Christmas is a few weeks away and while there is no shortage of options for items to gift to the children in our lives, why not add some books to the list?
We can all agree that representation is important. Thanks to the recent growth in Caribbean children’s literature, they can now see themselves depicted in these amazing literary offerings.
With the increasingly frenetic pace of the pre-holiday season, you may not have time to go hunting for options, so we’ve compiled a list of books by Caribbean authors that should be among the presents piled under your tree on the day of Christmas.
Allow us to introduce you to Yolanda T. Marshall. Born and raised in Guyana, she now lives in Canada and as evidenced by the predominant theme of her children’s books, she is extremely proud of her Caribbean heritage.
Here are a few to consider:
My birthday party Soca– As Anna’s birthday approached, her friends prepared a soca party. Anne loves Caribbean soca music played on steel pans and spicy West African jollof rice. Therefore, her friends planned to celebrate her special day with a fusion of traditional sounds and dishes from the Caribbean and African countries, representing their different but comparable cultures. Anne was in for a real surprise.
A piece of black cake for Santa- This book was originally published in 2017 and is the author’s second children’s book. A new edition, illustrated by a South African Illustrator, Subi Bosa, was published in 2019. In 2021, this title was adopted and traditionally published by Chalkboard Publishing. This book demonstrates the holiday experience of Femi and her friends, who planned to leave some traditional Caribbean desserts for Santa, including Black Cake. Children share warm wishes for their favorite dishes while enjoying winter activities at the Christmas fair. The Canadian edition includes a black cake recipe.
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Hot cross buns for all–Jackson’s friends and family bake different bundles of crosses for his Easter party. Liam’s foster parents use his most memorable Scottish ingredient, and Dimitri’s father adds the Greek spice of mahlep. Some have rainbow colors for all to see and a sweet Jamaican Bun and Cheese recipe! The kids arrive one by one with hot cross buns for everyone. It is illustrated by Daria Lavrova.
C is for carnival– This book was published on August 1, 2021, by Chalkboard Publishing. D is for dance! And it’s for emancipation! This rhyming alphabet book celebrates Canada’s Caribbean Carnival from A to Z. This engaging and educational book features a diverse cast of children in vibrant costumes as they ‘play mas’ while dancing to Soca and Calypso music. A glossary at the end makes it easy for readers, including parents and teachers, to review what they’ve learned. It is illustrated by Daria Lavrova. This book includes a Paratha Roti recipe.
Miles away in the Caribbean– This children’s book is a poetically written educational story about a Canadian boy named Miles (her son). On his magical spaceship, he visits Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago. Miles highlights wonderful landmarks and enjoys his cultural adventures.
Stay Sweet Sorrel– Rose and Nicolas enjoyed their favorite Caribbean sorrel drink in this children’s book. The siblings decided to set up a sorrel stand with the help of their parents. Their Sweet Sorrel Stand was a neighborhood hit. The main ingredient of the drink is the plant Roselle (Sorrel), a hibiscus native to West Africa. The red flower buds are boiled, strained and sweetened with sugar, with a touch of ginger, cinnamon, orange peel and cloves. After chilling for a few hours or overnight, serve over ice. It is known to be very rich in antioxidants. Traditionally, this drink is made during the Christmas holidays. On a hot summer day, it’s a refreshing alternative to lemonade.
The First Carnival of Keman– This 2016 edition is about a young black Canadian kid’s first experience at Toronto’s annual Caribbean Carnival. The excited 8-year-old and his mother enjoyed the rituals at the Caribbean party, such as choosing a flag to fly, Caribbean-influenced food, dancing, costumes and music.
Petra and Poui- Are the petals the most beautiful in all of the Pacific? Petra loves the poui trees in the park – until she comes across a video on her mother’s tablet that makes her forget about her pouis and makes her determined to see for herself what’s on that video. Join Petra as she drags her parents on a journey halfway around the world where she discovers not only what was in the video, but the important truth about herself. This book is written by Trinidad and Tobago author Phillip Simon.
Afro, No by Amaya James– Come, no! Explores the sometimes complicated relationship young women of color can have with their hair. She talks about the beauty, uniqueness and joy that comes with the pain and challenge of hair styling.
The Greatest by Juenanne Alkins– The seven stately homes along Trinidad and Tobago’s Queen’s Park Savannah are up for debate. Professor QRC, Lady Hayes Court, Ms. Mille Fleurs, Dr. Roomor, the Archbishop, Minister Whitehall and Sir Stollmeyer simply cannot agree! Determined to restore peace to their historic neighborhood, Mrs. Mille Fleurs must figure it all out. Is it your age, or what you look like? Who lived in you, or what did those people do? Really, what makes you the most amazing?
Chronicles of Korin
The Chronicles of Coryn series follows children’s author Coryn Clarke as she writes about the things she learns as she moves through life. Her most recent publications include books that teach children about traditional carnival characters and also introduce them to some of her musical and sporting heroes. Her gratitude journal and activity book teach children to explore their emotions by giving thanks for all the good things in their lives.
Fuzzy Wants to Play is the first in a series of books that tackle issues through the eyes of characters with disabilities.
Michelle Borel’s children’s books focus on the importance of kindness, positive self-talk, and character building. Magic Words with Max reminds us of the importance of good manners and remembering magic words like ‘please’ and ‘thank you’. Now I’m Two gives us an opportunity to celebrate the wonderful two-year-olds we know. While Responsible Rosana reinforces that at any age, we can act responsibly and show the values of voice.
Eight-year-old author Naila Baynes shares a message that inspires readers (both kids and parents). While initially reluctant to try a new activity as suggested by her family members, Naila finds that trying something different can ‘open your heart to endless possibilities’.
