Oscar the Herring Gull

By Nancy M. Donovan,
Illustrated by Susan Spellman

Children learn the dangers of pollution to sea life in a charming story of Oscar the herring gull, and read about Oscar growing up on the Isles of Shoals.

Children will delight in the story of Oscar, a herring gull born on the Isles of Shoals. Through the story of Oscar's life young and old learn about the ways of gulls. At the end of the story Oscar answers questions readers have about herring gulls and their habits.

Ages 4–8

Readers' Comments

"Nancy Donovan has achieved what parents and young readers will enjoy and appreciate: a good animal story filled with natural history facts—all woven seamlessly together. With ease and flow she introduces animal behavior, field observation and human impact on ecology without getting in the way of the tale and in a way that will surely inspire children to want to learn more. Susan Spellman's illustrations complement the story perfectly..." -Wendy W. Lull, President, Seacoast Science Center.

"Nancy Donovan has crafted an endearing and engaging story that is sure to delight younger audiences with a true-to-life glimpse into the life of gulls. Educators should flock to this wonderful book!" -Mark Wiley, Assistant Director for Education, N.H. Sea Grant Program.

About the Author and the Illustrator

NANCY DONOVAN is a writer of children’s stories, a poet and a potter. Her books, Oscar the Herring Gull, and Marissa the Forest Spirit are in bookstores, toy stores and historical places on the New Hampshire seacoast. Her poems are included in three anthologies published by the New Hampshire Poetry Society. Her books and pottery are also available at Just Us Chickens artist co-op in Kittery ME. Nancy may be contacted at beachtreeatthec@comcast.net.

Author website: www.nancydonovanauthor.com

SUSAN SPELLMAN is a fine artist and illustrator who resides in Newburyport, Massachusetts. She illustrates for Highlights magazine and has illustrated more than thirty titles for children since 1979, including: Mabel Takes a Paddle, by Emily Chetkowski, Draw History, the Civil War, by Nancy Clayton and Pinky & Bubs' Stinky Night Out, by Frankie Spellman.

Ordering Information

ISBN: 978-1-931807-69-2 10 x 8" softcover, 36 full color pages, $15.00 / Children

To order copies of Wild Dolphin Rider, Oscar the Herring Gull, or Marissa please contact the author directly: Email beachtreeattheC@comcast.net or call (603) 926-3916.