Jenny Cooley and her mother, Maureen Lee, have self-published a new children’s book that takes place in Maine. According to a May 18 press release, the book, “Toby’s Island Visit,” is the third in a series of seven books they are hoping to create

Courtesy photo

In the book, Patrick and Paulina Puffin with their baby chick Leo, come alive in a new children’s book from the series: “A Puppy in Maine.” The series features a Golden Retriever named Toby who is modeled after the authors’ family’s pet. Toby’s Island Visit takes place on Machias Seal Island, an island off the coast of Maine, inhabited by thousands of seabirds. Traveling from Cutler, Maine, was the latest adventure by author Lee and her daughter, Cooley, author/illustrator.

“Going back to the island 37 years after my first visit, was a wonderful experience,” wrote Lee in an email. “Surprisingly, it seemed like time had stood still all those years. The puffins are just as cute and comical as ever.”

“I’d never been that far up the coast of Maine and the landscapes and seascapes are breathtaking,” Cooley said.

Cooley is a full-time teacher in Kennebunk, and found time to write and illustrate the book, even during the same year she got engaged and married. “My head was spinning by Christmas 2022, but it’s great to look back on all the events and this brand-new children’s book.”

Jenny Cooley Courtesy photo

Maureen Lee Courtesy photo

Lee, an internal medicine physician in southern Maine, said she enjoyed the busy time with her daughter, their third collaboration in the series.

In “Toby’s Island Visit,” Toby takes a boat to an island and meets up with a puffin friend. Just as he arrives, there is a discussion underway about family responsibilities. Suddenly, a family member gets into trouble and the group needs to act quickly.

The public can meet the authors/purchase books at the July and Christmas Prelude shows of Maine Women in the Arts (www.mainewomenarts.com) or at Atlantic Hall in Cape Porpoise during Christmas Prelude. The three books in the series can also be purchased on line at www.apuppyinmaine.com or at Nonesuch Books in South Portland. The authors can be reached at seacoastchildrensbooks@gmail.com.

“Toby’s Island Adventure” by Maureen Lee and Jenny Cooley. Courtesy image