From Jingle Bells to Steel Drums: Celebrate The Holidays With These Caribbean Christmas Stories
We’re two days into the last month of 2023. If you’re like me, there are still a number of people you have to purchase presents for. If children are among the people you have to shop for, why not consider giving the gift of literary magic?
From jingle bells to steel drums, help your little ones celebrate this Christmas with any of these books by Caribbean authors that stay true to the theme of the yuletide season.
Christmas Elves Being Themselves, Yolanda T. Marshall
A Christmas story about elves being their unique and merriest selves. These elves ‘ confidence will encourage little readers to celebrate our differences. A curious elf prefers to learn about how families celebrate Christmas worldwide. The busy elf decides to enjoy a beach vacation, while an adventurous elf takes a jolly ride down the chimney. One elf likes veggies more than cookies. Santa loves them all the same, even when they play naughty pranks.
An Island Christmas- Lynn Joseph
As Christmas approaches, Rosie helps her mother and Tantie prepare black-currant cake, sorrel drink, and soursoup ice cream; finishes making her gifts for everyone; and decorates the tree.
A Piece Of Black Cake For Santa- Yolanda T. Marshall
Femi and her friends plan to leave traditional Caribbean treats out for Santa, including Black Cake. The children share warm wishes for their favourite dishes while enjoying winter activities at the Christmas fair. This book includes a Black Cake recipe for all to enjoy! Get it here.
Caribbean 12 Days Of Christmas
Caribbean Twelve Days of Christmas is a unique picture book for small children who are learning to count. It is an island portrayal on the age old classic Christmas story. Caribbean people, flowers, and wildlife highlight the twelve days with original watercolors, drawings, and collages that illustrate the many forms of art work taught in the schools of the islands. Collage is a typical Caribbean art form and it is shown through a fancy iguana, dancing ladies, the old wife trigger fish and jumping mongoose. Moko jumbies, yellow warblers, bananaquits, four eyed butterfly fish, hummingbirds, hibiscus and flamingos are examples of island watercolors. Then there is the endangered hawksbill turtle completing the twelve days through pencil drawing. Get it here.
Sweet Sorrel Stand- Yolanda T. Marshall
Rose and Nicolas loved their favourite Caribbean sorrel drink so much, the siblings decided to create a sorrel stand with the assistance of their parents. Their Sweet Sorrel Stand was a success in the neighbourhood. The main ingredient of the drink is the Roselle plant (Sorrel), a species of hibiscus which is native to West Africa. The red flower buds are boiled, strained, sweetened with sugar, with a touch of ginger, cinnamon, orange peel and cloves. Once cooled for a couple of hours or overnight, it is served with ice. It is known to be very rich in antioxidants. Traditionally, this drink is served during Christmas holidays. On a hot summer day, it is a refreshing alternative to lemonade.
