Amelia Island’s history of 8 flags comes alive in a new children's book

Story & Song Center for Arts & Culture has released a new book to introduce elementary school-aged children to Amelia Island's history. “Amelia, The Island: A Magical Time-Traveling 8 Flag Adventure” was written by local author and playwright Robin Pullen and illustrated by local artist Bill Ivins.

“When we saw Robin’s play performed at the Amelia Musical Playhouse, we knew this was a fascinating story that needed to also be shared with children,” noted Donna Paz Kaufman, co-founder of Story & Song Bookstore Bistro and the not-for-profit Foundation Story & Song Center for Arts & Culture that published the book.

Robin Pullen recast the story in novel form for elementary school children in grades 2 through 5. The story features Amelia, a young girl whose goal is to become an Amelia Island tour guide at Shrimp Fest. She gathers the many stories of Amelia Island and the reader meets fascinating characters that fill Amelia Island history — from the Timucuans to Kate Bailey, Jean Ribault to The Beach Lady — while experiencing an action-packed adventure.

Pullen explains, "I drew upon my career as a teacher to tell our story and make learning fun." She engaged local artist Bill Ivins to illustrate the novel's chapters and design Pullen’s activities that reinforce points in Amelia Island history at the end of the book.

With visits to local schools, the Shrimp Festival, and StoryTime with Ms. Dearsha, Pullen is engaging children with Amelia Island stories across time. Story & Song Center for Arts & Culture has given away 600 books to area children. Autographed copies of "Amelia, The Island" are available at Story & Song Bookstore Bistro or at StoryandSongArts.org.