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Special to The Advocate
Longtime resident and “Everett’s Own” Grace Marchese is daring young girls to dream in vibrant color, through her new Children’s Book Series, The Mari Girls. Marchese, who now lives on the North Shore, was born and spent most of her life in Everett, Massachusetts. She affectionately refers to it as her “Forever” hometown. It is here where she spent her childhood, graduated from high school, raised a family and immersed herself in community.
“I can’t imagine a better place to have grown up. Neighbors were extended Family,” she stated.
Grace, an award-winning artist, captures the soul of New England through her paintings, primarily seascapes of the ever-changing ocean, and picturesque landscapes. Marchese’s artwork has been showcased in various New England galleries, art centers, festivals, art shows and auctions.
She is now preparing for the September 2 launch of her first book in this prolific series, “Penelope and the Pigeon of Piccadilly.” The book focuses on Penelope, one of The Mari Girls, who gets lost in London, and luckily for her, befriends a smart, witty, snarky city pigeon who helps her find her way. It is a heartfelt story of friendship, perseverance and love.
Marchese, who is both the series’ writer and illustrator, first came up with the concept of these characters in her adolescence. “These characters have been alongside me since I was a child,” she said. “The earliest memory I have is sitting at the kitchen table, sketching and writing in a lined notebook.”
When COVID struck, the concept took on a more polished form. “What happened during that time, as it did for many of us, I had an opportunity to hit the pause button. It was then when I had the opportunity to be introspective, that these characters and concepts again came into the forefront.”
So, that’s when all the magical creating started. Marchese began writing and illustrating this adventure series. These stories aid in helping young readers understand the importance of inclusion, imagination, inspiration and hope. The themes are about being your authentic self, and understanding that although we may be different, we are quite the same.
Marchese then decided to seek out a publisher, and upon a visit to “The Holy City” of Charleston, South Carolina, decided to work with Palmetto Publishing. In addition to the Children’s Book Series, Grace obtained copyrights and trademarks. Her brand will be branching out in the areas of animated films, interactive electronic games, coloring and sticker books, stationery and party goods, apparel and eventually dolls and games.
Marchese said the outpouring of love and support has been so inspirational and humbling. “I feel blessed each and every day that I get to create this brand and do something that I feel I was born to do.”
Penelope and the pigeon of Piccadilly is available for pre-orders on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Log on to: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/penelope-and-the-pigeon-of-piccadilly-grace-e-marchese/1148058090
