It’s that time of the year again!
The time when parents, uncle, aunts and god parents find themselves agonizing over just the right present for the little tikes in their lives.
There’s lots of options of course but deciding on something which would really delight their young recipients can give the givers some anxiety.
If it hasn’t occurred to you, might I suggest a good book? American author and humorist Garrison Keillor once said, "A book is a gift you can open again and again”, and any reader knows how true this is. A loved book is a treasure that can be enjoyed many times over years. Sometimes each reading can be a fresh source of pleasure. For a child it can be an investment in their future. If it sparks or cultivates a love of reading, it can nurture an appreciation which can only enrich their lives.
If you were on the fence before, I assume by now I have convinced you, but now what book to choose? Picking the actual book might be harrowing for some. Selecting one you enjoyed in your own childhood is a great first choice, but another option you might want to explore is buying a book by a local author.
Why? Well for one, it’s a great opportunity to support local writers. From my observations, in recent times, the range of choice has grown, or at least, these books have been gaining a bit more recognition. There seems to be a flourishing crop of children's books by authors from Trinidad and Tobago, and their work spans many topics and genres. Once you delve in, you will find yourself with a whole library worth of options. Even this can be a little overwhelming, but don't worry, I’m here to offer some suggestions.
Below you will find six Trinidad and Tobago authors whose books you might want to give your favourite young ones (or not so young ones) for Christmas, for birthdays, for rewards or just because. Full disclosure, I know some of these authors personally, or I have provided proof reading services for their work, but I think this is a great place to start in discovering some of the options in my country's children’s literature.
I have listed them roughly in order of reading age levels to help you choose what might work best for your young reader, and I have included information on how to buy hard copy and digital copies of the books both locally and internationally.
If you are familiar with any of these books, let me know in the comments and share what you think of them! Also what other local children's books would you recommend and why?
1) Duck in the Red Boots
Author: Marsha Gomes-Mickie
Illustrator: Marsha Gomes-Mickie
Publisher: Self published
Website: https://marshagomes.wordpress.com/childrens-books/
Age Recommendation: 3-7 years
What’s it about:
In Duck in the Red Boots, Marsha Gomes-Mickie writes and illustrates the warm and colourful story of Duck who is rather different from the other ducklings around him.
“Unlike other little ducklings, Duck is quite particular about staying clean,” notes the book description. Sometime Duck’s goals get him in trouble, but “he stands firm for what he believes in.” Little children will enjoy following Duck’s story as he thinks about the best way to play every day.
Marsha hopes “that children will see that Duck is different and wonderful at the same time”. She explains that the book is perfect for little readers and for parents to read to their children.
“This book has an excellent message for children that is cleverly shown with ducks,” says one Amazon reviewer. “I recommend it for children of any age for bedtime stories and children who are learning to read.”
Purchase Information:
2) The Adventures of Jada: Attack of the Common Cold Monster
Author: Sherwyn Williams
Illustrator: Sherwyn Williams
Publisher: Self-published
Social Media: Facebook: @adventuresofjada Instagram: @adventuresofjada
Age Recommendation: 5-10
What’s It About:Little Jada is back in Sherwyn Williams’ newest book The Adventures of Jada: Attack of the Common Cold Monster. Our intrepid heroine Jada is drawn into another adventure when her mother’s little cold turns into a big, scary monster. Will Jada prevail? As usual she’s more than up to the task.
With his own bold, fun illustrations, Williams takes young readers on a brilliant romp with Jada and her friends. According to the book description, “Using her imagination, Jada always manages to get herself into crazy situations that often require creative solutions.”
Williams explains, "My main goal with any of my books is to spark creativity within the readers. I want them to feel that sense of adventure and possibility, really ignite passion and drive within them.”In an Amazon review, one parent praises the tale’s timely approach to teaching children about personal hygiene. “My daughter absolutely loved this book. She asks me to read it to her all the time. Great message to teach the little ones in this flu season. Vitamin C all the way!”
This book is perfect for creative, adventurous children who love surprises and cartoons.
Follow the link for a free Jada activity and colouring book or scan the code below. https://mailchi.mp/cac683b410f6/adventures-of-jada-subscribe
Purchase Information:
- Local - contact the author Sherwyn Williams on Facebook @adventuresofjada, Instagram: @adventuresofjada or by email: adventuresofjadashop@gmail.com for paperback copies - $60TT +. $25.00 shipping
- Local - order paperback copies from myexcellentstores.com - $62.95 plus shipping
- International - order on Amazon - paperback $14.00US + shipping, ebook $4.99US
3) Fishing in the Drain
Author: Nadira Green
Illustrator: Anietha Charles
Publisher: Self Published
Social Media: Instagram:
@nadiragreen
Age Recommendation: 6-8
What's it About:
All Taz wants to do is catch some fish in the drain near her house, so she can put in them in a glass bowl. She sets out hopefully one bright morning to try her luck. Her plans do not quite go as she expected, but a little help from her dad can make a big difference.
With her lyrical prose and comforting illustrations by Anietha Charles, Nadira Green weaves the tale of Taz in her book Fishing in the Drain. “This fun, poetic book will hook you on a journey to reel in the answer,” states the book description.
This story will appeal to children who love outdoor activities and adventures. “Great Caribbean content which anyone can read to their kids,” says one reviewer. Green hopes her audience can relate to Taz’s difficulties and her eventual triumph. “ I hope readers can experience the character’s frustration and celebration as she is guided by her father,” she says.
