By Yolanda T. Marshall

The future of Carnival is in the hands of the younger generation. It is only natural that we nurture their growth within our Caribbean community and continue to educate them about Carnival. I often start my storytelling by emphasising the essence of Carnival – Emancipation. It is why we free-up ourselves on and around August 1st of every year. This is a Carnival our ancestors fought for, so it is in our hands to assist our descendants with celebrating this beautiful aspect of our culture. Last weekend, some were privileged to witness the Junior King and Queen competition at Scarborough Town Centre.

On the other hand, I was invited to read my picture books about our Canadian Caribbean Carnival at a mas camp. It was an honour to be amongst the Junior Toronto Revellers kiddies – the winners of this year’s Junior King and Queen showcase. Here are my recommended Caribana books for children by Canadian authors, including myse

C is for Carnival

Written by Yolanda T. Marshall

“D is for dance! E is for emancipation! From A to Z, this is a rhyming alphabet book that celebrates Canada’s Caribbean Carnival. This engaging and educational book features a diverse cast of children in vibrant costumes as they ‘play mas’ while dancing to Soca and Calypso music. A glossary at the end makes it easy for readers, including parents and teachers, to review what they have learned” – Chalkboard Publishing, 2021

Adria The Carnival Princess

Written by Ad’ria La Pierre, a Canadian child of Caribbean heritage who was inspired to write this book based on her own carnival experience.

“The Carnival parade day is here, and this is the first time Adria is partaking in this celebration. She is excited and a bit nervous about going on stage and showing off her fairy princess costume. Adria is in for an unforgettable adventure! Carnival is a huge celebration in the Caribbean and now worldwide. Carnival a celebration of freedom where masqueraders parade in beautiful hand-built costumes, dance to Soca/Calypso music, and eat cultural foods.” –  Independently published, 202

Molly Morningstar Carnival Girl

Written by Andrea Coke, a Canadian educator.

“Molly Morningstar is so excited to dance in the parade! And she is SURE she’s going to WIN the prize for best costume. Her confidence starts to fade after mishaps pile up, and the rain starts pouring.

Molly is sure that the carnival is ruined, and her chance of winning is over.” – Adventures in Reverie, 202

Lost at Carnival

Written by Gail Morong, a retired educator based in Canada and Trinidad.

“Lost at Carnival is a children’s story set in Trinidad and Tobago about Akil who becomes separated from his school band when he slips away for a snow cone.” – Independently published.

Keman’s First Carnival

Written by Yolanda T. Marshall – me!

“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” – Garnalma Press, 2016.

These books are available at A Different Booklist, Knowledge Bookstore and Nile Valley Books.

July 16^th is our Kiddies Carnival in Malvern, Scarborough – I will see you there!