“Allagash Tails Volume One” was published in June 2009, and was soon followed by “An Allagash Haunting.” A third book “Allagash Tails Volume III- Wilderness Wildlife” was released in November 2010 and a “Wilderness Ranger’s Journal” was released in the fall 2012. “Headin’ North” is the last book and a sequel to the popular “Wilderness Ranger’s Journal,” was first released in 2013. The books are illustrated by Frank Manzo Jr.

Publishing five books in just four-and-one-half years, it is clear that the team’s effort to educate about Northern Maine is paying off. The “Allagash Tails” books have been shipped throughout the U.S. and to numerous countries overseas as well as our military service abroad. People from all over the world are reading and learning about the nationally designated “Wild and Scenic River” that flows like a vein through the heart of Maine’s wild lands.

The wild river is also being studied in schools. For the last three-and-one-half years Caverly has been promoting reading through the Power Point program called “New England Reads.” In that presentation he offers a multimedia, hour-long program that includes music, and spectacular scenic and historic pictures, enveloping the audience with the sounds, feel and legends of New England’s famous river. Students are being taught about our heritage, with lessons spiced with learning about our natural world.

By the fall of 2014, in addition to libraries and civic organizations, the author had presented 144 times and reached out to almost 5,000 students. But talking about their books isn’t enough for the “Allagash Tails” team. To date, thanks to donations from Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis, as well as support from health and financial institutions, almost 1,400 of the “Allagash Tails” books have been donated to 119 New England schools.

Caverly’s second book “An Allagash Haunting — The Story of Emile Camile” has also been adapted into a stage production with shows performed in Houlton and Millinocket in April and May 2011. In collaboration with the Houlton Starbright Children’s Theatre, students sang songs in French and English that captured the spirit of family, friendships and the legacy of our forest heritage. A script is available for schools and community theatre groups who wish to perform the play.

Caverly’s real life stories aided by Manzo’s spectacular illustrations ensure that readers of all ages are in for a treat as they learn about the remote woods in a whole new way.

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