Barbados Children’s Book Showcase Inspires Young Readers and Writers

By Yolanda T. Marshall

 As an author of Barbadian and Guyanese heritage, I was honoured to return to Barbados to participate in this literary event. The inaugural event convened over 200 primary school students and their teachers from across Barbados for a day focused on literacy, creativity, and the arts. Conducted on May 8th, 2026, at Olympus Theatres Barbados, this complimentary educational event featured live, interactive presentations by Cherise Harris, Ruth Amand and me. Attendees received insights into the book creation process, including storytelling, illustration, puppetry, and performance.

The event played a significant role in encouraging very young students to perceive reading and illustrating as engaging, meaningful, and accessible pursuits. Interactions with professional writers and illustrators from the Caribbean enabled students to relate literature to their own lives and cultural backgrounds, while also illustrating the viability of creative careers for Barbadian youth. Teachers benefited by acquiring new strategies to foster literacy, imagination, and artistic expression within their classrooms.

The showcase underscored the significance of storytelling in education and demonstrated the capacity of books to stimulate curiosity, confidence, and creative thinking among young learners. Interactive components, such as puppet demonstrations by members of Operation Triple Threat, contributed to an engaging and memorable learning experience for attendees. Special thanks were extended to title sponsor Sandy Lane Charitable Trust, sponsors Brydens Stationery, AOne Supermarkets, and Gaia Barbados. There were also donations from Chefette and Olympus Theatres Barbados. Praises to the volunteers, MC Israel Mallett, photographer Dondre Trotman, tech support Ryan Harris and everyone whose contributions helped make the event a success.

The following books were featured at this showcase: –

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The Toy Plane

Written and illustrated by Cherise Harris.

“When a bird steals the toy plane that reminds Leonard of his late grandmother, he begins a magical journey to recover it and preserve his cherished memories. Leonard treasured Granny, a former pilot, and the toy plane became a special connection after her passing. Guided by a mystical egret, Leonard embarks on an unforgettable adventure that helps him learn how to hold on to memories of his grandmother without holding on to grief.”- Denene Millner Books/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, March 2026.

Cherise Harris is a Barbadian illustrator inspired by childhood memories, adventure stories, and 90s films and books. She studied in Barbados, New York, and the UK, and has worked on children’s books, theatre, puppetry, and storyboards. She currently lives in Barbados.

Shell Yeah!: A New Shell for Heywood

Written and illustrated by Ruth Amanda.

“Heywood is a hermit crab with a problem. His shell is too tight, and every shell on the beach is cracked, chipped, or just plain wrong. His friends, a blackbird, some shorebirds and a couple of mongoose with a flair for fashion, rally to help. But their solutions involve a glass bottle, a broken snorkel, a paper cup, and seaweed as an accessory. Not exactly the look Heywood is going for. Will Heywood ever find a shell that really fits? A funny, heartwarming story about patience, friendship, and discovering that the right fit is worth waiting for.”– Independently Published, April 2026.” – Ruth Amanda is an award-winning author, illustrator, and artist creating children’s stories inspired by nature and wildlife. Her debut Geckos in the Garden (2023) won a Mom’s Choice Gold Award. She divides her time between Canada and Barbados with her husband.

                                                                                                                                                    Brown Girl in the Snow

Written by me, Yolanda T. Marshall and illustrated by Marianne Ferrer.

Amina moves from the Caribbean to a snowy home and misses growing favourite foods, with no coconut trees or gardens, only ice and snow. She sings a song, then finds a library book on gardening and greenhouses offering a solution.

Greystone Kids, Sept. 16, 2025.

Marching North

Written by me, Yolanda T. Marshall and illustrated by Daria Lavrova. A special foreword by Historian of Barbadian heritage, Kathy Grant.

“When Aunty Evangelina gifts Abiola an old compass, it symbolises direction, courage, and identity. She introduces Abiola to Black Caribbean soldiers who served Canada in the First and Second World Wars, facing prejudice and hardship. Many became doctors, lawyers, teachers, and community leaders, shaping Canada’s history.” – Chalkboard Publishing, 2026.

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