Celebrating Caribbean KidLit Authors
June is Caribbean Heritage Month in the United States. Several tiny islands (some uninhabited) make up the Caribbean. If you know me, I rep the Caribbean hard. I love the Caribbean and the culture, music, the food, the people, and what it represents. I’m first generation-American, yet my upbringing was very much influenced by Caribbean culture.
My family hails from Barbados, Trinidad, and Dominica (not to be confused with the Dominican Republic). The Caribbean is full of color, beautiful sandy beaches, flavorful food, soulful, eclectic music, and so much more.
As I meet new authors, I learn about their backgrounds and stories. The best stories always hint at who they are, whether it’s a photo of their loved one, an artifact from their childhood, or dressing a character in traditional clothing, like Granny in Granny’s Vintage Camera.
Linda Sue Park, Newberry Medal Winner and NY Times Best-Selling author, shared during an SCBWI Conference to write the story only you can share! As we wrap up Caribbean Heritage Month, I wanted to share the work of Caribbean children's book authors. So grab a glass of sorrell, fry up some plantains, and play your favorite Soca music as you read the below blog about Caribbean KidLit Authors.
Meet the Authors:
Shermaine Perry-Knights (Trinidad & Tobago) - @amazinglyshermaine
Book Titles:
I Miss My Friend And That's Okay
Cruel to Kind
Sasha Smart
Shermaine Perry-Knights is an award-winning facilitator, project manager, speaker, world traveler, and author. She has over ten years of writing, teaching, and public speaking experience. Shermaine is a proud military kid and a lifelong learner. She holds several professional certifications in learning development. Shermaine helps others develop emotional intelligence and leadership skills. Amazingly Shermaine
Qef Johnson and Ari Mowla (US Virgin Islands) @kanaknows
Book Titles:
Soca Baby
Soca Baby
Ari and Qef are lovers of soca and so are their children. If you love soca then take a moment to follow them, if you don't even know what soca is then definitely follow them. Ari Mowla is a Computer Engineer and extremely organized. He loves to travel and listen to soca. Qef Danielle Johnson is a Doula and one of those creative Geminis. She loves to travel, is passionate about babies and families, and of course listens to soca. They also have a Kickstarter campaign that ends in 5 days! Kickstarter
Danielle Dowie (Jamaica) - danidowpublishing
Book Titles:
Waa Gwaan Jimi: Welcome to the Jungle
Rasta Santa
With My Permission: A Child's Guide to Understanding Consent
As a writer, teacher, and track and field analyst, Danielle stayed close to what she loved in childhood: reading, writing, and running. Reading was her first love- she became enchanted by classic storybooks, especially the ones with rhyme and pictures. She developed an early habit of reading everything everywhere…nutrition facts on food items, signs & billboards she would pass on her travels, magazines at the offices her mother would visit, and the bible and quarterly at Sabbath School.
Gabrielle French Allen (Saint Kitts) - @gabriellefrenchallen
Book Titles:
Our Daddy Daughter Day
Affirmations A-Z: For You, Me & Everybody
Gabrielle French Allen is a mother, wife, author, non-profit arts director, teacher and graphic designer. She has spent over 10 years working with students K-12 as a creative writing, theater and dance teacher. She has also served as an Arts Academy Director for over a decade.Gabrielle writes books that promote healthy relationships, knowledge of self and fun! Her books also support parents and educators in helping children, teens & adults become more socially/emotionally aware and mindful. https://www.gabriellefrenchallen.com
Dr. Melissa Munro Boyd (Grenada) - @author_melissaboyd
Book Titles:
Keeping It Cool: Skills for Coping with Change
Creating Calm in 5, ,4, 3, 2, 1 Relaxation Techniques for Kids
B is for Breathe: The ABCs of Coping with Fussy and Frustrating Feelings
Dr. Melissa Munro Boyd is a wife, mother of 3, Clinical Psychologist, and officer in the United States Army. Dr. Boyd has spent much of her clinical career treating military service members with behavioral health disorders, to include PTSD. Prior to the Army, Dr. Boyd worked with children in the Philadelphia School District. She is a proud graduate of Hampton University in Virginia where she earned her Bachelors in Psychology. Upon graduation, she attended La Salle University in Philadelphia where she obtained her Master's and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Through it all, God and her family have been a constant source of strength and motivation.
Thank you so much for reading! If you loved the books, please support the authors above! Thanks so much for reading!