Islandport Press will release a new edition of “The Finest Christmas Tree” written and illustrated by the veteran team of John and Ann Hassett of Waldoboro, just in time for the holiday season. The book is slated for release October 5.

The Finest Christmas Tree picture book follows Farmer Tuttle as he brings his fresh-cut Christmas trees into the city to sell. But as times change, more and more families are passing by Farmer Tuttles' pointy-top evergreens in favor of plastic ones. He begins to wonder if time has finally passed him by and considers selling off his lovely trees to a sawmill for toothpicks. Can the Christmas tree farm somehow be saved? 

“We are excited to have such a tender and sweet story added to our children’s book line-up,” says Dean Lunt, Editor-In-Chief at Islandport Press, in a news release. “Islandport’s holiday children’s books have become Christmastime staples in so many households, and there’s no doubt this book will be read and enjoyed under the light of many Christmas trees.”

Writing and creating art from their home in Waldoboro, John and Ann Hassett have published more than a dozen books and accumulated a myriad of awards and accolades—including a Parents’ Choice Foundation Picture Book Recommendation, a Bulletin Blue Ribbon, a Booklist Editors’ Choice, and a Maine Literary Award.

The duo is widely recognized for the quirky humor and whimsical illustrations that define their distinct style and bring a unique life to their stories, according to Islandport. The Hassetts have been writing and illustrating picture books for over 25 years, and it is something they have always treasured.

“Making picture books gives us the most authentic and discerning audience in the world – children,” said John Hassett.

“Their understanding of the world goes far beyond their reading ability,” added Ann Hassett, “so there is the challenge of keeping the text fairly simple, but also appealing to the sophisticated emotions of children.”

Islandport Press is a dynamic, award-winning publisher dedicated to stories rooted in the essence and sensibilities of New England. The publisher celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2020. For more information, please call 207-846-3344, visit www.islandportpress.com, or e-mail info@islandportpress.com.