Meet the Author
Susan Swift obtained her B.A. and M.A.Ed. at The College of William and Mary. She has been an elementary teacher, reading specialist, and librarian for many years. An avid reader, she has wanted to write children’s books since she first became a teacher. She was inspired to write this book because she moved from Pennsylvania to the Northern Neck of Virginia after college, and did not know the first thing about crabbing, or how any kinds of seafood were harvested. She lives on the Chesapeake Bay and wanted to highlight the work of local watermen, like her husband, son, and friends, working on the Chesapeake Bay.
She has two grown children, and lives in Reedville, Virginia, with her husband and two very spoiled dogs. She enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach, reading, and writing.
Details
Format: Paperback, Hardcover
Pages: 36
ISBN Paperback: 978-1-962416-38-2
ISBN Hardcover: 978-1-962416-42-9
Release date: 7/15/2024
Endorsements
“This beautifully written and illustrated book is perfect for anyone who loves the waters in and around the Chesapeake Bay. If you have a father, grandfather, husband, or son who makes their living as a waterman, it is the perfect story to pass on to future generations that will one day become a waterman or woman! Anyone who loves a hot steamed crab should share this ABC story of crabbing with little ones.”
— Shauna Deihl McCranie, Executive Director, Reedville Fishermen’s Museum, daughter of a menhaden fish boat captain
“As a lifelong outdoorsman and steward of the Chesapeake Bay, I’ve experienced firsthand the joy that comes from being on the water. Susan Swift’s ABCs of Crabbing on the Chesapeake Bay wonderfully details the work of watermen during the process of harvesting blue crabs and is a great read for those who want an easy, yet eye-catching, introduction to the industry.”
— Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01)
“What a perfect book for anyone who visits or lives near the Chesapeake Bay! As someone who grew up in a commercial fishing family, I appreciate that this story shares the process of what many Chesapeake Bay watermen do to harvest crabs. The story is written in language that is easy to understand, and the illustrations are simple yet beautiful. ABCs of Crabbing highlights an important product of the Chesapeake Bay, and appeals to everyone, whether you are one or one hundred!”
— Lynn Haynie Kellum, President of Ampro Shipyard and Diesel, and Virginia Marine Resource Commission (VMRC) Board Member
Meet the Illustrator
Heather has always had a passion for using her creativity to inspire children to express their own unique creativity. Heather was born and raised in the small rural town of Lancaster County, Virginia. After graduating from high school, Heather attended Ferrum College where she received her bachelor’s degree in education. After teaching for a few years in several different areas in Virginia, Heather decided to return home and accepted her current position as the middle school art teacher at Northumberland Middle School in Northumberland County, Virginia. Heather now resides in the small town of Reedville, Virginia with her husband Nick and their two dogs. She enjoys spending time on the water that both she and her husband grew up on.
