This book is a book of small rhymes that children in Trinidad use.

Although these poems are Afro-Caribbean rhymes and songs, i'm surprised at how many i knew. I guess many of the rhymes we used to chant in elementary school traveled from Africa and continued on. Reading some other "poems", i realized that many chants i used to sing on the play yard and games i used to play derived from some of these. Its amazing how the black culture works. ( )

This book was a very unique read, since none of the books I have read thus far have included rhyming games and songs. The author used the book as a format to expose Afro-Caribbean chants for children which were each beautifully depicted in illustrations with children acting them out. First, the author states in the introduction that she met people of many different races growing up, but that they all kept the same Trinidadian culture. Although this compilation includes silly chants and games, this book represents the shared traditions and culture of these people. The pictures depict children at school, sometimes of all different races, looking happy and joyous to be playing together. These pictures show how no matter your skin color, it is possible to come together as one cohesive group. Also, for readers, the pictures and words combined depict the Trinidadian culture. On one page, the chant is called “Going Shopping” and illustrates a Trinidadian market. This would be great for students learning about different places in the world because the chants would be something relatable to students and draw them in while subtly showing them a completely different culture. Conversely, for any students who have misconceptions about not relating to Trinidadian culture, they can identify with certain parts of the text and see how children universally have many of the same experiences while growing up. The main idea of this book is to reflect on the Trinidadian culture from the perspective of a young child. ( )

This is a book full of rhymes, games, and song for children. It comes from the Caribbean.