AIBF LITERACY FOR KIDS PROJECT

In association with the Amelia Island Book Festival’s (AIBF) annual Authors in Schools program, 400 kindergarten and first grade students at Callahan and Wildlight Elementary Schools experienced a special treat recently as they each received a copy of the book Dinosaurs Living in My Hair, written by Jayne M. Rose-Vallee. 

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Promoting the belief that reading should be encouraged at a young age, the AIBF partnered with Rose-Vallee and Literacy for Kids Director Heather Mertz in 2020 to establish a plan for shipping and disseminating the personally autographed books.

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In addition to the book distribution, Rose-Vallee read the book to the students during her virtual presentation, complete with a Question and Answer session. She also showed them the process by which she crafts her books and stated that she is currently working on a book about Florida waters.

Callahan Elementary Principal Melissa Johnson said, “The virtual author visit was the window into the creative mind of the author. Students enjoyed listening to the story and hearing how the story was created from a little child just like them. Thank you for this amazing opportunity.”

Likewise, the AIBF greatly appreciates Ms. Rose-Vallee’s presentation and the Literacy for Kids’ donation of this book to the community. 

President Larry Williams stated “Our partnership with the talented Jayne Rose-Vallee and Literacy for Kids Director Heather Mertz is a critical part of our efforts this year to provide virtual learning opportunities for students as an alternative to our 2021 Book Festival, which was unfortunately cancelled due to the pandemic. On behalf of the Book Festival Board of Directors, I want to thank both Jayne and Heather for their outstanding contributions to our students and the community.”