"A charming island tale with a message of community and connection” – Kirkus Reviewsl
When customers can’t reach the weekly market, Mari comes up with a creative solution to help her fellow vendors.
“I guess it’s cassava, cassava, cassava for me dis week,” said Wendy.
“Here, take some o’ my guava,” giggled Mari.
“Thanks. You want a cassava?” That gave Mari the brightest idea of all.
Mari loves to help Granny sell their ripe guavas at the weekly market. Every week, she hears the cheerful chorus of Miss Hyacinth singing “Come fa yuh mangoes, sweet and juicy,” Fitzroy shouting, “Fish, fish flying fish, one ah dollar,” and Mamee calling “Sugar cakes? Tamarind balls? Guava cheese?” On Saturdays, they are one big family.
But today, Mari’s friend brings news that a sugarcane truck toppled over on the main road, so customers can’t reach the market. Without customers, the vendors won’t make enough money to buy what they need for their families and businesses. But Mari is a problem solver, and she has an idea. What about… a great market swap!
Set in a market on the Caribbean island of Barbados.
Encourages problem solving and creative thinking.
Endnotes provide further learning on markets, the types of food in the book, and creole languages.
More Details
Product Dimensions:10 x 9.75 Inches
Page Count:32 pages
Age Range:6 to 8 years
Awards & Accolades
"A charming island tale with a message of community and connection" – Kirkus Reviews
"A vibrant tale of island life, quick thinking, and community building, ripe for the classroom or group sharing" – School Library Journal
About the Contributors
Written by - Janelle Springer-Willms
Janelle Springer-Willms was born and raised on the beautiful island of Barbados. Though she has lived in the USA, Germany, and now Austria, she still calls Barbados home. She is a former prosthetics and orthotics doctor who has seen the amazing things people can do when they put their minds to it. So she skis despite her fear of flying off the mountain, hikes despite her fear of heights, and scuba dives despite her fear of big fish. Janelle is also the author of Sammy the Seasick Pirate.
Illustrated by - Juliana Eigner
Juliana Eigner graduated with a degree in design and has experimented with many different types of art, including jewelry, ceramics, porcelain, collage, and painting. Over the years, she has expanded her research to illustration. Juliana is in love with and inspired by nature. When she had her daughter, her work naturally started to reflect childhood, through elements of color and emotion. Juliana lives in Brazil with her family.
