Publisher Description

What do you do at the beach when it's not summertime? Carole Jane lives on Mac Island, and even though summer is fun, Carole Jane thinks she might love the other seasons even more. She can peek into tide pools in the spring, talk to gulls in the fall, and play in the sand all year round, building all sorts of things. Home on Mac Island is Carole Jane's favorite place to be. The pale-yellow house at the end of Starfish Lane is where Carole Jane lives. She can see the ocean every day, all year long, and there is always something interesting to see and do on the island. Spend the year with Carole Jane, discovering everything from parades celebrating Mac Island's townspeople, to a bonfire on the beach, to peaceful days reading on the pier.

Author Biography

Diane Twomley is a mother and grandmother who has an interesting laugh and always sees a silver lining, even when others don't. Some of her favorite things include sand between her toes, books, jelly donuts, cozy pajamas, and the laughter of little children. She believes that you are never too old to try something new, such as writing a book. Diane has always worked in jobs that allow her to help others. She spent almost twenty-five years in a middle school library, where her favorite thing was helping students find the perfect book. She lives in central Pennsylvania with her husband, Mike. They have raised two wonderful sons and treasure every moment with their grandson, Harper T.S. Her next project, "Picking Patch," is based on a true story about a surprise in a pumpkin patch. Cheryl Grant was born and raised in the mountains of Virginia. Simple country living and love of family influenced many of her illustrations. Cheryl attended Mary Baldwin University, graduating in 1990 with an art degree. When Cheryl's son was born, she decided to stay home with him. During this time, she continued to create treasured art for friends and family. Cheryl returned to work in the early 2000s, creating a popular website that made her art available for digital download. Some of her most popular illustrations feature her adorable puppy, her two cats, and their sassy adventures. Cheryl now enjoys spending time with her grandson and watching him grow. This is the first time Cheryl has illustrated a published book.

Review

"Have you ever wondered what happens at the beach after you leave? When summer ends, and the crowds retreat? Allow Carole Jane to take you through the seasons at the beach that many of us never see. This book is an invitation to explore the quiet beauty that resides at the beach year-round." David Rockower, author of The Power of Teaching Vulnerably, recipient of the 2017 National Middle School English Teacher of the Year award, and Heinemann Fellow "What happens at a small beach town after the summer tourist season ends? For Carole Jane, each subsequent season is equally delightful, with several sweet adventures and small slices of life worth capturing. Carole Jane from Starfish Lane marks a descriptive debut for author Diane Twomley and illustrator Cheryl Grant, both of whom bring this relatable, insightful girl's world to life. Whether finding joys through community, family, or solitary time, Carole Jane marks the occasion with appreciation and creativity. By extension, she will likely nudge readers to create, explore, or do more in their own setting, and hopefully keep track of these memorable moments for the future. Twomley's words capture the tone and pace of shore life in a perfectly approachable manner for young readers, and Grant's graceful, postcard-worthy illustrations capture the small town charm effectively. With an engaging layout and accessible formatting, Carole Jane from Starfish Lane is sure to lure more readers to the shore life all year long! Recommended for all ages." Dustin Brackbill, librarian, Pennsylvania School Library Association member, committee co-chair, and former library director

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