When Marblehead author and journalist Garrett Callahan published “M is for Marblehead in 2022,” he saw firsthand how excited children were to recognize their hometown in a book.
Now, Callahan and his wife, Meredith, are expanding that idea with a new quarterly children’s magazine designed to help kids across the North Shore learn about — and explore — the places around them.
Tidelines is a 52-page, ad-free publication that combines stories, activities, puzzles, recipes, art projects and community features. The couple’s goal is to create a screen-free resource that children can take with them as they discover the region.
“I got blown away by how kids just love seeing Marblehead and their town in print,” Callahan said. “It’s neat to expand that to kids across the North Shore.”
Callahan, who grew up in Marblehead and returned to town with Meredith in 2020, said he wanted Tidelines to have a more personal, local focus than other children’s publications.
“Kids can see the places they go to every day and learn about it,” he said. “You have that personal touch that makes the region so special.”
The magazine is meant to serve as both a guidebook and a way for children to connect with their community. Stories highlight local history, culture, nature and people, while activities encourage kids to get outside and participate in the places they are learning about.
The first issue includes contributions from organizations including The Trustees of Reservations, which provided content about birds and local dunes, and Essex Heritage.
Local meteorologist Vicki Graf, who lives in Marblehead, contributed a spread about North Shore weather and a recurring feature answering children’s questions about meteorology.
Marblehead artist Elizabeth Bradley and Marblehead Mercantile owner Peter Schlack also contributed.
“We’ve been blown away by so many businesses and families,” Callahan said. “It’s been really fun to see.”
The magazine also includes a “Your Voice” section where children ages 4 to 12 can contribute their own thoughts, drawings and ideas.
“We want their voices heard,” Callahan said. “We want to build that community.”
Families have used “M is for Marblehead” in creative ways, turning it into scavenger hunts and other activities. Some grandparents have used it as a guide while visiting with their grandchildren.
The Callahans saw an opportunity to create something similar for the entire North Shore.
The magazine draws on both of their backgrounds. Callahan, a longtime journalist and children’s author, previously worked as a full-time sportswriter for CBS Sports and Paramount before being laid off in the fall. Meredith brings experience in education and child development.
The couple’s daughters, Catherine, 4, and Charlotte, 1, have also been involved. Catherine helped create a seaweed art project after collecting seaweed at the beach and painting with it.
“They’re our junior editors and morale boosters,” Callahan said.
The couple has self-funded the project and plans to mail the first printed copies to subscribers this week. The magazine is available by subscription, with a single issue costing $20 and an annual subscription costing $70. A higher-level membership includes an annual subscription, a North Shore passport book and additional perks.
They also hope to partner with local stores, including children’s retailers and community businesses, to make the magazine available throughout the region.
The first issue is available through the Tidelines website. The couple also sends twice-monthly emails with additional learning activities, partner content and interviews.
The next issue is planned for early November.
While the magazine is currently a side project, Callahan and Meredith hope it can eventually become a lasting resource for North Shore children.
“We want Tidelines to become a useful and engaging and fun tool for these kids to have and take with them while they explore,” Garrett said.
He added, “I wish it was something I had growing up here.”
