THE TRUE STORY
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In 1971 a dragon statue was constructed near the East Coast of Florida on the southernmost tip of Merritt Island. This enormous creature, created from twenty tons of cement and steel, stood thirty-five feet high and sixty-five feet long. Guarding the Indian and Banana River lagoon from her perch on Dragon Point, "Annie" was a favorite landmark for both locals and boaters everywhere. But one day, the dragon was gone -
THE FAIRY TALE
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Once in a great while, a dragon is chosen to live in secret among humans in order to complete its "quest." The journey may be long and difficult, but dragons are taught that perseverance is well worth the wait.
Annie's quest is to discover the hidden location of the "barnacle encrusted cave" which is the entrance to "Dragon Island" and the home of her family. Stuck in a cement statue by day and alive only at night complicates her journey, but Annie never gives up hope. She is willing to search the wildest, deepest parts of the Indian and Banana Rivers, forever, if that's what it takes!
"Java" John portrait by Peter Max
River Dragon was lovingly illustrated by local Merritt Island artist "Java" John Goldacker. John's been an artist/illustrator all his life, and currently hosts the "The Acoustic Record" on-line radio show (see friends, below).
Robin & Eddy photo by Julian Leek
The book includes a CD with an intro by the co-author Kira Early, the story narrated by the author Diane Carr, as well as the song "Dragon Island" written and performed by Robin and Eddy.
