How do we combat the notion that St. Lucians don’t read? Well, the good book never fails to shed wisdom. It says: Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. So the surest way of turning St. Lucia into a reading public is to inculcate a love of reading, a love of books, in our children at an early age, the earlier the better, even before they can speak.
How do we do that? We read to them even before they can understand what we are saying, we let them turn the pages, look at the pictures. We fill our homes with books; every birthday, every Christmas, every such gift giving occasion, we include a book or two as part of the gift package; we take them to libraries and bookstores. Before they pick up their tablets, phones, computers, we make sure they put in an hour or two of reading. We have them read a book per week, or per fortnight or per month. During the summer school vacation months, we put them on a reading plan. We make reading books a precondition for rewards, for engagement in the things they love to do.
The good news is there are more than 20 St. Lucian authors with children’s books set in St. Lucia and steeped in its culture. So with one stroke of the pen, these authors not only help strengthen the minds of our children, fortify their moral fiber, and inculcate in them the habit of reading, they help them gain a better appreciation and understanding of their culture, history, geography, and help develop in them a sense of national pride, national identity.
So it is with pleasure that we present below St. Lucian Children’s Books, which includes children’s books by St. Lucians or Children’s books set in St. Lucia. Please alert us of any books that we have missed. We don’t want to deny our children any gems.
Counting Is Simply Beautiful
by Cheri Alphonse Hayes
Illustrator: Gennel Marie Sollano
ISBN-10: 1664144862
ISBN-13: 978-1664144866
28 pages, Xlibris,
November 30, 2020
Ages: 3 to 5
Count your way across the island of St. Lucia in English or Creole while sightseeing around the beautiful island.
Talking Talia Tattles or Tells?
by Cheri Alphonse Hayes
Illustrator: Emilio Luis Báez-Rivera
ISBN-10: 099816822X
ISBN-13: 978-0998168227
24 pages, Bowker
July 27, 2020
Ages: 3 to 5
Talia does not understand the difference between tattling and telling. How will Talia learn the difference between the two?
A Teacher’s Surprise!
by Cheri Alphonse Hayes
Illustrator: Sierra Mon Ann Vidal
ISBN-10: 1543468136
ISBN-13: 978-1543468137
32 pages, Xlibris,
December 15, 2017
Thomas is proud to show his appreciation for his teacher with a gift of an elaborate science project that says it all.
Tim Tim The River Crayfish
by Fortuna Anthony
ISBN-10 : 1426960689
ISBN-13 : 978-1426960680
40 pages, Trafford Publishing, April 11, 2011
Highlights the importance of rivers in communities where pipe borne water is not readily available. It shows how the people of the community depends on the river for their drinking water, daily washing and as a socialization meeting place.
Telling Tales from Saint Lucia
by Nahdjla Bailey
Illustrator: Ted M. Sandiford
ISBN-10 : 1468098535
ISBN-13 : 978-1468098532
190 pages, CreateSpace, March 7, 2012
According to the cover copy, these tales provide great entertainment with large doses of cultural, historical, geographical and moral lore.
The Plum Tree
by Martha Blanchard
Illustrator: Jonathan Gladding
ISBN-10 : 0996435840
ISBN-13 : 978-0996435840
72 pages, Caribbean Reads Publishing, August 22, 2015
Pella and Stacia have big plans for a summer of fun on Helen Island. But when tragedy strikes Pella’s family, her life changes as do her chances for excelling at the Common Entrance Exam and getting into a top Secondary School. Determined not to be separated, the friends must work together to beat the odds and rise to the top of their class.
Counting St. Lucian Style
by Anthea Bousquet
Illustrator: Ted Sandiford
ISBN-10 : 9768238011
ISBN-13 : 978-9768238016
16 pages, Maryli Publishers, October 21, 2011
A counting book with a Caribbean twist! Includes colorful illustrations of scenery, animals and objects from the island of St. Lucia. Younger children will learn number recognition and counting. Older readers will love the catchy St. Lucian rhyme.
Who Is Smarter Than Galiber Guess?
by Anthea Bousquet
Illustrator: Ted Sandiford
ISBN-10: 9768238003
ISBN-13: 978-9768238009
80 pages, Maryli Publishers, Apr 15, 2011
Grade level : 3 – 7
Riddles, Magic Travel and Adventure in the Caribbean Island of St. Lucia. Jimmy does not believe the story about magical little folk caring for St. Lucia’s trees and animals. Then he sees a tiny Mango Man crying in his yard. The Mango Man is sad because his trees will be destroyed if he cannot solve the riddles on St. Lucia given by Galiber Guess. Jimmy offers to help the little man and discovers an amazing way to travel around the island. Can Jimmy outsmart know-it-all Galiber at his own guessing game?
