Christopher Packard
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An illustrated field guide to the mysterious creatures and beings from the folklore and legends of Maine and surrounding area. This book is dedicated to sharing the secrets of our ancestral stories, and is sure to delight all ages. Mythical Creatures of Maine examines all aspects of over 40 mysterious creatures in Maine. Creatures include modern cryptids like Bigfoot though mostly it focuses on older, more culturally specific myths and legends from lumberjacks, guides, early European immigrants, and the indigenous Wabanaki. It also features discussions about the interplay between cultures and the evolution of the stories and names of these creatures. While written for the general audience, it has over 100 academic references and is simultaneously a scholarly and traditionally folksy, and whimsical look at these magical creatures. (Published by Down East Books, 2021, 200 pages, live author readings, talks, traditional interactive storytelling programs, and interviews are available.)
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Lumpy is a lump of clay and is about to be taken on the adventure of a lifetime! At first, he is scared when he is taken from his home by a well-meaning potter who does “terrible” things to him. But by the end, Lumpy has become something extraordinary, something he never knew he wanted to be. This delightful tale will help children learn not only about clay and pottery but also about how all those little things people make us do (like school, exercise, and eating right) help make it possible to find our true potential. (Published by 12 Willows Press, 2023, 42 pages, lesson plans available, live author reading and interactive pottery activity available.)
Anthology Contributions
"The Legend of Haskell Rock," short fiction based on the history of an interesting rock in the KWW National Monument and lumberjack folklore, and Sock Saunders.
Rivers of Ink: Literary Reflections on the Penobscot River, 2023, the first charity anthology of the Bangor Authors' Fair.
"The Lament of the White Wolf," a poem based on the extermination of wolves and the arrival of coyotes in Maine. Paired with "In the Blind" fiction by Noah Williams.
It Rains Diamonds on Neptune: the Telling Room's 20th Anniversary Anthology, 2025.
"Not Deer in Maine?" an essay on a modern folkloric and cryptozoological monster, and the nature history of deer, moose, and caribou in Maine.
North Woods at Night: Literary Reflections on Maine's Largest Forest, 2024, the second charity anthology of the Bangor Authors' Fair.
A micro-essay on the why reading is important to me.
Where Maine Reads, 2024, a lovely coffee table book benefiting Maine Public Broadcasting.