Paulie the Piping Plover’s Merry Misfits
A Martha’s Vineyard Tale
2nd Edition
by Christy Burbidge
Illustrated by Mary Jo Helchowski
Paulie the piping plover has always been afraid of flying, and the other plovers tease him because he can’t keep up. One day, tired of being picked on, he runs away from home. On his journey he makes two new friends who also fear something in their natural habitats.
Then, a storm changes everything for the new friends. Will Paulie learn how to conquer his fear of flying to help others and himself? Paulie the Piping Plover’s Merry Misfits takes readers age 6+ on an exciting journey that celebrates differences and courage.
“Endearing illustrations of the creatures and the shoreline make you root for the friends from start to finish. A delightful bedtime book for the kids, and maybe for you, too.”—Abby Remer, Author at The Martha’s Vineyard Times
“A powerful story about acceptance and overcoming one’s fears.”—Reader’s Favorite Review
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Buy in Hardcover | Audiobook Coming Soon
About the Author
Christy Burbidge is the author of Paulie the Piping Plover’s Merry Misfits, Claire’s Coyote Friends, and If Memory Surfs. She has been published in several literary journals and magazines, including First Literary Review-East and Otherwise Engaged: Literature and Arts Journal.
Christy is a licensed social worker at a high school outside of Boston, and is affiliated with the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB), where she serves as a Chat Host. Visit her online at www.christyburbidge.com.
About the Illustrator
Mary Jo Helchowski is a children’s book illustrator who lives In Essex, Connecticut. She received her BFA in illustration from the Lyme Academy of Fine Art in 2018, and earned a Master’s of Library and Information Sciences from Southern Connecticut State University in 2022.
Her artwork has been featured in galleries and other children’s books about everything from baseball to bumblebees. She hopes her pictures made you smile! Visit her online at www.maryjohelchowski.com.
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