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Local author publishes ‘Chickens on Delmarva A-Z’

Poultry reference book copies offered to local youth clubs
January 30, 2022

Joanne K. Guilfoil of Selbyville has published the second of three books about chickens on Delmarva.

The first was an ABC book, also translated into Spanish, for pre-readers and non-English-speaking adults. Copies are available at Delaware beach bookstores and online at Shorebooksllc.com. The third book, coming out later this year, will be a hardbound, coffee-table edition designed for a general audience.

“Chickens on Delmarva A-Z: A Reference Manual” was published in November 2021. It was designed as an illustrated dictionary for youth clubs to research past and current growers, fanciers, topics and issues pertaining to chickens on Delmarva, such as breeds, points of origin, diseases, housing, careers, businesses, organizations and more. Multiple illustrations include drawings, color photographs, maps and paintings.

The manual begins with a quote from Frank Lloyd Wright, who said, “Regard it as just as desirable to build a chicken house as to build a cathedral.” Equally important, especially to kids who use the book, is the tribute from Lora Collins on the back cover. Her students carefully edited a draft; then she wrote, “Perfect for kid-appropriate learning about poultry and farm life.” Collins is owner/president of the Cozy Critters After School 4-H Program near Millville, where Guilfoil also volunteers.

Of the 270 spiral-bound copies that were published, about 170 have been shipped to sponsors, 4-H and FFA club advisors, free of charge. Guilfoil raised $7,000 to publish and distribute copies to Delmarva youth clubs interested in poultry research projects. Clubs that would like to receive some of the remaining copies may email her at joanne@Shorebooksllc.com.

To view sample pages of the manual, go to Guilfoil’s website, Shorebooksllc.com. Copies are available to purchase for $25 each plus shipping costs.

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