Everyone gets homesick. And Nic is no different. She's so excited about spending the entire summer on a small New England island with her grandparents that she counts down the days through winter and spring. But when the grand adventure finally begins, she finds tears and loneliness instead of joy and freedom. Astrid Sheckels' picture book Nic and Nellie is a gorgeously illustrated, heartwarming story of a girl and her beloved dog, Nellie, who slowly learn that new places really aren't so scary, and that often friends can be found around every corner, even in old row boats, tidal ponds, and stinky mud flats. The story of Nic and Nellie is charming. Nic and her dog Nellie have gone away on Nics first solo vacation to visit her grandparents in Maine. Nic s character moves from the anxiety of being away from familiar faces and places, to having a wonderful time and making new friends. What a great book for a child going on their own first camp or vacation trip! --Books for Children in New England by Sarah Tuttle "Like many classic children's books, 'Nic and Nellie' is a story about learning from one's environment and growing up (but not growing up too much). Nic's summer ends up being the summer we all want to remember from our childhoods a season of sunshine and berries, of play and love, of children and dogs, of bonfires and song and laughter . . . The Maine island on which Nic's grandparents live is achingly beautiful. For Nic and for readers, it becomes a place to be revisited often --Tinky Weisblat, The Greenfield Recorder For any child who's off to sleepaway camp or who's ever felt homesick, this book deserves to be packed in their suitcase as a reminder of new adventure can be . . . A beautifully illustrated picture book that reminds us how fleeting summer can be, but how its adventures that take us out of our comfort zone can last a lifetime. --Pamela Brill, The Walking Walnut Nic and Nellie tells the story of a young girl who, along with her faithful dog (Nellie), spends the summer with her grandparents on a small New England island. While Nic is, at first, excited about the new adventure that lies ahead, she experiences a bad case of homesickness as her summer begins and she says goodbye to her mom. Nic feels lonely and scared during the first few days on the island. But ventures with Nellie, berry picking with her grandmother, and sitting on the porch with her grandpa helped diminish her feelings of sadness and isolation. In time, Nic meets new friends and discovers an island full of fun and adventure—whether skimming rocks, playing in the mud, paddling a rowboat, or sitting by a camp fire. And then one day she can't even remember feeling sad at all. The beautiful illustrations and colorful imagery more than adequately capture Nic and Nellie's summer escapade —it even makes you feel like you can smell the salty air and feel the warm breeze on your face. Children will be drawn to each page's canvas of island living. Even without text, these pictures tell a tale of how a young girl eventually adapts to her new surroundings and finds friendship and laughter. Nic and Nellie is a charming little story that will have appeal for young children who may experience similar emotions when away from home because they can learn that by meeting new friends and establishing new routines they can become comfortable in their new environment. The anxiety that Nic feels is not uncommon, but this story has an encouraging message and a happy ending. And, really, who doesn't love a happy end. Astrid Sheckels is a native of the small farming town of Hatfield, Massachusetts. She cannot remember a time when she was not telling or illustrating stories. She grew up with her father's and grandfather's stories, so it's not surprising that Astrid herself enjoys telling stories—though she prefers to tell hers visually, using illustrations to give a story more depth and dimension. Astrid began expressing herself artistically at age two when she decorated her family's new wall-to-wall carpeting with wax crayons. Home schooling and private art instruction laid the foundation for her artistic education, which was formalized at Greenfield Community College. Nic and Nellie is her first book as both author and illustrator. Astrid is a member of The Western Massachusetts Illustrators Guild and The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. Her first two picture books, the award-winning The Scallop Christmas (2009) and the award-winning The Fish House Door (2010), were both published by Islandport Press. She is the illustrator of the picture book Hope Somewhere in America (Twin Lights Publishers, 2012) and two of the Horse Diaries chapter books (Random House). She has also won awards for her fine art, including the Archibald MacLeish Prize for Art (2003) and the Medici Award in the Visual Arts (2004). Astrid lives in Greenfield, Massachusetts. Used Book in Good Condition