Author and Illustrator: Frane Lessac
Publisher: Walker Books, 2005
Now here's a thing- a toddler book written with a West Indian accent. Set on 'One little island in the Caribbean Sea' this little gem of board book counts (from 1-10) based on aspects of island life, including 'nine limbo dancers swaying in a line', 'three painted houses sitting high on a hill' and 'five market ladies wearing shady hats'. Using syllabic verse on a beat of 1,2,2,2,2,1 the book is a whistle stop tour of bright, breezy gouache illustrations. I especially like this page...
...as it presents a very cheery, if stereotypical, depiction of The Caribbean (see also 'six cricket players waiting with their bats'). With colourful bunting, streamers and lanterns on most pages, the book builds up to number ten 'Carnival time!' before counting back up to 10 again and ending. It's a loud, fun toddler book, more of a midday wake-up read than a bedtime, calm-down read. This book is also a really nice way to start introducing a different culture, or what life is like in another country to young children (we're based in the UK, apologises if reading from 'one little Island in the Carribean sea').
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