My Little Island

My Little Island is a delightful book which I first read to my daughter when she was 4 years old. The story is wonderful and the illustrations are captivating. We read it again and again many nights as it became one of our favorite books. Soon my daughter began reading it by herself. She is 6 years old now and still remembers the names of all the beautiful trees in the story. I would highly recommmend this book to the parents of any 4 to 6 year old child whom I am sure would enjoy this book as much as we do.

I first come across this book when I was younger and lived for some time in St Vincent, which is one of the Windward Islands where this is set. Looking back I remember the pleasure that this book gave me. I really loved this book and I think that any child reading it now would feel the same. For one the pictures used are sensational, drawn in such a way that they make children explored them as there are so many thing to look at in each! The story told I found to be so realistic and brilliant. I would advise anyone who is looking to buy a child a present or is just looking around to consider getting this, as I know from personal experience that this is a book that has something for everyone and can be enjoyed for generations.

I like the pictures in this book. The book made me wonder what goat-water stew and guavas are. I wonder if people still live on Montserrat since the volcano erupted. I wish I could go there to swim, fish, and visit the market. I am 6 1/2 years old.

This book is absolutely beautiful. The illustrations are incredibly colorful and true to life in the islands. The volcano that has erupted and buried Montserrat is mentioned and show in the book, and though Monteserrat is now buried under ash and not at all like the paintings in the book, your child does not have to know the details. My three year old loves this story and pictures. He is familiar with Carnival and many of the "island" fruits and vegetables mentioned in the book. If you live outside the Caribbean, you could go to an island marketplace with your child and actually find and eat these delicacies. Overall, this is a wonderful story about a boy and his best friend who travel to Montserrat for an all-too-short vacation. Again, for you statesiders who have not been to the Caribbean with your kids, you will have to explain some of the pictures; however, this is what imaginations are for. Enjoy the book. Highly recommended.

It's important to note that recent events have added poignancy to Lessac's tribute to her home island. This charming book is a record of an island practically destroyed by a recent volcanic eruption. "My Little Island" is the island of Montserrat, three-quarters of which lies buried under layers of volcanic ash. All the colors and the activity of the people portrayed here are fond memories. What a wonderful opportunity to talk to children about the things they would cherish about their own homes. And what a joyous appreciation of a lifestyle also typical of other Leeward islands.