a book that can be the perfect starting point for discussion with ideas about what to wish for chances for lot’s of stories!