Join Aki on an unforgettable journey across Cumberland Island, Georgia’s wild and windswept barrier island, where wild horses roam, sea turtles nest, and ancient oaks stretch over sunlit dunes. Explore pristine beaches, salt marshes, and forests alive with dolphins, manatees, and songbirds. Through poetic verse and vivid illustrations, uncover the island’s natural wonders, rich history, and delicate balance with the changing sea. A celebration of resilience and beauty, this book invites readers to experience the magic of the coast and the importance of protecting it for generations to come.

Author and educator Neil Rosen is passionate about the transformative power of books on children and their families. He writes books that unite families and empower parents, caregivers, and children to impact their community positively. Neil's latest project, Can You Read Nature? encourages families to spend more intentional time outdoors to nurture future generations of environmental stewards.

Age-Appropriate Learning Guide

Ages 6–7:

Young readers will be captivated by the flowing rhymes and lush imagery of waves, dunes, and forests. They’ll begin to recognize how nature connects: horses roaming the beach, turtles hatching in the sand, and trees sheltering birds. Short, rhythmic lines support early reading fluency while building awareness of island habitats and coastal wildlife. The “Did You Know?” callouts introduce fascinating bite-sized facts like sea oats holding dunes in place or dolphins herding fish sparking wonder about the natural world.

Ages 7–9:

At this stage, readers can explore the how and why behind barrier island ecosystems. They’ll learn how tides, wind, and sand constantly reshape the island and how forests, marshes, and dunes protect the shoreline. The book’s “Did You Know?” sections deepen science vocabulary with accessible terms such as “barrier island,” “salt marsh,” and “tidal creek.” Rhyming narration reinforces cause and effect, how plants stabilize dunes, how tides nurture wildlife, and how rising seas challenge island life, encouraging curiosity and comprehension.

Ages 9–10:

Older elementary readers can connect the story’s lyrical presentation to broader ecological and historical themes. They’ll grasp the balance between preservation and change, how ancient oaks, wild horses, and sea turtles coexist within a fragile environment facing climate impacts. This level invites discussion about conservation, coastal erosion, and human history, from Indigenous Timucua life to the Carnegie legacy. While maintaining poetic accessibility, the book offers a bridge toward scientific and environmental literacy, inspiring readers to think critically about protecting Earth’s barrier islands.