Caribbean Picture Book Recommendations

Welcome Back, Booklovers! As a Caribbean-American child I didn't see a lot of books for children like me on the shelves. We didn't have access to the books the children in the islands and there wasn't a big push in US Publishing either. But in the past couple of years I've been seeing a little bit more and It makes me because I share them with my nieces and godchildren. Special shout out to the indies out here doing it big! So here is my list of recommended picture books by authors from the Caribbean and Diaspora.

                                                Under the Mango Tree (St. Vincent)

Under a full mango tree, they play, dream, and plan for a future spent together, always. However, life can change quickly, and the girls must face the challenge of separation when Vee moves away.

Join Vee and Sanaa as they learn how powerful friendship can be and how far it can reach.

The Ocean Lives There (Haiti)

Imane is a curious young girl with a big question. What is behind the magic door inside her house? Her sister Caroline says it’s a door that goes everywhere and nowhere. Sometimes it’s red. Sometimes it’s blue, and it smells like coffee beans and the ocean. Imane can only imagine what’s on the other side: a beautiful Caribbean Island full of magic, music, and fun. But Momma keeps the door locked tight, and no one is allowed to open it!

The Legend of the Spirit Serpent (Dominica)

This modern retelling of a traditional Kalinago legend from the Caribbean island of Dominica recounts the story of a huge serpent who once guarded the indigenous.

To Carnival!: A Celebration in Saint Lucia (St. Lucia)

The sights, sounds and tastes of vibrant Saint Lucia come to life in this cumulative tale of a girl’s journey to Carnival. When a series of unexpected delays disrupts her journey to the big parade, Melba must adjust both her expectations and her route to the festivities. Who will she meet and what will she learn along the way?

Plátanos Go with Everything (Dominican Republic)

Plátanos are Yesenia’s favorite food. They can be sweet and sugary, or salty and savory. And they’re a part of almost every meal her Dominican family makes. 

Stop by her apartment and find out why plátanos go with everything—especially love!

Taíno Tales: The Legend of Coquí (Puerto Rico)

It's been said...

The son of a Taíno chief would fish late at night and while he did, he'd sing a special song to Caguana, the spirit of love. The goddess grew fond of him and his daily visits brought her great joy...but everything changed when Juracán, an evil spirit, grew jealous of the pair. And so begins the Taíno legend of how the coquí frog came to be.

A Grand Place (Grenada)

While Zora waits for Grandma to return, she explores what it means to have a home away from home. This nostalgic love letter to Grenada is a joyful celebration of Caribbean culture and all the forms it has taken over generations. Join Zora on her journey through this heart-warming tale of love, family and home.

The Carnival Prince (Trinidad and Tobago)

It's Carnival season in Trinidad and Tobago! Come join the stubby antlered boy as he explores and frolics and befriends animals and mythical creatures alike. Young readers will be taken on a magical adventure to save Carnival season for everyone!

Granny's Kitchen (Jamaica)

Shelly-Ann lives with her Granny on the beautiful island of Jamaica. When Shelly-Ann becomes hungry, she asks her Granny for something to eat. Granny tells her “Gyal, you betta can cook!” and teaches Shelly-Ann how to get in touch with her Jamaican roots through the process of cooking.

The Masquerade Dance( St. Kitts and Nevis)

Would you like to dance to the drum drum drum of the masquerades? 

Well, it is carnival time in St. Kitts-Nevis’ carnival and Saulo is excited to see the masquerades perform and dance, and to hear their music. He dreams of dancing the masquerade one day but when the masquerades get too close for comfort, Saulo isn’t sure he is ready for his big debut.