There are two new children’s books out, the first of a six-part series called The Adventures of Errol and Jacintha. They are all about vivid childhood adventures of a brother and sister, and based in St. Eustatius (Statia). These first two books are called The Well and Our First Cake.
The author, Jacintha Brice Leerdam, recently moved to the Netherlands, but is from Statia and St. Maarten. The book’s characters are based on her and her brother Errol, and the many escapades and adventures they experienced as children.
Jacintha is happy to present stories and art from a small island, because we should be able to see our own culture and surroundings represented in books and more. It’s a nice way for Statia kids to see their own island, for other Caribbean children to see their neighbours in Statia, and for kids in the Netherlands to see what life is like on the islands.
The stories are brought to life with fun images that are made with a unique combination of different types of art. The artist is Daniella Simmons who grew up in St. Maarten and is now studying Illustration in college in the Netherlands.
There is also a painting on the opening page of the books, featuring lots of symbols of Statia. St. Maarten kids will also recognise some of these as symbols that are used in St. Maarten as well. The painting includes the colours of the Statia flag and symbols including blue beads, Coralita, red and orange flamboyant, and a curtain representing the Golden Rock. It was made by Orva Medina.
The books were launched on July 1 – Emancipation Day. They will be available in Statia at Lynn’s Bakery. Interested parents on St. Maarten can contact the author via www.theadventuresoferroljacintha.com for orders.
