Caribbean Storytime with Yolanda Marshall

Miles is 5 years old now, and will share his reading journey with us.

Julie Thompson has worked with children and youth for over 25 years. After experiencing a change in her family's life Julie turned to literature to help support her youngest through this challenging time. Unable to find a book that addressed her son's concern, Julie decided to write the book herself. Timeless Love is the first book of a series Julie plans on creating in hopes of addressing many of the everyday, and some of the larger, issues marginalized and racialized individuals experience. She lives in Toronto, Canada with her children. Purchase "Timeless Love" on Amazon.ca

Juleus Ghunta is a Chevening Scholar, children's writer, and an advocate in Jamaica's adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) movement. He holds an MA in Peace Studies from the University of Bradford, UK, and a BA in Media from UWI, Mona. His poems and essays on ACEs have appeared in 30 journals across 15 countries. In 2020, he received a CATAPULT Caribbean Creative Online grant to further his work on ACEs. He was awarded the Catherine James Poetry Prize by Interviewing the Caribbean (IC) in 2017, and was shortlisted for the Small Axe Poetry Prize in 2015 and 2016. His picture book Tata and the Big Bad Bull was published by CaribbeanReads (CR) in May 2018 and launched in June 2018 at Bradford Literature Festival, UK. His second book, Rohan Bullkin and the Shadows is forthcoming from CR. He is the co-editor of the December 2019 and March 2020 issues of IC Journal (UWI Press), which are focused on Caribbean children's and young adult literature.

Eleanor is Canadian, born in Guyana, South America with West African ancestry. She is keenly interested in her cultural and historical heritage, in young women's empowerment and in Black women's health. Eleanor lives in Toronto with her husband. The Wisdom of Rain is her first novel. The Wisdom of Rain is a sweeping tale of tragedy, loss, and inhumanity, but it is also a story of courage, love, and spirituality. It shows how these qualities can transcend and defeat servitude and suffering in the most trying circumstances. It is a novel that treasures and restores the past, breathing life into a forgotten time and place and revealing its hidden pathways to the present.

Miles just turned 5 and will be reading for us!

Now that Miles is 4 years old, he will be reading for us!

Welcome to Season to of Caribbean Storytime! Happy 2020. Miles is now 4 years old and an early reader. This is his bedtime story read to his Grandpa!

“Sweet Sorrel Stand” by Yolanda T. Marshall. In this children's book, 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.

“Breakfast in the Bathtub” written by Frieda Wishinsky

Janiece McIntosh is the mother of four and CEO of Fabu Phit, which offers clients a space to heal, recover, rebuild and increase vitality, focus and energy through training, programs, workshops and retreats. They provide health, wellness and fitness programs that focus on mental wellness and healing. Fabu Phit’s exclusive tailored programming provides women with the luxury of a personal Holistic Health & Fitness Wellness Spas. FABU PHIT can be done 1 of 4 ways for your convenience (personal training in your home, via Skype, through Internet subscription to our website and in studio) with flexible, book your own session(s), extended hours for Internet and Skype sessions Website:- https://fabuphit.ca Location:  416 Willowdale Ave, Toronto.  Operating Hours Monday – Friday 10 am – 3 pm & Sundays 11 am – 2 pm. Upcoming Book Signing event - Meet the Author at Chapters Indigo in Ajax. 3175 HWY 7, Markham, ON, L3R 0T9, 12pm - 6pm About the book:- "The Untold Story of a Drug Dealer’s Baby Mother" written by Shiloh Justice (Janiece McIntosh). Set in the underbelly of Torontonian society is an underground ecosystem that parallels mainstream culture, The Untold Story of a Drug Dealer's Baby Mother follows the lives of Maya and her drug dealing baby father, Quinton (aka Q). As the two of them face challenges that stem from generational parental abandonment, drug use, domestic violence and infidelity they try to forge a life for themselves that they both are proud of.  Purchase on Amazon:- https://www.amazon.ca/Untold-Story-Drug-Dealers-Mother-ebook/dp/B076Y7TGTM More on the book:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QViEG2OTIo8 Facebook:- https://www.facebook.com/shilohsjustice/ Instagram: @fabuphit

