DAUFUSKIE ISLAND, SC – A new children's book, 'The Mystery of the Old Lighthouse,' aims to captivate young readers with a tale of friendship, history, and the supernatural, all set against the backdrop of Daufuskie Island, a remote Sea Island off the coast of South Carolina. Co-authored by Jan Ross, a professional artist and resident of the island, and Rosy Mae Bateau, a full-time island resident and student of Gullah culture, the book draws on local lore and the island's rich heritage.
The story follows 12-year-old Sallie Anne Sesso, a fifth-generation Gullah girl, and 13-year-old Jenny Lynn Murphy, the daughter of a teacher and a professor studying the island's history. Their friendship forms quickly as both share a fascination with mysteries and ghostly encounters. The narrative centers on the mysterious disappearance of Captain Samuel Blakeley, who, after surviving the great hurricane of 1788 and washing ashore on Daufuskie, built a lighthouse that later became abandoned and rumored to be haunted. The girls set out to uncover the truth behind the captain's fate, delving into the island's past and its Gullah traditions.
Daufuskie Island holds significant cultural importance as a community where Gullah peoples have lived since the post-Civil War era, maintaining traditions of farming, fishing, and weaving. The book aims to introduce young readers to this unique heritage, blending historical facts with a ghost story to make learning engaging. Jan Ross, an artist with works exhibited in over 600 juried shows across all 50 states, brings her artistic sensibility to the project, while Rosy Mae Bateau, who grew up in a rural environment and has written plays and stories since her teens, contributes a deep understanding of island life.
The release of this book is notable for several reasons. It highlights the importance of preserving and sharing Gullah culture, which has often been marginalized in mainstream children's literature. By setting the story in a real location with a strong sense of place, the authors provide an accessible entry point for children to learn about African American history and the Sea Islands' unique cultural landscape. The book also addresses themes of friendship that transcend racial and cultural differences, offering a positive message for young readers.
For the publishing industry, this book represents a growing trend of diverse and culturally specific stories for children, meeting a demand for representation and authenticity. It also showcases the potential of self-publishing and niche marketing, as the authors are deeply connected to the island community and its history. The book's website, daufuskiemysteries.com, offers a glimpse into the project, while Jan Ross's art can be explored at janrosswatercolors.com.
The authors' backgrounds lend credibility to the story's cultural authenticity. Jan Ross, who studied at the Chicago Academy of Fine Art and has traveled extensively, has been a resident artist on Daufuskie Island, where she has immersed herself in Gullah history. Rosy Mae Bateau, a lifelong writer and island resident, brings a personal perspective to the narrative. Their combined efforts result in a book that not only entertains but also educates, potentially inspiring young readers to explore their own local histories and legends.
As the book becomes available, it is expected to appeal to educators, parents, and young readers interested in mysteries, history, and diverse cultures. It also serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling to preserve cultural heritage and foster understanding.
