Black Cat Island Book Will Debut in April 2027
A new children's book will detail Maryland's historical cat farm lore for local families.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Cats
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Authors Casey Cep and Kathryn Schulz will release an 80-page picture book titled Black Cat Island in April 2027. The book explores the local Maryland legend of a 19th-century cat farm on Poplar Island.
Why it matters
The book brings a piece of obscure Maryland history to a younger audience, translating regional folklore into a structured narrative. It provides a unique way for families to engage with local landscape history through illustrated storytelling.
The 80-page book documents a collection of 3,124 cats originally held on Poplar Island. Historical records from 1846 show Charles Carroll V paid 25 cents per black cat before the bay froze over.
The players
Casey Cep and Kathryn Schulz
The authors who researched 19th-century litigation records and newspapers to uncover the history of the Maryland cat farm.
Aaron Becker
The illustrator who used historical local architecture and landscapes as models for the book's imagery.
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
The publishing house responsible for releasing the picture book in early 2027.
The details
The book details the operations of a cat farm established on Poplar Island in 1846 by Charles Carroll V. When the Chesapeake Bay experienced its coldest winter in state history, the frozen water provided a two-mile path for the cats to reach the mainland. Illustrator Aaron Becker researched local architecture and landscapes, including the city of Easton, to recreate the historical setting for the book.
Timeline
1845: Millicent the cat was born.
1846: Charles Carroll V established the cat farm on Poplar Island.
April 2027: The book Black Cat Island will be published.
The Home Front
This project highlights how local history and regional lore are increasingly being preserved through modern children's media. It reflects a growing trend of using specific state-level historical archives to create place-based literature for Maryland households.
Families interested in local history can use this upcoming release to start a conversation about how Maryland geography has shaped local legends. You might consider checking local library event calendars as the April 2027 date approaches for author talks or regional historical exhibits.
The takeaway
The history of our regional landscape often holds fascinating surprises that connect us to the past. Keep an eye out for the release of Black Cat Island in April 2027 to share these local stories with your children.
Further reading
Discover more about the relationship between regional history and feline interest at Maryland Cats.
Source note: This article includes information reported by PublishersWeekly.
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