Website: https://www.marjuancanady.com/about Purchase books: https://www.marjuancanady.com/shop Kennedy Venter performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5Wmv8F4J-E&t=1364s Facebook: - https://www.facebook.com/CallalooKidsOfficial/ @canadyfoundationarts @artistpreneurpodcast @callalookidsofficial About the Author: " Marjuan Canady, a native Washingtonian with Trinidadian/African-American roots, is an award winning entrepeneur, writer, performer, director, educator and producer for both film and the stage. Canady’s work has been highlighted in international publications, such as The Washington Post, The Trinidad Guardian, Blavity, LA Times, Black Enterprise, Huffington Post, Madame Noire and Vice-ID. She has worked with notable institutions such as Kennedy Center, Sesame Street, The Smithsonian Institute, The Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, The Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute, the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy, Georgetown University, Catholic University of America, The Moscow Art Theater School and the Negro Ensemble Company. Canady is the founder and CEO of her multimedia production company, Sepia Works. She is the CEO / Author / Co-Creator of the children’s media brand, Callaloo. Originally conceived as a theatrical play, Marjuan has led her team in building Callaloo into a global brand consisting of books, puppet shows, digital content, animation, arts education programming and merchandise. Canady’s first children’s book, “Callaloo: A Jazz Folktale” was self-published in 2013 in which she received the First Time Author’s Award from the National Library of Trinidad and Tobago. Canady’s other children’s books include, “The Legend of the Golden Coqui”, “Did You Know Coloring Book”, “La Leyenda del Coqui Dorado” and “The Trickster and the Magic Quilt.“ An accomplished playwright and stage performer, her one-woman play, ”Girls! Girls? Girls.” has been featured Off-Broadway and at international festivals and theaters. Her play, “Callaloo: A Jazz Folktale “was a selected play at the 2013 Lincoln Center for Performing Arts Director’s Lab. Ms. Canady has held fellowships at the Matteo Ricci Society, The Schomburg Center for Black Research and Culture and the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute. Past grants and awards include, DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, Harlem Stage, Eileen Fisher Community Grant, Beacon DC Women’s Grant, Caribbeana Diversity Media Award and the DC TIVAA Award. Her diverse acting work includes plays, films, television, commercials and voice overs. Canady recently starred and co-produced the short film “The Resort “ shot in Trinidad and Tobago which had a successful international film festival run and currently streams on Issa Rae’s Youtube Channel. Currently she is directing her first short-documentary, “Girls! Girls? Girls. ” set to release in 2019. In 2015, Canady established the Canady Foundation for the Arts , a 501c3 non-profit that serves youth of color and vulnerable populations. Please

Baby Charlotte wants to go out on the town with Mummy, but first, she has to do her hair! Website: https://www.charlotteandthetwopuffs.com/ "Representation matters so much for our children, and having a book where my child could see someone that looked like her was the icing on the cake. I hope you love "Charlotte and the Two Puffs" as much as I do, Happy Reading!" - Rachel Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Charlotte-Two-Puffs-Rachel-Thwaites-Williams/dp/1981304002 (Author) - Rachel Thwaites-Williams  (Illustrator) - Rahana Dariah 

“Teaching Skip” by Robert Lee

Grover’s First Day at School by Sesame Street.

New Year traditions!

Merry Christmas from Caribbean Storytime! Enjoy a variety of stories about Christmas in a Caribbean home. Our Christmas traditions, experiences and favourite things!

Nneka Edwards is a Trini-Canadian poet who was born in Canada and who grew up in Trinidad and Tobago. She is a prolific writer and gifted poet who makes poetry fun to read and easy to appreciate. You can learn more about her on her website: www.nnekaedwards.com Poem: Sweet Parang Book: T&T in Poetry: A Rainbow Collection Theme: celebrating the ethnic diversity of Trinidad and Tobago in poetry, photography, and (eventually) music Where: Amazon Voices: Lyana and Rellon Brown (husband and wife)  Book: A Poetry Calendar - Trinbago Theme: looking at what happens in T&T over the course of a year ... Carnival ... kites etc. Content: poems and fun facts about each topic Language: English and Spanish Illustrations: beautiful paper-collage pieces Cover: hard cover Poem (November): Parang Poem (December): Christmas Vacation Voice: Nneka Edwards Where: on Amazon

Femi and her friends planned to leave a few traditional Caribbean treats out for Santa, including Black Cake. The Kids shared warm wishes for their favourite dishes, while enjoying winter activities at the Christmas fair. www.ytmarshall.com

