When Andy Opel’s daughter was born in 2004, he noticed there were no children’s books about Lake Winnipesaukee, so he decided to write one. Seven years and one gifted illustrator later, that idea became the first in a beloved series about life on the lake.
Two decades and five books later, Opel and creative partner, artist Karel Hayes,—runner-up winners at the 2024 New England Book Festival—will share their work at the New Hampshire Boat Museum (NHBM) on Saturday, July 25, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The award-winning team’s books celebrate life on Winnipesaukee, including The Witches: A Winnipesaukee Adventure, The Weirs, The Bobhouse: A Winnipesaukee Christmas Story, and The Westwind.
For Opel, the series grew from a single fascination. “The Witches are a sunken island that I knew well as a boater, and I’ve always been fascinated by the myth—or lack of a clear myth—about why they were called ‘the witches,’” he said.
The first book’s success led to four more, and now a chapter book. “I did not set out to make a series, but collaborating with Karel and exploring these fun themes inspired me to build it out,” he added.
A writer, filmmaker, and musician, Opel teaches documentary video production and environmental communication at Florida State University. His roots run deep to New Hampshire, however, as his family has come to Winnipesaukee for five generations.
“The books are littered with family references and my memories of ‘messing around in boats’ with my brother and our friends on Dockham Shore,” he said.
Each book also profiles an environmental group. “I want kids and adults alike to think about their role in protecting the lake so future generations can enjoy this amazing place,” he said.
Bringing those stories to life is Karel Hayes, an award-winning watercolor artist whose work has appeared in exhibitions across the country, including the Salmagundi Club and the National Arts Club in New York City. She has illustrated more than twenty-eight books and written and illustrated twelve of her own—most notably, The Winter Visitors, an IPPY bronze medal winner, and The Summer Visitors, reviewed by The New York Times.
For Hayes, the Lakes Region is personal. “After visiting every summer for over forty years, this area has become an integral part of our family history,” she said.
That connection inspired her own chapter book series, beginning with The Mystery of Lake Kanakondah. Though the lake is fictional, its stakes are not. “I use the word ‘guardian’ in my book, and that is who we all are—guardians protecting the water in our lakes and the land surrounding them.”
Beyond books, Hayes and her son, John Gorey, have created murals across New Hampshire—for the Moultonborough, Conway, and Madison Libraries; schools in Conway and Wolfeboro; and, most recently, New London Hospital’s Pediatric Department.
Both authors called NHBM “the perfect setting.”
“I can’t imagine a more perfect setting to do a book signing about lakes and boats than in this wonderful building filled with boats,” Hayes said.
Opel agreed, as he added, “The museum is a great place to think about how the past has shaped our current moment—and how what we are doing now will shape the future.”
The signing is free and open to the public. During the event, there will also be crafts, a treasure hunt, and snacks.
About NHBM
Founded in 1992 by antique and classic boating enthusiasts, NHBM offers dynamic exhibits and engaging events and programs tailored to the diverse boating lifestyles and values of people of all ages. NHBM exhibits, events and programming covers everything from boat charters, boat trips and race boats to canoes, wooden boats, outboard motors, sculling, sailing sunfish, and Lyman and Johnson motors. Some of our hands-on programs take place on Lake Winnipesaukee. NHBM is sponsored in part by Goodhue Boat Company, North Water Marine, Eastern Propane and Oil, Kingswood Press and Design Studios, Avery Insurance, KW Lakes and Mountains, Lanes End Marine, Watermark Marine, Amoskeag Beverages, Mi Box, Fay’s Boat Yard, and BootLeggers.