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 Story time TIME WAS when most of us eagerly read the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys series of books. Teenage thrillers, they were great adventures. Problem was, nothing about the Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew pointed to our Jamaican or Caribbean experience. Times are changing, though somewhat slowly. Kingston-based Carlong Publishers has, for example, developed a series of books for young readers that involve children and are based on the Caribbean experience. The series, called Sandpebbles Pleasure Series, is a first for Jamaica and the Caribbean, says Carlong's Marketing Manager Glynis Salmon. "It's a series of books developed for children in the 8-12 age group - the same Nancy Drew people." Plus, she adds, all the stories are about overcoming adversity. These stories are culturally relevant as "every single book in the series is written by Caribbean people so we are not looking outside ourselves." Ms. Salmon adds: "It's a timely series, written in response to regional emphasis, with emphasis on cultural identity. If you engage their (children's) reading interest, making them feel welcome with familiar images, they will want to read. We also recognise that children are of different reading levels and the books are designed in such a way that interest of even the struggling reader can still be engaged." She also notes that with this series, Carlong is issuing a call to writers and that eventually the series will include biographies. This is saying, "Look Caribbean people, stake your claim in the global village. Nothing travels faster or communicates better than the written word." 'Freedom Come' and "JoJo's Treasure', two of the books highligted here, are part of the Sandpebbles Series. In addition, we have two short stories involving Jamaica's oldest and favourite trickster, Anancy. Kick back and enjoy Story Time.
Children from Jamaica's past come alive in these five memorable stories by Jean Goulbourne. The Swan Dogs and the Clams Gang clash, buccaneer style, in old Port Royal. Stephen experiences an exciting day as a Taino boy. Slave children Alrick and Saidie escape slavery; in different ways. Jonathan recalls his thrilling, heroic and dangerous journey to deliver an important message to 'Daddy' Sharpe before the 'Christmas Rebellion' of 1831. Freedom Come is the first in a new series, the Sand Pebbles Pleasure Series, developed by Carlong Publishers (Caribbean) Limited to provide children with entertaining reading material featuring Caribbean situations.
He was late for school again. He was a fat, untidy little boy known to most people as Sprat. Sprat Morrison is the high-spirited tale of the adventures of a small boy growing up in the hills above Kingston. The lively sequence of episodes in his life will have young teenage readers chorusing, 'It could only happen to Sprat!' as we follow his escapades, heroics, failures and successes.
'Every Little Thing Will Be All Right' is a collection of five highly entertaining stories about boys and girls who must find solutions to the special challenges they face. Which game does Delroy really prefer -- cricket or football? Who wouldn't be embarrassed by a Great Gran who looks like a witch? Or by having the smallest plant on Earth Day? Safiya has to choose a dance for the Independence concert at her school, but the dance she prefers doesn't please her family -- which will she perform? Will Louisa Jane and her friend, Rafael, be forced to leave their street of fine old houses? This is another in The Sand Pebbles Pleasure Series.
Twelve-year-old Jojo is worried when he learns that his family will lose their home because they can't pay the landlord. He is determined to find a Spanish jar full of treasure which he believes is hidden at the root of a cotton tree in his rural area. But, he has to visit the tree at midnight, and there are ghosts guarding the treasure. Can he overcome his fears and save his family? 'Jojo's Treasure Hunt' is another in the Sand Pebbles Pleasure Series, developed by Carlong Publishers (Caribbean).
Five Maroon boys pass
tests of skill and endurance to become warriors in their village. When
they go out hunting to celebrate, they suddenly discover that the forest
is full of their enemies, the English Redcoats. In the campaign that follows,
the defeat of the Maroons seems certain, but the young warriors help to
bring about a great victory.
See Also A Tribute To Miss Lou |
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©Copyright 2000 Gleaner Company Ltd. | Disclaimer | Letters to the Editor | Suggestions |
'Freedom
Come'
'Sprat
Morrison'
'Every
Little Thing Will Be All Right'
'Jojo's
Treasure Hunt'
Young
Warriors'