About Cheeky and Charlemagne

Cheeky, a fun-loving river otter, and Charlemagne, a persnickety pine marten, are sent on a dangerous mission to help the furry animals of the North Country. Join these friends, and their woodpecker scout, Bandit, as they navigate raging rivers and hike tall mountains, while crossing paths with a mountain lion, surviving a blinding blizzard, and discovering the perilous danger of hidden traps. Will they arrive in time to save the animals from poisoned whizzer darts?

Awards for Cheeky and Charlemagne

Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist

New England Book Festival Finalist!

Praise for Cheeky and Charlemagne

“This is so much more than a children’s book about two weasels. This story is an adventure with moments of peril and hardship but through it all, our two “unusual cousins” are there for each other and their friendship is steadfast and true. Donna Seim cleverly weaves in scientific facts about river otters and pine martens and the other animals they meet along the way. Susan Spellman makes the pages come to life with her whimsical illustrations and impressive attention to details from pine needles to boat frames. This is a truly wonderful tale to cherish and share.

As a teacher naturalist, I read field guides and children’s books alike, it is very rare to find the two intertwined as flawlessly as Donna Seim has done with Cheeky and Charlemagne. This endearing tale of two unlikely best friends has something for every reader—humor, adventure, mystery and most surprising of all—accurate facts about all the animals featured from their diet to their behavior to how they react to danger. It satisfied my wish to learn about river otters and pine martins and the other animals they encountered, while also being a very entertaining read with lovely illustrations that came to life with whimsy and impressive detail. This is a book that I will share with many—naturalists and children alike.”

— Lisa Hutchings, School and Family Education Coordinator and Teacher Naturalist, Massachusetts Audubon’s Joppa Flats

“Cheeky and Charlemagne is an exciting and amusing tale of adventures that befall these two animal friends on a mission. However, the essence behind the story, that the trapping of animals for their fur is inhumane, is something that IOSF campaigns against and sees as an important message for youngsters. The excellent illustrative artwork by Susan Spellman adds to the reader’s enjoyment of this story.”

— International Otter Survival Fund

“Donna Seim has done it again—I could not put the book down until our compassionate adventurers reached their destination to thwart the efforts of the trappers. And to Charlemagne, I say that Born Free USA agrees—‘This fur business makes me queasy!’”

— Prashant Khetan, CEO and General Counsel of Born Free USA

“This charming book is doubly delightful. Not only is the reader treated to a very charming story that winds its way through very interesting twists and turns, it is infused with wonderful tidbits about nature. For me, it was like following along a delightful trail, discovering an endless series of golden nuggets along the way. By engaging in the story of Cheeky and Charlemagne, the reader will come away having learned a great deal about natural history and animal behavior without even knowing that it happened!”

— Michael Noonan, PhD, Professor of Animal Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation, Canisius College

“To read this book is to join Cheeky and Charlemagne on an adventure of a lifetime. Their mission is to save the furry animals on the North Country from the treacherous trappers. The author’s depiction of the nature of the landscape and surroundings make you feel as if you are sitting with Cheeky and Charlemagne on their “mushroom shaped stool sipping bayberry tea.” Meticulous descriptions of the land and resources, along with the beautiful detailed drawings, bring the characters to life sweeping you along as a member of their team. You will feel heartbroken after every setback Cheeky and Charlemagne encounter and elated with every advancement they achieve on their journey to the North Country.

The relationship between Cheeky and Charlemagne knows no bounds! Friendship can be complex and challenging to say the least, but it can also be rewarding. Cheeky may sometimes annoy Charlemagne with his quirky antics and juvenile ways but in the end friendship always rules. Both Cheeky and Charlemagne’s personalities complement each other and make them the best pair of friends for this danger-filled journey. If everyone had a friend like these two, they would be set for life. Go with Cheeky and Charlemagne as they travel to the North Country, trying their best to avoid tricky trappers, and strive against all odds to complete their mission to deliver the antidote to the furry animals of the North Country.”

— Katelyn White, Head Children’s Librarian, & Catherine Bourque, Assistant Children’s Librarian, Newbury Town Library

“Donna Marie Seim writes with an authenticity and innocence adults yearn for and children love. Fans of Charlotte’s Web will be rewarded for their patience by discovering a new story of friendship and duty as woodland creatures band together on a life-or-death mission through the heart of America’s North Country. Lushly illustrated, Cheeky and Charlemagne will burrow its way into your soul.”

— Connie Johnson Hambley, award-winning author, The Jessica Trilogy

“Cheeky and Charlemagne is a must read and must have for all children’s libraries! The characters are such fun, the adventures draw you in and the illustrations are beautiful!”

— Maggie van Galen, award-winning children’s author of The Adventures of Keeno and Ernest series