Format/Market

The Brooklyn Muskrat is intended to be both read aloud to children ages six to ten, and independently by ages seven to ten. It has twenty short chapters, twenty-nine illustrations, and approximately 8000 words. The illustrations are richly detailed individual oil paintings.

I have carefully researched the market for The Brooklyn Muskrat and am certain of its success. It builds on a growing interest in environmental justice, urban waterway exploration, and very importantly, the strength and resilience of youth as personified in its plucky protagonists. The setting is regional, a great sell for New Yorkers, yet the themes are universal, and will be meaningful to anyone who cares about children and nature. It will sit comfortably both classics and new adventure stories, fairy tales and fables. It can also be placed amongst books that specialize in particular aspects of New York City, whether cultural, geographic, or environmental. The Brooklyn Muskrat would sell well in large chain bookstores, as well as independent bookstores. Additionally, it would be a sure inclusion for museum book stores such as the Tenement Museum, the Museum of the City of New York, the Met, The Brooklyn Museum, and the Museum of Natural History.

The Brooklyn Muskrat is the first in a series of adventure books featuring Finn, Niblet, & Co. that will be set in a variety of locations both in the United States and abroad. It is perfect for adaptation to a full-length animated feature franchise with upcoming sequels.