As most of you may (or should) already know, June is #ReadCaribbean month. We’re joining in the celebrations by introducing you to some of our favourite authors from across the region and their work. First up, is children’s book author Alyssa Bierzynski. Born and raised in Grenada, this dynamic storyteller writes stories inspired by the people and places around her. Keep reading to learn a bit about Alyssa’s journey as an author.

What inspired you to become a children’s book author, and how does your Grenadian heritage influence your work?

ALYSSA: As a child, my answer to “what do you want to be when you grow up?” was always author. I didn’t know what kind of author I wanted to be; I just knew that I wanted to share my stories with everyone. The journey to children’s book author started in 2017 when I was accepted into an incubator program run by Grenada Schools Inc. and Room to Read to publish culturally relevant picture books for Grenadian children. Following that intensive workshop, my first picture book Carla Dances Soca was published and placed in all primary schools throughout Grenada. My Grenadian heritage influences my work because that’s ultimately where I draw my inspiration from – the people and places around me. I want to create work that is familiar to Grenadian children, evokes nostalgia for Grenadian adults, and introduces Grenada to the wider world.

Could you share some insight into the themes and messages you aim to convey through your books?

ALYSSA: To be honest, I don’t write with an implicit theme or message in mind. My main goal is to spark a love of reading, words and expression. I don’t want it to be so obvious what the “moral of the story” is; I prefer that it prompts discussion. Though if I have to name them, the messages I hope readers take away are ones of determination, friendship and kindness.

In your opinion how important is representation in children’s literature?

ALYSSA: SO IMPORTANT! As a former university lecturer, I realized that a lot of my students explained that they did not like reading growing up because they weren’t able to relate to the stories. That’s why representation is so important. Yes, literature provides us with windows to the world, but it should also offer us some mirrors so that we can see ourselves.

How do you approach cultural representation and diversity in your stories, particularly considering the unique cultural background of Grenada?

ALYSSA: I don’t want to just use my own experience growing up or rely solely on what I see around me. So I ask a lot of questions 😀

What’s your favourite childhood read?

ALYSSA: Oh my gosh. There’s no way to pick just one. Enid Blyton was my absolute favourite author, and I read my way through all of her series, multiple times. The Secret World of Og was always a favourite. And the Nutmeg Princess, of course.

Top three books you think every Caribbean child should read?

ALYSSA: Just three???

The Nutmeg Princess

When Life Gives You Mangoes (middle grade)

Good Boy Milo 😉

Three books (young adult/adult) by Caribbean authors you enjoyed and would

recommend as must-reads?

ALYSSA: How am I supposed to just choose three??? Ok, these are the first three to come too mind:

Daylight Come by Diana McCauley

Pleasantview by Celeste Mohammed

White Spice by David Ambrose

Can you tell us about any traditional Grenadian folktales or stories that have inspired your writing?

ALYSSA: Anansi and his antics for sure.

What challenges have you faced in the publishing industry as a children’s book author from Grenada, and how have you overcome them?

ALYSSA: I chose to self-publish Good Boy Milo and do it outside of a publishing platform like Amazon or Ingram Spark. So I had to figure everything out myself like getting my ISBN and fulfilling online orders. My promotional budget is small, but I’m

doing what I can.

How do you balance entertainment and education in your children’s books, ensuring they are both enjoyable and informative?

ALYSSA: Honestly, my main objective is entertainment. We can learn so much through play, so education is a positive side effect. I never want to feel pressured that I must teach a lesson through my work that the writing becomes dull and boring.

What role do you believe children’s literature plays in promoting empathy, understanding, and cultural awareness among young readers?

ALYSSA: A big one! As I mentioned earlier, books are our windows to the world and also mirrors for us to see ourselves, and even without doing so explicitly, we can expose our young readers to kindness and friendship and introduce cultural differences through our stories.

Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that you’re excited about, particularly ones that highlight Grenadian culture?

ALYSSA: Milo is going on another adventure!

How do you engage with your young readers and their families?

ALYSSA: I do a lot of readings at schools. I love a good story time and the questions that follow. Since we only have a few bookstores, I joined the Grenada Published Authors Inc. at pop-up sales. I love signing books.

What’s the highlight of your career as an author? 

ALYSSA: Getting recognized as the lady who wrote Milo.

Favourite childhood memory growing up in Grenada?

ALYSSA: Also a tough one! I’ll have to say going off-road driving with my family on Sundays and public holidays. That’s probably where I got my sense of adventure.

How do you view the role of influencers in promoting reading, especially in today’s digital age?

ALYSSA: The reading/book influencers are doing a great job. Especially when you’re in a place with limited bookstores, it’s hard to keep up with what’s current, what’s good or even get recommendations.

Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring children’s book authors, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds like Grenada?

ALYSSA: If you want to write a children’s book, start writing! And then invest in a good editor, illustrator and designer. The ease of self-publishing means that there is a lot of material out there, but properly edited, illustrated and designed work will help you stand out.