The Boothbay Railway Village (BRV) has published a children’s book entitled, “Reginald The Railway Rat.” The story by Paige Pendleton follows Reggie through one day at the BRV Museum, including visits with lots of animal friends including popular Museum resident goats, Coal and Tender. The 28-page, oversized story book measures 9 ¾ X 12 ¾ inches and features both watercolor and pen and ink drawings by Thomas Block.

In July of this year, Pendleton and Block offered a workshop for children during the annual Books in Boothbay event held at the Museum in partnership with the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library. For that workshop they developed a character named Reginald who lived at the Railway Village. The children helped create storyboards and illustrations of Reggie as part of the session. Inspired by how well-received the concept was at that workshop and by their mutual affection for the Museum they pitched the idea of publishing a book to the Museum’s staff.

“Reginald The Railway Rat” is arriving from the printer just in time for a book signing this Saturday, Dec. 12 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. inside the Museum Store. Meet author Paige Pendleton and illustrator Thomas Block, and be among the very first to see Reggie's home under Freeport Station! The book retails for $13.95 and is available exclusively through the Boothbay Railway Village.

Pendleton is the author of “The Keeper and the Rune Stone” and “The Keeper and the Alabaster Chalice,” and “Star of Wonder.” She lives in Rockport with her family.

Block retired as an art educator in coastal Maine after 37 years to pursue a career as an artist and illustrator. In addition to this book, he has illustrated Paige W. Pendleton’s “The Black Ledge” series and “Star of Wonder.”  He lives in Boothbay Harbor. For more on Block, visit http://www.theblankcanvasstudio.com.

The book is being dedicated to Sharon Pulkkinen, the long-time volunteer chair of Books in Boothbay, who made the invitation to the team to offer the workshop.

The book signing is coinciding with the first day of the Museum’s annual North Pole Express. Tickets are still available if you’d like to also go for a steam train ride to meet Santa. Morning departures will be at 11 and 11:45; and in the afternoon at 12:30, 1:15 and 2.

The book will also be available for sale on the other North Pole Express event days Dec. 13, 19 and 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Museum Store.

The Museum can also accept telephone orders for “Reginald The Railway Rat” with a credit card by calling 207-633-4727. Shipping is a small additional charge based on the number of copies sent to an address.

Proceeds from sale of Reginald the Railway Rat and from North Pole Express support the Museum, which is a not-for-profit organization. For more information, and to reserve tickets for the North Pole Express, call the Museum at 207-633-4727.

The Boothbay Railway Village is located at 586 Wiscasset Road, Route 27 in Boothbay.