Grenada's intimate relationship with an extended family connection is put onto the map of the literary landscape by Grenadian creators, in the new children’s book 'A Grand Place'
Written by Leighan Renaud and illustrated by Elizabeth Lander this short story picture book, set on the island of Grenada, is a story of a young West Indian girl on a grand adventure. The reader is taken on a journey through rhyming words and vivid pictures, as the central character encounters old and new experiences, in the search for a beloved member of the book's cast. There are elements of mystery within it too, that keep the reader turning pages, in order to find out what or who, the young protagonist will encounter before reaching the goal.
The story embraces the captivating call to exploration found in youth. It enforces the importance of familial ties on a small island that nurtures the building of bonds through the treasured traditions of village play and family visitations.
The author's smooth, rhythmic, use of language is poised to capture the book’s target audience of ages 0-7. All while the illustrations, filled with lush curtains of pastoral grandeur, simultaneously work with the words to enhance the reader experience. Together, they put on display plot, character, and setting design, that are recognizable attributes of Caribbean lifestyle.
This story is buzzing with portrayals of Grenada through the use of its location, stylized in watercolor. The audience has to look forward to, on the page as they peruse the book: moments of unsullied landscapes, post-colonial architecture, familiar seasides, and even vendor populated marketplaces, filled with local fruit stands. This vibrant acknowledgment of people and place, birthed by Grenadian’s creatives, works to engage the eyes and mind of any curious reader at home or abroad.
It is literature that depicts West Indian life in its authenticity and is an opportunity for diverse young readers to see themselves depicted on the page, from a non-Eurocentric perspective. A fact that remains extremely valuable in a world market where the shelves are, more often than not, populated by much the opposite.
A Grand Place is, without a doubt, a fervent read for any literature enthusiast, yearning for a story of island life and the escapades bound to ensue. Filled with vibrant Caribbean colours on every page, it makes itself a pocketable presentation of elements of Grenadian culture. It is an enamoring tale of how big the world can be to a young person, no matter the size of their geographical location. The author manages by the story’s end to balance that longing to keep family close with the wonder of a world yet discovered.
-------
Auntie of many that I am, I'm so excited about this new jem to add to the libraries of the young ones that I care about. Not to mention the beautiful teaching tool this will be!
If you are thinking about purchasing this gorgeous book you can pre-order A Grand Place here.Get a head start if you're already thinking about want to gift this beauty this holiday season, as we face this pending world wide shortage of goods. Capitalize on the link above! Pre-orders to a great job of telling publishers that there is an interest in the author's work so if you want to make the weight of your dollar count? Clickity click!
Peace. Love. Literature.
