Five Children's Books by Antiguan Authors
Read Caribbean is not limited to books for adults
What better time to introduce young ones to the joys of reading than now, when we can share stories with characters just like them. Be it a daughter or son who models after you already, or your nibling’s or God child’s next gift, there is a book for every age group.
Here are five books by Antiguan authors for children agges 3 - 17, all of which are illustrated by Caribbean artists.
To Be a Cheetah: A Bedtime Story
Written by Joanne C. Hillhouse
Illustrated by Zavian Archibald
Reading Age: 3-6
About the Book
“A cheetah is what I want to be...nothing would be faster than me!” As a mother tucks her little dreamer into bed, she lets him know that wherever he goes, he can always come home. This loving bedtime story transports readers from a cozy bedroom to the savannas of Africa and back again. Rich illustrations capture the natural world and the warmth of a mother-son relationship.
Turtle Beach
Written by Barbara Arrindell
Illustrated by Zavian Archibald
Reading Age: 6-7
About the Book
A young girl is excited to be going to a restaurant to celebrate her birthday with her parents. While she’s there, she sees baby turtles trying to find their way to the ocean. It’s a magical event to witness, but she also learns how humans can interfere with the journey of the hatchlings and why they need to take actions to hel them reach the water.
This beautifully illustrated book is a story that raises awareness of how simple acts can impact vulnerable creatures like turtles. While this is a story set in the Caribbean, it’s one that goes beyond the Caribbean and highlights environmental issues of interest to everyone.
Gold/Band 9 books offer developing readers literary language and stories with distinctive characters. Ideas for reading in the back of the book provide practical support and stimulating activities
Lost! A Caribbean Sea Adventure
Written by Barbara Arrindell
Illustrated by Danielle Boodoo-Fortune
Reading Age: 5-8
About the Book
LOST!
When an Arctic seal named Dolphin finds himself far from home in the warm Caribbean sea, he has to rely on new friends for help. Will he make his way back to his Arctic home?
This book includes a short story and a puzzle.
Who is Dolphin, the Arctic seal?
The story of Dolphin, the Arctic Seal, was inspired by Wadadli, a young male hooded seal that left its home in the North Atlantic and found himself stranded in the Caribbean Sea just off of the island of Antigua. He was rescued by the Coast Guard of Antigua and Barbuda, and like Dolphin, the Arctic Seal, he was returned to his home by plane.
The Wonderful World of Yohan
Written by Floree Williams Whyte
Illustrated by Stooge co
Reading Age: 6-10
About the Book
Welcome to the Wonderful World of Yohan! Yohan’s world is a creation of his vivid imagination.In this series of short stories follow Yohan’s imagination inspired adventures. From day to day his adventures transform his reality and often lead him into accidental mischief.
Musical Youth
Written by Joanne C. Hillhouse
Reading Age: 13-17
About the Book
Zahara is a loner. She’s brilliant on the guitar but in everyday life she doesn’t really fit in. Then she meets Shaka, himself a musical genius and the first boy who really gets her. They discover that they share a special bond, their passion for music, and Zahara finds herself a part, not just of Shaka’s life, but also that of his boys, the Lion Crew. When they all get roles in a summer musical, Zahara, Shaka, and the rest of the Lion Crew use the opportunity to work on a secret project. But the Crew gets much more than they bargained for when they uncover a dark secret linking Shaka and Zahara’s families and they’re forced to confront some uncomfortable truths about class, colour, and relationships on the Caribbean island of Antigua.
There are no missteps in this tender coming-of-age romance, only an enthusiasm for love and life that reverberates triumphantly, as both Shaka and Zahara battle their demons with hope’s persistent chorus.-CaribbeanBeat Magazine.
“Musical Youth is a beautifully crafted novel with the leitmotiv of music running throughout it. This is a powerful and credible story of young love between two likeable heroes.-Burt Award for Caribbean literature.
Musical Youth is a compelling read because Hillhouse has managed to make readers really care about the characters and their struggles.-Trinidad Guardian.
Get Your Copy
All of these children book recommendations are available through Amazon and/or other fine ebook sellers.
I Don't Want This Book For Christmas.
by Vivica Yellow Fox.
https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Want-This-Book-Christmas-ebook/dp/B0BQGQG21N
I know of a children's book written by an Antiguan author. I also know of a Jamaican romance author. I will come back soon.