Press Release: April 20, 2016
Brattle Publishing Releases Preteen Novel A Raccoon’s Tale: Seven Saves the Notch
First fiction title for award-winning author and Maine resident Fran Hodgkins
Portland, ME–Brattle Publishing Group (BPG) today announced the wide release of its new preteen novel A Raccoon’s Tale: Seven Saves the Notch. The socially conscious tale follows the journey of a clever raccoon named Seven and her companions on an exciting quest to save their forest. The novel was written by award-winning children’s book author and Maine resident Fran Hodgkins. Donnachada Daly, directing animator of Shrek, Shrek 2, Madagascar, and Antz, illustrated the novel.
“A Raccoon’s Tale: Seven Saves the Notch is designed to teach kids important values such as loyalty, curiosity, and personal growth, as well as the importance of conserving our great planet,” said Hodgkins, who grew up in Lynn, Massachusetts. “Seven’s journey combines action and adventure, while exploring the theme of humanity’s destruction of nature.”
A Raccoon’s Tale: Seven Saves the Notch is Hodgkin’s first fiction title. The New England native is the author of more than 20 non-fiction titles. Her first book, The Orphan Seal, received the Henry Bergh Children’s Book Award from the ASPCA, and How People Learned to Fly is listed as an exemplar in the Common Core English Language Arts standards. The Secret Galaxy became a Junior Library Guild selection and part of the Bank Street Best Books for Children list.
“Growing up, I spent hours at the neighborhood library reading my way through the children’s book collection,” Hodgkins said. “I’ve always loved nature and science, and loved writing as well, so it seemed only logical I would grow up to write about science and nature for children.”
Woven throughout A Raccoon’s Tale: Seven Saves the Notch are Daly’s comic-book-style illustrations. Daly is a creator and pioneer of 3D Illustration. In 2008, he released Depth Charge, 3D Illusions, a book filled with 3D images that jump from the page without the need for any special glasses. His latest features include Over The Hedge, Bee Movie, Monsters vs. Aliens, and Shrek 4.
“Our primary goal at BPG is to create materials that promote a lifelong love of literature,” said Richard A. Lena, BPG’s President and Publisher. “We are pleased to release A Raccoon’s Tale: Seven Saves the Notch, a book that inspires an excitement for learning and teaches important lessons.”
A Raccoon’s Tale: Seven Saves the Notch is can be purchased at BrattlePublishing.com or at your local bookstore. Hardcover copies are $15.99 and softcover copies are $9.99. Retailers can purchase copies through through Greenleaf Book Group, Ingrams, Baker & Taylor, and other wholesalers.
Additional information on A Raccoon’s Tale: Seven Saves the Notch and can be found on BPG’s Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus accounts.
About A Raccoon’s Tale: Seven Saves the Notch
Seven Rings Moon is a clever raccoon destined to save the forest! Chased from their home in the city, Seven Rings Moon and her sister Arnica set out to find the mythical raccoon homeland, the Notch. On their journey, the sisters face dangers including deadly coyotes, evil raccoon rulers, and humanity’s urban sprawl. This delightful tale of family loyalty will raise your awareness of these adorable forest creatures and their struggle with humanity’s expanding presence.
About Fran Hodgkins
Fran Hodgkins was born in Massachusetts, the youngest of four children. As a child, she loved animals and books—especially books! The neighborhood branch library was one of her favorite haunts, and she spent hours there, reading her way through the children’s collection.
Not long after graduating with a degree in Journalism, Fran worked for educational publisher Silver Burdett Ginn and began a career in educational publishing. Since then, Fran has worked on countless textbook programs and has written more than 20 books for young readers.
Fran lives in Maine with her family.
About Brattle Publishing Group
Brattle Publishing Group (BPG) is a provider of innovative educational and entertainment products and services. Led by experts with decades of experience in education and literacy, BPG creates products that encourage enthusiastic learning. BPG publishes children’s books by award-winning authors and illustrators.
BPG also creates educational programs, designed to motivate preK–12 student achievement through inspired learning, and provides professional development for preK–12 educators.