Petey the Puffin Happy At Last

PETEY, an eight-week-old puffin, is having difficulty catching herring for his meals. His tummy continues to growl as he paddles
aimlessly in the waters off the coast of Iceland. Inspired by the migrating puffin birds of Easter Egg Rock Island in Maine, Iceland's coast and the National Audubon Society Puffin Project, this kindergarten-early elementary aged appropriate picture book captures the imagination of children who hear this story. It is well researched to accurately represent the elements of early puffin life but in a fictional storyline.

The authors have read aloud this book to classes of different age groups (ages 4-8) and received rave reviews. Not only is the rhythm and repetition of the story's opening pages engaging, but the twist in the story surprised the young listeners. The children were very attentive to all parts of the story including the ending which is critical. They enjoyed that the parents assisted the baby puffling and the plan they devised, as well as the reward to the little one. It is an excellent book for
discussion.

In 2017 Vita Maggio and Barbara Marchewka visited Iceland where they fell in love with puffins. Shortly after their return they wrote PETEY the PUFFIN...HAPPY AT LAST.

Vita has worked in both the public and private sectors. Her career was primarily at Horizon Blue Cross
Blue Shield of New Jersey. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Rutgers University. One of her op-ed pieces was featured in a radio broadcast. Her interests include travel, photography and fitness. She lives in Clifton, New Jersey


Barbara worked in both elementary/science education and business for over 25 years. She loves children's
literature. In the past she did writer's workshop with young children. She has had curriculum articles published in trade magazines. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a Master's Degree in Reading from the College of New Rochelle. Barbara enjoys traveling, cultural studies and nature. She resides in New York.


Maggie Jelley, illustrator, is a graduate of Red Bank Regional Fine Arts Academy. A resident of Belmar, N.J.; she is a full-time student at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York continuing her studies in several areas of fine arts. Maggie is especially interested in creating art and media for children. This is her second book of published illustrations.