The northland is turning colors. It’s a spectacular time to get out and enjoy the woods. Here at Raven Productions we are sending two new books to press, preparing the Ely Winter Times, and getting out lots of orders for 2009 Boundary Waters & Quetico Calendars to Canoe Country enthusiasts.

We will have books, calendars, and cards at several upcoming events. Here’s a list:

River Falls, WI
Blue Ridge Grower’s Holiday Show
October 31–November 23 on weekends. Friday and Saturday 9–7, Sunday 11–5
246 Carlson Lane
(715) 425-8289

Roseville, MN
    Peggy’s Holiday Boutique (formerly Schultz is in Stitches)
    November 1–10
    Roseville Oval, 2661 Civic Center Drive
    (651) 484-2964, www.schultzisinstitches.com
   
Edina, MN
    Edina Northwoods Boutique
    November 4–16
    Braemar Golf Course Clubhouse, 6364 John Harris Drive
    (952) 826-6799

Ely, MN
    St. Anthony Christmas Bazaar
    November 29, 10–4
    St. Anthony Catholic Church Basement, 231 East Camp Street

    Northern Lakes Arts Association Holiday Show
    December 6, 10–4
    Ely Community Center, 30 South 1st Avenue East
    (218) 365-5070

    Voyageur Winter Festival
    February 7, 10–4
    Ely Community Center, 30 South 1st Avenue East
    (218) 365-6123
   

We have new holiday cards this year. Both cards and envelopes are made with 100% PCW recycled paper. They come in packs of 10 for $12.95. The message inside is “May your holiday season and the coming year be filled with beauty, joy and love."


 

Our newest children’s picture book follows mysterious tracks through the winter woods, discovering a variety of animals in their winter habitats, but they don’t discover the wolf joining her mate until the last pages. Written and illustrated by Ely resident Polly Carlson-Voiles, this book has outstanding artwork created with cut paper. Available in hardcover for $18.95 or paperback for $12.95, it will be available by October 15th. You can place an order now and we will send it as soon as it’s off the press.


 

This chapter book for readers age 8 and up tells the story of the young voyageur, Pierre. As the tale begins, Pierre has just completed the Grand Portage, a nine-mile trail over which he hauled 180-pound loads to be taken to the winter camp on Lake Vermilion in the area that would become northern Minnesota. The book is lively with the dangers and deeds of voyageur life, the antics of the colorful crew, and the customs of the Ojibway who are winter neighbors and become Pierre’s friends. It is in paperback for $6.99.


 

And of course there’s the calendar—a good year-round reminder of a special place, and a thoughtful holiday gift for your friends and family who love Canoe Country. Still $13.95 for all those beautiful photos, and plenty of Boundary Waters tips and lore.
 

A note about shipping. Recent USPS changes don’t allow us to send calendars with the Bound Printed rate. Some orders can go Media Mail, others must go First Class. This is causing a large increase in our shipping expenses, and also prevents us from including catalogs or a copy of the current Ely Times in your order. If you need a catalog, we’d be glad to send one. Just send us an email at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (218) 365-3375. Subscriptions to the Ely Times are available for $8 a year. (We usually send at least 3 issues, so that’s a deal!) So far, we have been able to keep our shipping charges at $5 per order, but we may need to make an increase soon. Any order placed by October 15th will receive the $5 shipping rate, so you may want to shop early.