By Ardo Omer
This month, we’re reading a book by a Caribbean Canadian author! Antonio Michael Downing (Trinidadian), Tasha Spillett (Cree/Trinidadian) and Janice Lynn Mather (Bahamian) have titles that range in form and in topics. There are many islands in the Caribbean with a rich history of storytelling and many of its people have made Canada their home. Go forth and read our suggested titles or seek out the many Caribbean Canadian authors who’re publishing some fantastic children’s books.
1) Stars in My Crown by Antonio Michael Downing, illustrated by Richy Sánchez Ayala (Picture Book)
Author and musician Antonio Michael Downing’s debut picture book is about big changes and big feelings, and speaks to all kids experiencing the highs and lows of childhood.
Little Tony is full of love for his grandmother, his home in Trinidad and delicious pholourie. But he’s also full of other big feelings, including anger. His grandmother tries to teach him to be patient — patience is a star in his crown, she says — but it’s hard.
He tries to keep his anger in, but when he loses at ping-pong to his brother or he has to come in from playing . . . Yaaarrgh!
When Little Tony and his brother move away from their beloved Trinidad, there’s even more for him to be upset about. His new home is cold, full of new people, and there’s no pholourie anywhere! Yaaarrgh!
But then he remembers his grandmother’s lessons, and a surprising thing happens . . .
A charming and heartwarming story based on the author’s own childhood, Stars In My Crown is an ode to big feelings but even bigger triumphs.
2) We Are the Medicine (Vol. 3) by Tasha Spillett, illustrated by Natasha Donovan (Young Adult)
Miikwan and Dez are in their final year of high school. Poised at the edge of the rest of their lives, they have a lot to decide on. Miikwan and her boyfriend, Riel, are preparing for university, but Dez isn’t sure if that’s what they want for their future.
Grief and anger take precedence over their plans after the remains of 215 children are found at a former residential school in British Columbia. The teens struggle with feelings of helplessness in the face of injustice. Can they find the strength to channel their frustration into action towards a more hopeful future?
We Are the Medicine is the moving final volume of the best-selling Surviving the City series.
3) Where Was Goodbye? by Janice Lynn Mather (Young Adult)
Celebrate the Spring Lantern Festival! This gentle picture book explores the special bond between children and their grandmothers, all against the backdrop of Chinese mythology and holiday celebration. A must-read for fans of Drawn Togetheror I Dream of Popo!
There’s nothing Lili loves more than celebrating the Spring Lantern Festival with her family. But this will be the first time she attends the festivities without her beloved lăolao. Though it’s one of Lili’s favorite days of the year, she can’t help but wish, as she drifts off to sleep, that Lăolao were still there to enjoy bowls of sweet rice balls and solve fun riddles with her.
Then, that night, the first full moon of the new year invites Lili on an incredible journey.
Lili will travel to the bottom of the sea to visit the Dragon King and past the misty clouds to see the Jade Emperor. But will she get to see the one person she wants to see most in the entire world before the night is over?
