Chronicles of Coryn Children’s Book Festival Debuts in Saint Kitts: A Celebration of Caribbean People and Their Stories
On Sunday, September 21, history was made as the Chronicles of Coryn Children’s Book Festival unfolded for the very first time in Saint Kitts, bringing together children, families, educators, and book lovers in a vibrant celebration of Caribbean stories and storytellers.
The festival, which is the brainchild of young author Coryn Anaya Clarke, was held under the fitting theme “Stories by Us, For Us” – a bold declaration of the importance of representation in literature and the preservation of Caribbean identity through books.
The festival highlighted the power of stories to connect, inspire, and empower children. Attendees were treated to captivating readings, interactive sessions, and cultural showcases that blended literature with the rhythms, colours, and traditions of the region.
Among the things that set this festival apart were, the fact that it was created by a child for children and it’s focus on and celebration of Caribbean narratives. Each of the books read underscored the richness of regional voices and the need for children to see themselves reflected in the stories they read. The event made clear that books are not just educational tools, but bridges to cultural pride and imagination.
Two celebrated Caribbean authors graced the festival stage as featured guests, further validation of the scope and impact of this literary extravaganza.
Alyssa Bierzynski (Grenada), author of Good Boy Milo, maximised the use of her time in Saint Kitts, doing readings at several schools across the island prior and subsequent to Coryn’s book festival.
“Being in Saint Kitts for the Chronicles of Coryn Children’s Book Festival was an incredible experience. I am honoured to have been able to share my stories at the school visits and the festival and be so well-received! I appreciate everyone who made this important children’s experience possible.”
Her sentiments were echoed by internationally acclaimed, award-winning author, Yolanda T. Marshall. She brought her infectious energy and passion for Caribbean story telling all the way from Canada, encouraging young readers to embrace their heritage proudly and reminded parents of the importance of nurturing a reading culture at home.
Their presence provided inspiration not just for the children, but also for aspiring writers, teachers, and parents in attendance.
Attorney General Garth Wilkin was among the featured readers at the festival, captivating the audience with an engaging excerpt from Coryn’s most recent release, Chronicles of Coryn: Let’s Talk About Friendship. In his remarks, he commended the young author for her dedication to literacy and praised her ongoing advocacy to inspire children across the region to embrace the joy of reading.
Minister Konris Maynard was also among the featured readers. He brought energy and warmth to the stage as he read from Chronicles of Coryn: Adventures in Saint Kitts and Nevis, a story that celebrates the nation’s culture and heritage through the eyes of its young heroine.
The Chronicles of Coryn Festival was both a unifier and a disrupter. It brought people of all ages together around the joy of storytelling and shattered the myth that reading is boring by proving it can be lively, engaging, and fun. Parents praised the initiative for creating a space where Caribbean children could encounter books centered around their lived experiences, traditions, and values. Teachers and community leaders applauded the festival’s role in sparking curiosity and nurturing future generations of storytellers.
The event also fostered meaningful cross-cultural exchange among authors, publishers, and readers, affirming the Caribbean’s place on the global literary stage.
As Title Sponsor, First Federal Co-operative Credit Union played a pivotal role in making the Chronicles of Coryn Children’s Book Festival a reality. Executive Leader, Member Services, Sonja Fyfield-Hazel, emphasized the importance of supporting initiatives that nurture the next generation: “At First Federal, we firmly believe that investing in our children is investing in the future of our nation. This festival aligns perfectly with our mandate to empower youth by helping them develop strong habits, a love for learning, and the confidence to pursue their dreams. We were proud to say YES to Coryn’s vision and to stand with her in creating a space where children can see themselves reflected in stories, culture, and creativity.”
This year, the Jonesy’s Literacy Hero Award, which pays tribute to Coryn’s great-grandmother, the late Juanita Jones, was presented to four individuals for their contribution to promoting literacy among children. The awardees are: Sarah Owens, the proprietress of Bougainvillea Books and Gifts, Tameika Fletcher-Birmingham, jewelry designer, entrepreneur and the power behind the ever popular AYA brand, and guest authors Yolanda Marshall and Alyssa Bierzynski.
The success of this inaugural staging suggests that the Chronicles of Coryn Children’s Book Festival will become an annual fixture on the Saint Kitts and Nevis cultural calendar. It has laid a foundation for young readers to discover the magic of books while anchoring themselves firmly in the stories of their people.
As one attendee remarked, “This festival reminded us that when Caribbean children open a book, they should not only discover faraway worlds, but also find themselves.”
Commenting on the success of this inaugural staging in Saint Kitts, Coryn said: “I’m really happy people came and enjoyed it. It will only get bigger and better, and I hope even more children were inspired to read more and maybe even to become authors. I would really like to host one of those workshop things so we can show them how to create their own books and we could feature their books at the Chronicles of Coryn Book Festival next year. Fingers crossed hoping we are able to do that. I enjoyed the school visits and I really enjoyed showing or guests bits and pieces of Saint Kitts and Nevis. This year was GREAT, and next year will be even GREATER. I hope everyone comes again!”
No need to worry about people attending, Coryn! The reviews are in, and according to those who attended, the Chronicles of Coryn Children’s Book Festival was an inspiring, well-organized, and culturally affirming event. It successfully blended education with entertainment, rooted in a celebration of Caribbean identity. Featuring powerhouse guest authors Alyssa Bierzynski and Yolanda T. Marshall, the festival set a high standard for future editions and gave Saint Kitts a new cultural gem that promises to grow in reach and impact.
