FRIENDSHIP — On Saturday, February 24, at 10 a.m., the Friendship Public Library will host a reading of Chickadee Afloat, a children’s picture book by the late author and illustrator Barbara Beebe. Barbara’s daughter, artist Susan Beebe, will read the sweet story of Chickadee, a bright yellow skiff who accidentally floats away from the shore of her island home in Maine.

Artist Barbara Beebe, who passed away in 2022, spent much of the year (and a few winters) on Friendship Long Island in an old house that she and her daughter, Susan, restored in the 1980s. This story was inspired by her love of the island. The book was published by Barnswallow Books of Rockport.

“I was captivated by Barbara Beebe’s manuscript and her stunning illustrations that accompany the story,” said Barswallow owner, in a Friendship Public Library news release. “The book is a Maine product through and through. It was written, illustrated, designed, and printed in Maine. It’s also set on the coast of Maine and represents Barnswallow’s first publishing effort.”

Chickadee Afloat is available at Barnswallow Books, Owl & Turtle Bookshop in Camden, and at the many Sherman’s Bookstore locations. It is also being donated to schools and public libraries in Maine. The book will be available for purchase at the library during the reading event.

The library is located at 3 Main Street in Friendship.

Adults and children are welcome, and refreshments will be served.