Delicious flavours and festive Caribbean traditions

 By Yolanda T. Marshall

From the delicious flavours and festive traditions of Jamaica in The Twelve Days of Jamaican Christmas by Zalika Reid-Benta and Jamaican Eats by Grace Cameron, to the inspiring journey of friendship and self-worth in The Boy Called Nerdy by Eyon Payton, these stories offer something for every reader. Discover the heartwarming tale of kindness, resilience, and hidden truth in Naomi Smith’s Aunt Mazie’s Secret, set on the beautiful island of Antigua. Reflect on the timeless lessons of family, faith, and generational wisdom in Gary Hugh Henry’s Grammarisms. Whether you love food, culture, humour, inspiring life lessons, or stories that connect generations, these books invite you to celebrate Caribbean voices, discover new perspectives, and share the joy of reading!

The Twelve Days of Jamaican Christmas

Written by Zalika Reid-Benta and illustrated by Mariyah Rahman.

“A joyous celebration of Jamaican food — and of Christmas — set to the traditional song, The Twelve Days of Christmas, a debut picture book by acclaimed author Zalika Reid-Benta. On the third day of Christmas, mi granny gave to me three beef patties, two sorrel drinks and some saltfish with some ackee. And then coco breads and Champagne colas. Plantains and black cakes and breadfruits and yams — and don’t forget the rice and peas! This playful twist on the classic Christmas song builds a delicious festive feast, Jamaican style. As Granny bakes and roasts and fries, her family prepares for the season, shopping and decorating and “helping” in the kitchen, hungrily watching the dishes come together. A joyful seasonal celebration of family and food. Includes recipes for ackee and saltfish.” – Tundra Books, October, 2026.

 Jamaican Eats

By Grace Cameron.

“Goats may be snooping into your business, and you don’t even know it. And did you know that you can rent a mango tree (but there’s a catch)? This issue is packed with surprises.

Inside, you’ll find curious stories, unexpected food history and plenty of

delicious recipes…from rum-soaked fried pineapple to plantain many ways, stout punch and fried rice. This issue also serves up a few stories guaranteed to warm your heart. Read about

chef Darian Bryan’s tribute to his mother when he won Season 5 of Next Level Chef.

And meet Trinidad-born, London-based chef Brian Danclair who has been described by Conde Nast as a “brilliant chef,” And Where Are They Now? We caught up with chef Andre Fowles who has become a three-time Chopped (Food Network) champion since first appearing in Jamaican Eats in 2011 and has cooked for the likes of the Obamas. Don’t miss his cinnamon rolls with sticky coffee glaze recipe.” – Independently published, June 2026.

The Boy Called Nerdy

Written by Eyon Payton.

“In Grade 5, everything changed. Tristan’s math class got a new substitute teacher, Mr. Wedderburn, who didn’t care much about teaching. As the class descended into chaos, Tristan remained focused on his work, even as his classmates grew wilder with each passing day. And as the day of the big final exam approached, Tristan found himself in a position where his brilliance could make a difference and perhaps change everything. What will Tristan do when face with his classmates’ pleas for help? How do you think he will handle the new challenges ahead? Join Tristan on his journey as he navigates the ups and downs of school life, stands up for himself, and discovers the true meaning of friendship and self-worth.” – Word Alive Press, August 2025.

Aunt Mazie’s Secret

Written by Naomi Smith, illustrated by Dylan Smith.”

“On the beautiful Caribbean island of Antigua lived Aunt Mazie, a kind-hearted woman with a remarkable secret: she could not read. Yet, she had a wonderful gift for remembering songs by heart and always ready to lend a helping hand. Aunt Mazie’s Secret is a heartwarming story about a special woman with a secret.” – Independently published. To purchase this book, please contact Dylan Smith at dylan.smith@sympatico.ca

Grammarisms

Written by Gary Hugh Henry.

“A Life of Parables by Gary Hugh Henry is a heartfelt collection of family memories, life lessons, and spiritual wisdom passed down from his grandparents, Maud Mary Henry and Lazarus Henry. Through simple sayings and personal reflections, Gary explores the importance of family, faith, resilience, prayer, and finding purpose in life. This inspiring book reminds readers that the words and wisdom passed down through generations can guide us, encourage us, and leave a lasting legacy.” – Independently published, May 2026.

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