Man-Pride Poetry is an afrocentric empowerment book for Black men. It is divided into two parts but is really one complete collection. Part 1 - Mocha Mosaic - is a largely feel-good book that celebrates Black identity and many of the admirable traits typically associated with Black identity. "Man-Pride Poetry: The Strength & Power of Black - Mocha Mosaic" written by Nneka Edwards, was recently released on November 15th 2018. Available on Amazon:- http://a.co/d/1ObcN1n Author's website:- http://www.nnekaedwards.com A complimentary read - http://a.co/d/18ZDfzw "I-Love-Me Poetry: The Beauty of Black" by Nneka Edwards

Jennylynd James is an author of memoirs, a fine artist doing work in oil and acrylic, a soprano, and a food scientist. She has even designed a line of hats and button and wire jewellery. Never one to limit her passions, she has found tremendous success in all areas of her artistry. Learn more about Jennylynd’s journey and her craft. Contact her for any custom requests and additional information. Jennylynd James’ experiences with love, family and travel have inspired publication of a series of memoirs. Experience the world in Jennylynd James’ provocative travel memoirs. Eat your way around Latin America; see Ireland through a new immigrant’s eyes; learn the ropes of settling in Toronto, Canada; party at the Trinidad & Tobago Carnival; and check out a California newcomer’s tales in Red Car Long Legs. Additionally, Jennylynd has published several inspirational booklets and art books containing collections of her art work. Website:- http://jennylyndjames.com/ Books:- http://jennylyndjames.com/books/ Facebook:- https://www.facebook.com/JennylyndJamesWriter/ Visit Amazon to buy your copies!

Obayifo written by Yolanda T. Marshall http://www.ytmarshall.com/single-post/2005/05/08/OBAYIFO Book:- "Obayifo; A Poetic Journey into the Mind of Miss Marshall" http://a.co/d/20S7F2M

“For you are a Kenyan Child” by Kelly Cunnane is one of Miles’s favourite books- after all he is a Kenyan Child. “Imagine you live in a small Kenyan village, where the sun rises over tall trees filled with doves. You wake to the sound of a rooster's crow, instead of an alarm clock and the school bus. Your afternoon snack is a tasty bug plucked from the sky, instead of an apple. And rather than kicking a soccer ball across a field, you kick a homemade ball of rags down a dusty road. But despite this, things aren't that different for a Kenyan child than they would be for an American kid, are they? With so much going on around you, it's just as easy to forget what your mama asked you to do!”

"Love You Forever" written by Robert Munsch Illustrated by Sheila McGraw

Valrie Kemp-Davis is the author of the culturally conscious literature that celebrates both Children and Chidults of the Diaspora. Val, as she is affectionately called is a native of Tampa, Florida. She attended Warner Southern University earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. She double-majored in Communications and English with a minor in Psychology. Her graduate studies were in Criminal Justice Administration where she attended the illustrious historically black college, Clark Atlanta University. Her lawenforcement career spans thirty years employment respectively with Georgia and Illinois Department of Corrections. Though many consider her employment, “Babylon dat,” she has notably brought joy, wisdom, love and ministry to her clients and their families. She always purposed to encourage those branded as “offenders” to take their rightful positions as the cornerstone within society! She is the international liaison for the National Kingdor Parkinson Foundation since 2010. National Kingdom Parkinson Foundation is the only Caribbean Parkinson chapter in the world. Its headquarters is based in Nassau Bahamas. Val is also a Life Member and Silver Star of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and has held several offices within her local chapter. Val is the mother of two Jamerican daughters and an aunt to a Jamerican niece and nephew. Her love of children has also led her to become a surrogate mother to several children in the East Chicago community who “chose her” and her home as a safe source of refuge. All who have lived in her home, and have left are working towards attaining their goals in life. Website: https://www.carradicecollection.com/ A glimpse into the power of the "One Love Project" - https://youtu.be/hqOLjbpQ4BI

MaroonBlack is an action packed story that everyone can relate to. It is set in present day Jamaica but centres around a fictional group called the MaroonBlack who fights against Duppy, and other supernatural entities from Jamaican folklore. New posts for Maroonblack on the 28th of each month at http://maroonblack.net/index.html Growing up in Jamaica Henry and Racquel loved comics but found it hard to get them as there were no comic book stores. Whenever they were able to get a hold of a comic, the setting was always in other countries and they yearned for something more familiar. Illustrated by Henry Grandison Written by Racquel Reid-Grandison Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/grandisoncomics/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/grandisoncomics/

