Aqua Essence

Jan Godown Annino will sign copies of her new children's book on Saturday, March 27, 2010 at Downtown Books in Apalachicola. She Sang Promise,  published by the National Geographic Society, tells the story of Seminole tribal leader Betty Mae Jumper. Born in "the wild heart of Florida", Betty Mae Jumper put her hard-earned nurse's training to work in remote Everglades camps and settlements, at times over the objections of Seminole tribal leaders. She raised four children, continued to practice medicine, translated Creek and Mikasuki into English for Seminole families, and sometimes wrestled alligators to assist her tourist guide husband. She helped found The Seminole Indian News in 1961 and was elected Seminole Tribal Chairman in 1967. Later she served as an advisor on Indian matters to President Richard M. Nixon, was honored with the Florida Folk Heritage Award, and received a Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Florida State University.
 
Annino's previous books include Florida's Famous Animals, Family Fun in Florida, and the recently-issued third edition of Scenic Driving Florida. She Sang Promise pairs her meticulous research and lyrical prose with Lisa Desimini's gorgeous jewel-toned artwork, and includes an afterword by Moses Jumper, Jr., Betty Mae's son. The collaborators describe their achievement as an important Florida heritage book for readers aged seven to twelve. "It's about a significant Floridian who isn't often mentioned." says Annino. "It acknowledges the lives of other little-known Floridians who have wonderful stories to tell, which I hope will spark the interest of other writers for young readers." She will bring her research bag, repelete with "tangible out-takes from this project" to the event, and hopes to share her experiences with readers and "writers who are serious about having fun creating stories for young readers."
 
The event begins at 1:00 on Saturday, March 27. Downtown Books is at 67 Commerce Street, across from the Apalachicola Post Office. For more information or to reserve a copy of She Sang Promise, call the bookstore at (850) 653-1290.