Marlon Weathers - Contributed

Walking across the white sand beach at Negril's Sunset at the Palms Resort and Spa gives a different perspective of nature. Between the revving engines of motor cars and the lovely view of the azure Caribbean Sea, Marlon Weathers found the inspiration for his children's book Henry Baldplate and His Treetop Friends.

Weathers 'caught' what he felt was the enigma of the Jamaican Baldplate (white crowned pigeon) as dormant memories of a little boy in the cool hills of Manchester returned.

The book is very colourful, easy to read and very attractive. It is more than a cute children's book. The theme is a powerful one as the baldplate faces extinction (has ended up in many bellies). The book will educate children on nature, the environment and most naturally on the baldplate. It will teach children to respect Mother Nature and to preserve their environment for their children's children.

Studied accounting

After emigrating to the United States with his family at age 12, Weathers studied accounting at Berkeley College and Pace University in New York City. Later, he received his bachelor's degree in business administration from Pace and a master's degree in leadership studies from Baker College.

Weathers' desire to write the book came after he vacationed at Sunset at the Palms Resort and Spa. This idyllic nature spot grew the feathers to his Icarus idea and the reception to his book has been growing.

The memories of a 'country boy' chasing baldplates are now permanently etched in writing and Weathers said the book will spawn a series.

The theme should also connect with many readers as those born in the 'country' have had their fair share of trying to slingshot a baldplate from the skies. For many young boys, it was a fleeting attempt at proving their worthiness.

Armed with oral tradition in our blood, Jamaicans usually make very good writers. Although it is commonly said we are a nation of non-readers, there are some among us, and some far and wide who make a mockery of that generalisation. Weathers is one such example.

Residing in Altamonte Springs, Florida, with his wife Karen, Weathers' childhood fascination with the baldplate has seen the first batch of book sold out. His fingers continue to tap out poignant learning material for children and, until then, Henry Baldplate flies high.