In this post, we'll be highlighting a variety of children's books, produced by authors based in Trinidad and Tobago! Many of these writers brilliantly volunteered to tell stories to the children of East Port of Spain for Literacy Day Extravaganza in 2022 - (you can read all about that event HERE)
Boysie and the Kiskadee by Britta Rajkumar
This wonderful story is set in the Caribbean island of Trinidad, where Boysie our hero, has befriended Mr. Kiskadee and the other forest animals.
In the book, Mr. Kiskadee has just lost his home - a nest in a tree that Mr. Mean Tractor has cut down. Boysie now has a huge task to help Mr. Kiskadee find a new home, alongside learning how to help save our island’s environment, something that local readers can directly recognise and relate to!
This book is available to purchase in the following places:
Amazon - have a look at the link below: shorturl.at/quxPT
Scribbles and Quills in Chaguanas, Trinidad - @scribbles_and_quills and online via : https://scribblesandquills.com/.../boysieandthekiskadeeb.../
2. ‘Mertrina Marine Minded - The Mini Marine-Biologist's Guidebook’ by Katrina Khan-Roberts
This book is a perfect companion for those who are curious about marine biology, and would like to learn more!
Know any young ones (or grown ups!) with a passion for the sea, and the life that exists within it? Follow Mertrina as she imparts the basics of Marine Biology. This book will guide aspiring marine biologists through the foundational understanding of concepts needed for future study. Learn about the sea and how to protect it!’
Author Katrina Khan-Roberts is a Tourism, Health, Safety and Environment professional with special interest in the sustainable use of the coastal zone and conservation of the marine ecosystem . As a woman from the small island developing state of Trinidad and Tobago, she sees the importance of understanding human relationships with nature towards a sustainable future.
This book is appropriate for ages 8-18
You can purchase the book via:
Scribbles and Quills in Chaguanas, Trinidad or online: https://scribblesandquills.com/.../the-mini-marine.../
Paper based Bookshop, St. Anns, PoS Trinidad
Nigel R Khan (check availability)
3. Adventures of AGRIMAN Comic Books by Alpha Sennon
Dive into the world of AGRIMAN and PhotosyntheSista, the world's 1st Food and Nutrition Security Superheroes, that inspires future feeders.
Produced by 'farmerpreneur', youth advocate and TEDx speaker Alpha Sennon, AGRIMAN AGventures was designed to develop and introduce simple, attractive, and creative Agricultural messages to encourage and educate youths in Agriculture - building a capacity and knowledge in agriculture among children for the long term improvement of livelihoods and food security in communities.
Alpha is also the winner of the 2018 Rice Award for Leadership and Innovation by a Young Professional in International Development! He commented, “I didn’t win this for me… more than anything this will allow young people to see that there is a future in agriculture.”
These exciting and informative comics will not only nurture the imagination and motivate children to read - they are simultaneously educating readers about something that is relevant to us all - the quality of our food, where it comes from, and what a future in agriculture can look like.
Refer to the image above to find out where to purchase these books!
It is available on Amazon via the link below: https://www.amazon.com/AGRIMAN-AGVENTURES.../dp/B08378MMDF
4. ABC's of Money by Asif Cassim
This book can ignite understanding and confidence in young ones, about the way money works - specifically in Trinidad and Tobago!
“The ABC's of Money is an introduction to the concept of money tailored specifically for toddlers. The book delves into identifying the various notes and coins available for use in Trinidad and Tobago, explaining how and when to use these notes and coins, and explaining the concept of change. With this, the author provides kids with mathematical activities to better understand how to count money and receive change, and how to read price tags and their value.”
29 year old single father and author of the book Asif Cassim - @Asif Cassim said he was inspired by his three-year-old daughter, Raina. "I want to raise my daughter in such a way that she has not only school skills but life skills as well."
Being able to include books such as this that are specific to your childs immediate environment and reality can instigate a motivation to learn - as they are more familiar with the material, and can identify and interact with it in their everyday lives.
Make sure to check out our previous posts, highlighting other local children’s books and authors!
You can purchase the book via:
Scribbles and Quills in Chaguanas, Trinidad
or the link below:
5. Mr. Hawke-Eagle and the Julie Mangoes by Shurla Blades and Saba Sibaran
‘What if I told you that Mr. Hawk-Eagle ate all of the Julie mangoes from your basket?’
Explore the wonders of Jessyl gardens, as we follow Mr. Hawk-Eagle's search for the perfect breakfast through the imaginative storytelling of a boy, to his mother. Set in Trinidad, ‘Mr. Hawk-Eagle and the Julie Mangoes’ by Shurla Blades and Saba Sibaran opens up readers to learning about the plants, animals and fruit trees local to Trinidad, which in turn provides a refreshing familiarity to readers who live in the region. The references to the natural surroundings that children can identify and recoginise in the place they live also promote an added motivation and engagement with the story.
Ideal for 3 - 7 year olds, the beautifully illustrated and playfully written book also encourages readers to expand their own imaginations alongside the storyteller, something that is hugely beneficial for learners in their early years and beyond. The back of the book is complete with questions and quizzes asking readers details about the story, and so is suitable for older readers too, with another section targeting grammar skills through focusing on certain words and their uses throughout the book. In addition to this, an activity section is also included, that suggests arts and crafts tasks,(including a mango naming game!) for the readers to get involved in.
Encouraging children to find joy through reading, rather than only associating it with school work is the best way to target their literacy skills in an all encompassing way!
To buy the book in Trinidad, go have a look at Paperbased Bookshop in St. Anns, Trinidad.
Internationally, the book is available to order at some online bookstores.
Have you read any of these books? Tell us what you think. If you have any other suggestions that promote #LiteracyForLeisure, we'd love to hear - Let's spread the joy of reading together!