The Ice Harbor Mittens

Eleven year-old sternman Josy wants red and gray sawtooth mittens like his lobster boat skipper, but the village knitter, Aunt Ester, makes him old-fashioned compass mittens. When their boat gets lost in a thick fog, however, the old-time mittens hold the key to getting home safe-there might be some magic knitted into them.

Robin Hansen can justifiably claim to be the person who started the groundswell of interest in roots knitting patterns for mittens. When Fox & Geese & Fences: A Collection of Traditional Maine Mittens was published a generation ago, it was an instant success, and nary a knitter above the age of thirty has not heard of it. It was followed by a second, equally inspiring collection: Flying Geese & Partridge Feet: More Mittens from Up North & Down East. Favorite Mittens is a compilation of some of the most popular traditional designs from Robin's groundbreaking first two books, presenting these tried-and-true patterns in a new format, with step-by-step directions revised and updated for ease of knitting, thanks to the helpful feedback Robin has gotten from the knitters who flock to her workshops all around the country.

Filled with a wide array of classic knitting patterns, this book is, in essence, the ultimate mitten book. The patterns are organized from simple to difficult and their origins range from traditional Scandinavian and Canadian Maritime patterns to more contemporary sewn and windblock patterns from right here in Maine. Rounding out the patterns is useful information on caring for and repairing woolens; tips for adding details such as buttons, straps, or leather palms to mittens; and a list of yarn suppliers.

The story of how Sunny learns to knit her first pair of mittens accompanied by instructions for the reader to knit their own pair.

*2016 Maine Lupine Award Winner* Riley’s birthday is coming, but the mail plane with his gifts from the mainland hasn’t been able to get to the island for days because of bad weather. In a mood that matches the weather, he agrees to help Uncle Harv collect driftwood to make furniture. One thing leads to another as it always does on a small island, and eventually Riley realizes that everything he needs for a great birthday is already right at hand. Fountas & Pinnell Level O

Anyone with small children knows how hard it can be for them to wait for something. This charming and vibrant book marks a little girl,s island moments that add up to much more than a week. It captures the fun and whimsy of summer, the importance of imagination, and the not-so-small task of waiting for a visit from Nana.

This beautiful picture book celebrates the power of imagination and an appreciation of the natural world. A young girl finds a starfish on the beach and wants to show it to her mother at home, but doesn’t want to take it from its home. With encouragement from her dad and a little imagination, Ana is able to let the sea star go and yet keep it with her at the same time. This beautiful picture book celebrates the power of imagination and an appreciation of the natural world. Back matter invites children into the lives and experiences of a jellyfish, stingray, loggerhead turtle and other sea creatures. “The sea star waited as the sand settled around it. Then slowly, slowly it crept home to the sea grass meadow on hundreds of tiny tube feet.” “Ana watched a snowy plover grab its dinner from the surf. Then the tiny bird skittered across the sand. Ana and Papa followed their shadows home.”

The now iconic figure John Muir, while living at the base of Yosemite Falls in California, ventures up the trail from his cabin one night and has a harrowing waterfall adventure. Back matter roots the story in Muir’s life’s work as a conservationist and naturalist.