Purchase Information:
- Local - contact the author @NadiraGreen on Instagram
- International - order on Amazon - Paperback $6.17US + Shipping; Kindle $5.98US
- Current Special - Local orders of the books will be signed and will include a whole package for your child with additional learning items to enhance the reading experience.
4) Honeybee and Nectarine
Author: Vearna Argualine Gloster
Illustrator: Kwame Hinds
Publisher: Trinity Hills Publishing
Website: http://www.poemsbyvearnagloster.wordpress.com/
Age Recommendation: 6-99
What’s It About:
One day a little bee sets out for the first time to gather honey and nectar for her hive. Little
does she know that she will face many obstacles during her journey, and she will also make a new friend. In Honeybee and Nectarine, environmentalist and beekeeper, Vearna Argualine Gloster, creates a fable she hopes will educate young readers about the importance of honey bees and kindle their interest in the natural world. “My inspiration for Honeybee and Nectarine came from the need to see both children and adults become more aware of honeybees,” she explains.
Not only will readers learn about a day in the life of a honeybee, they will also be drawn in by the friendship the little bee forges with a flower named Nectarine. All this is brought to life with local spray paint artist Kwame Hinds’ cute and quirky illustrations.
“This book was such a delight. The honeybee and flowers are adorable. An extremely powerful and educational story…” says one online review.
This is a good book for children and adults who love nature stories.
Purchase Information:
- Local - contact the author Vearna Gloster on Whatsapp at 2746677 or e-mail: vearnagloster@gmail.com - $150TT + Free Shipping
- International - order on Amazon - paperback $11.01US+shipping, ebook $7.99US
- Current Special - Local orders will be signed by the author
5) Ky’s Magical Adventures
Author: Sian Cuffy-Young
Illustrator: Daniel Aiers
Social Media: Instagram @kysmagicaladventures
Publisher: Self Published
Illustrator: Daniel Aiers
Age Recommendation: 7-10
What’s It About:
Sometimes adventure can blossom in the most unlikely ways. In Sian Cuffy-Young’s picture book Ky’s Magical Adventures, little Ky is worried about her snack wrapper that blew away at school that day. She knows that littering is wrong, and she wonders where the garbage goes. That night Ky has a dream that the errant wrapper is transformed into a magic carpet named Wendy, and together they’re off on a fantastical journey to learn where garbage goes.
As an environmentalist, Sian sees her book as “a conversation starter” for a child who loves nature, is curious and adventurous and wants to take care of the environment. Ky’s journey with Wendy, portrayed in warm, colourful illustrations by Daniel Aiers, is designed to educate them in a fun way through the eyes of this intrepid and curious little girl. Sian hopes her youthful readers “will be inspired to become eco heroes, like Ky.”
Fellow Trinidad and Tobago born children’s author Reea Rodney notes, “I love this book even more because it is written by a woman in the waste industry with the main character being a girl. Too often this industry is marketed for little boys only. Girls like to learn about all things as well, trash included!"
Ky’s Magical Adventures has an audio version read by voice over artist Victoria Wright. Anyone purchasing the book can send Cuffy-Young their proof of purchase to get a copy of the audio sent to their e-mail.
Purchase Information:
- Local - Book Stores - All R.I.K. locations; Excellent Stores (C3, Movietowne and Price Plaza); Scribbles & Quills, Chaguanas; Paper-Based Bookstore, Hotel Normandie; Academics Plus, Curepe; My beach, my water, Couva; My Reflections TT, St James - $120.00US
- International - order on Amazon or CaribbeanBaby.com - Paperback - $15.99 + shipping US
- Current Special: If you buy the book, you get the audio book for free read by Victoria Wright and valued at 12.99US
6) The Land Below
Author: Aarti Gosine
Illustrator: Teja Loutoo
Publisher: Jav Publishing House
Website: www.javpublishingtt.com, www.aartigosine.com
Age Recommendation: 7-10
What’s it about:
What happens when a family of underground giants crosses paths with a human girl and the people of her Amazonian tribe? Author of the Magic Cave series, Aarti Gosine explores this new fantasy story based on legends of the Macuxi people in her latest book The Land Below.
Young giants, Carlos and Pedro, dwell beneath the Amazon rainforest in Brazil with their mother while Juanita of the Macuxi Amazon tribe lives above them. Each family contentedly lives their separate lives unknowing of the other, until chance brings the two groups together, sparking the potential for destructive discord or a lasting friendship.
“My daughter enjoyed it so much she is taking her own savings to buy copies for her friends,” says one parent who reviewed this fantasy adventure.
Second year university student Teja Loutoo captures this otherworldly tale in dream-like black and white drawings. The cover art is by graphic artist, Keston Ayoung.
“I would like my young readers to enjoy the book so much that they realise the joy of reading and continue to find other books to read,” says Gosine.Purchase Information:
- Local - order from Java Publishing www.javpublishingtt.com - Paperback - $60TT
- Local - order from the author Aarti Gosine on Facebook: or Instagram: or send her a message on Whatsapp: 1 868 681 7308
- Local - order from DigitalCanopi - Paperback - $5.99US + shipping
- International - order from Amazon - Paperback - $5.99US + shipping; Kindle - $1.99US
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