A Writer (and poet/composer/singer & tutor) since 1979, of all genres: Poetry, songs, fiction and no-fiction, children, teens, adults, couples, comedy monologues, screenplays, TV series, movies, skits, ads, jingles, articles for newspapers, blogs, magazines, romance for every type of adult. Also tutor English Language & Creative writing to anyone ages 10-60 years old... Also Known as Veronica Adele Rogers, she reigns from Trinidad and Tobago. She is a registered Teacher with the Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Education and Writer/Composer and performer member of The Copyright Organization of Trinidad and Tobago (COTT). Founding President of We Write Writers' Bureau - Contact wewritewritersbureau@gmail.com Website: https://nowugetit.wordpress.com/about/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN0elZ_lO0b6xwWl_XdpTSw

"Yakety Yak just cannot stop talking, and so he often does not listen. His non-stop monologue is full of long-winded, never-get-to-the-point yakking. Sweet Pickles is a series of 40 classic children's books based on 26 animal characters living in the town of Sweet Pickles."

Is the sky really falling? Henny Penny seems to think so. But will she and her friends get to tell the king before Foxy Loxy can outsmart them? Originally published in 1950. Written by Paul Galdone

Daniel O’Brien is a Trinidadian-born illustrator currently residing in Queens, New York with Obie, his loyal and energetic dog. He holds a BFA in Illustration from The School of Visual Arts. The Carnival Prince is available At Amazon.com and will be released for kindle on October 7th! Just in time for Miami Carnival! Buy it here! https://www.amazon.com/Carnival-Prince-When-Robber-Calls/dp/1977679374 As a bonus offer. For every proof of purchase of the ebook you get a link to stream the Motion Illustration version of the book! Complete with amazing Trinidad voice actors. The Author also running a cross promotion with Trini Box! A box subscription service that sends you a little essence for Trinidad every month. October's theme is FOLKLORE. So for course The Carnival Prince and TriniBox are a match made in heaven. http://www.thebasementmonster.com/

What Makes You Giggle Miles is a book by Me Story, starring your child! www.putmeinthestory.com

In a CRACKITY-SNAPPITY-POPPITY-POP bubblegum dream, a young girl learns to scat from the master himself, Louis Armstrong! Written by Muriel Harris Weinstein

St. Kitts-Nevis born Carol Mitchell loves books and she loves kids. Writing children’s books has given her the ability to combine both of these passions. She enjoys entertaining children and positively impacting their lives. She also finds that writing for children is just plain fun and gives her an excuse to think like a child once more. Carol is also the founder of CaribbeanReads Publishing, which focuses on publishing books by authors of the Caribbean. Website: http://www.caribbeanreads.com/ Author's Blog: http://carolmitchellbooks.com/ Books: http://carolmitchellbooks.com/books/ Youtube Chee Chee's story video: https://youtu.be/XBLa-_tzuek Purchase Book: Amazon"- https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/entity/author/B006044RD6 Visit Barnes and Noble and A Different Booklist website.

Nneka Edwards is a Canadian-born, Caribbean-bred creative writer. Nneka grew up in The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, but later attended university in Canada, Taiwan and South Korea. This talented Author also spent one year in Japan teaching English with the JET (Japan Exchange Teaching) Programme. More About Nneka Edwards and her books:- Website:- http://www.nnekaedwards.com/ Books: -http://www.nnekaedwards.com/category/books/ Instagram: nneka.edwards YouTube: Nneka Edwards Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClVNNgYIcNFFvumw50WyM8g Twitter 1: @joiedelens Twitter 2: colibripennneka (for Caribbean poetry) Facebook: Nneka Edwards Artist Facebook: Caribbean Art for Kids

Yolanda T. Marshall is a Guyanese-born, Canadian Author. A world traveler, a jazz lover and a devoted Mother, she embodies Art and takes her readers on adventurous, cultured journeys. Visit www.YTMarshall.com

This was Keman's first experience of Toronto's annual Caribbean Carnival. The excited 8 year old and his Mother enjoyed the rituals at the Caribbean celebration, such as picking a flag to wave, the Caribbean influenced foods, dancing, costumes and music. Keman is a young, Black Canadian child with Caribbean roots.

My goal is to introduce you to Caribbean children’s books written by myself and other Caribbean literature Authors. Tune in for Storytime and various discussions about our beautiful culture!