Wyetta At the Sulphur Springs (The Adventures of Wyetta Book 1)
by Claudette Ubekha Charles
Illustrator: Francis Butcher
ISBN-10: 1543915671
ISBN-13: 978-1543915679
42 pages, BookBaby
November 9, 2017
Reading age : 7 – 9 years; Grade level : 2 – 3
This is the first book in the series, The Adventures of Wyetta. It captures Wyetta at the Sulhur Springs in the mouth of St. Lucia’s active volcano.
Wyetta’s Recess Adventures (The Adventures of Wyetta Book 2)
by Claudette Ubekha Charles
Illustrators: Bruno Mestriner & Yuri Garfunkel
40 pages, BookBaby
October 17, 2017
Wyetta’s Recess Adventures is the second of the series. It captures some of the interesting happenings and experiences children have during recess at a typical school in St. Lucia.
Wyetta the Carnival Queen? (The Adventures of Wyetta Book 3)
by Claudette Ubekha Charles
Illustrator: Ted Sandiford
ISBN-10: 1543934749
ISBN-13: 978-1543934748
42 pages, BookBaby
June 25, 2018
Reading age: 6 – 8 years; Grade level: 1-2
A story about a child’s exciting experience of one carnival.
Wyetta Visits Muh Seebo
(Adventures of Wyetta Book 4)
by Claudette Ubekha Charles
Illustrator: Ted Sandiford
ISBN-10 : 1543934773
ISBN-13 : 978-1543934779
54 pages, BookBaby
June 25, 2018
Reading age: 7 – 9 years; Grade level: 2 – 3
Tells the story of what happened when Wyetta and her family paid a visit to the “gaje” lady who lived by herself in a village with her fruit trees, flowers, and chickens.
How George Jones Saved Christmas
by Lisa Dublin
ISBN-10 : 1775045005
ISBN-13 : 978-1775045007
74 pages, SkyZion Books, October 27, 2017
Heartbroken at the thought of spending the holiday apart, Christy and Sweetie hatch a plan to make the adults in their lives reconsider what Christmas is truly all about.
TI KOKO AND KUSH KUSH
by Patricia G. Turnbull
Illustrator: Reuben Vanterpool
ISBN-13: 978-0997489545
32 pages, House of Nehesi, January 15, 2018
Reading age: 6 – 8 years; Grade level: 1-2
A story about a happy little coconut tree and a friendly, wise yam and the power of friendship and camaraderie in a small community.
LITTLE BRAVE BOY
(EVERETT STORIES Book 1)
by Horace S. Darrell
Illustrator: Ted Sandiford
27 pages, March 15, 2019
Reading age: 6 – 12 years; Grade level: 2 – 6
A kid’s worst day turned out to be his happiest one. Everett thought his mother had forgotten to pick him up from school and because of his bravery, he decided to go in search of her. He didn’t expect what was about to unfold.
Traditional Masquerade of Saint Lucia: Characters and Costumes, Music and Dances, Chants and Rituals
by June Frederick
Illustrators: Alwyn St Omer and Jonathan Guy-Gladding
ISBN-13: 978-1953747020
32 pages
November 16, 2020
Describes the performance of the Masquerade, including detailed descriptions of the main performers, their costumes, and the chants and rituals they perform. The book also includes a listing of each musical instrument and a description of the choreography of the dances.
Peanut Tales Series
(book 1 to 276)
by A. L. Dawn French
Nov 28, 2016 to Dec 2020
Reading age: 6 – 12 years; Grade level: 2 – 6
A series about an 8 year old St. Lucian girl call Peanut and her adventures and the lessons that come out of her adventures. For example, book one of the series follows Peanut, her three brothers and her parents as they prepare for an approaching hurricane.
Sak Sa?! The “For De Culture” Edition: A Kwéyòl Activity Book
by Huanna French-Leon
Illustrator: Mya Symister
ISBN-13: 979-8705169627
56 pages, February 5, 2021
Reading age: 3 – 6 years
An educational alphabet activity that aims to merge learning the standard English alphabet and the unique Caribbean, and more specifically, Kwéyòl vocabulary with a splash of St. Lucian flavor.
The Lost Sister
by Kurmysha Harris
106 pages, Xlibris
September 26, 2016
The Walker siblings, Iain and Aibeline, have experienced the tragic loss of both their parents, Tensions between brother and sister get so bad that, in fact, they have a fight. Aibeline goes out that night to seek comfort from their lovely elderly neighbour but doesn’t know what to expect in the back alleys of their home. Follow Iain as he traverses the English countryside in search of his lost sister.
I Can Say Please And Thank You!
by Owen Joseph
ISBN-13: 978-1979778343
24 pages, CreateSpace Independent Publishing, December 3, 2017
Reading age: 9 – 12 years; Grade level: 4 – 6 years
Little Owen is very excited about Thanks Giving. It is a time for him to see his family and friends and share a delicious dinner with them. Most importantly, we see how much manners little Owen has and how his parents are teaching him how to say please and thank you.
Compere Lapin Tales: (2nd edition)
by Jacintha Annius-Lee
Illustrator: Ted Sandiford
ISBN-13 : 978-1720868736
96 pages, CreateSpace Independent Publishing
July 15, 2018
First of a two part compilation of St. Lucian folk stories.
Once Upon A Time In Saint Lucia: A Collection Of Saint Lucian Folk Stories
by Jacintha Annius-Lee and Linda Andrew
Illustrator: Naja Simeon
ISBN-13 : 978-1719437097
56 pages, CreateSpace Independent Publishing
May 20, 2018
The second installment in a series of Saint Lucian folk tales by the author. Takes the reader on a magical ride through an enchanted island.
Marco’s Travels: Sa ka fet, Saint Lucia! (3rd edition)
by Jason Louis
ISBN-13: 978-0990326779
40 pages, January 20, 2018
Reading age : 4 – 10 years. Grade level : Kindergarten – 5
Marco embarks on another of his epic adventures, this time, traveling to Saint Lucia to visit his friend Trevor, who takes him on a stimulating journey around the island where he experiences the Saint Lucian culture, attractions and hospitality.
Mask Up!
by Alice Loreen Medard
12 pages, January 28, 2021
Reading age: 2 – 9 years
Grade level: Preschool – 6
Amani did not understand why he had to wear a mask. He had thought of many reasons to not keep his mask on his face. However, he would soon learn how important it was for him to wear a mask.
Tiki Tok: Growing up in Saint Lucia
by Loverly Sheridan
Illustrator: Jonathan Guy Gladding
ISBN-13 : 978-1479233571
40 pages, CreateSpace Independent Publishing October 2, 2012
Combines the use of captivating rhymes, with wonderful images to tell the story of a mother reminiscing on her childhood days growing up in St. Lucia, a place that imbued her with strong values and a great sense of identity. A fun and easy to read book for children of all ages.
My Heart is Not A Fridge
by Judelia Noela Lyn Medard-Santiesteban
Illustrator: Mitchel Wilson
ISBN-13 : 978-9769614628
54 pages, July 19, 2019
My Heart is NOT a Fridge’ is about a little girl who has been sexually molested and threatened into silence by her stepfather. This narrative poem will take the reader through the reality of the pain of sexual abuse and then the victory which comes with telling somebody. ‘My Heart is not a Fridge’ is a useful tool that can impress on the hearts of young people of any age, what is not acceptable and the importance of reporting anything that they do not feel comfortable with. The illustrations in this book make it easily understandable for children without taking away the powerful impact of its message for older children.
NO SIR!
by Judelia Medard-Santiesteban
Illustrator: Mitchel Wilson
ISBN-13 : 978-9769614611
695908
40 pages, December 9, 2020
Reading age: 9-12 years;
The boys at Safe Haven Elementary School have always admired ‘Sir’ who is their Principal and Choir Director. They are excited about learning. They are also excited about Sir’s offer of piano lessons. The flier says that these lessons are free, but one boy will soon realize that Sir wants him to pay an awfully high price and it’s a secret.
Enticing Short Stories
by Gyanchand Rayman
191 pages, WritersInk Publications
March 4, 2016
Reading age: 16 – 18 years; Grade level: 10 – 12
An anthology of 20 stories set variously in Guyana, Saint Lucia, Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago. The stories cover such themes as adventure, mystery, humor, romance, and tragedy.
Soucoyan
by Alwyn St Omer
102 pages, June 13, 2020
A graphic tale depicting St. Lucian folklore
Soucoyan, a graphic tale, by Alwyn St. Omer, depicting St. Lucian folklore, takes an inward look at our origins – at the source of our fables – to distill their old alchemy in a new genre, infusing it with a freshness of time and place. The characters from these fables hounded our childhood, at some stage or other with a fear that always seemed to crystallize on full moon nights, but by some unimaginable twist remaining always in the shadows.
The Reunion: The Adventures of Froggy-T and Bunnie ~ A Hip Hop Tale
by Dr. Kathleen E. Walls
Illustrator: Akeem Samuel
30 pages, Planter’s Knowledge LLC
February 20, 2021
Froggy-T is missing his best friend Bunnie, and it feels like forever since they have seen each other! He then remembers how to get her attention. As the story unfolds, we see the power and importance of friendship, inner strength, faith, determination, perseverance, and music.