Brown Girl in the Snow
Written by Yolanda T. Marshall
Illustrated by Marianne Ferrer
Published by Greystone Kids
When Amina moves from the Caribbean to a new snowy home, she misses growing her favorite foods. There are no coconut trees to climb, no gardens full of sweet potatoes and callaloo—only ice and snow. As Amina looks out her frosted window, she sings a traditional children’s song from back home, adding her own twist: “There’s a brown girl in the snow, tra la la la la, where none of her plants will grow.”
Determined to find a way to make her favorite plants grow in a new climate, she comes across a possible solution after discovering a library book about gardening and greenhouses. Perhaps there is a way to grow sweet potatoes, after all!
This stunning picture book written by a Guyanese-born author features:
- An introduction to gardening and greenhouses
- A note from the author about the inspiration behind the story
With gorgeous images by Marianne Ferrer, and moving text by Yolanda T. Marshall, Brown Girl in the Snow is inspired by a traditional Caribbean children’s song and captures a child’s unwavering persistence and passion, as she grows into her new home.
Primary ISBN: 9781771649261
Publication Date: September 2025
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback
Picture Book, Age 04 or older
Community Represented: Congolese/Congolese American, Guyanese/Guyanese American, Indian/Indian American
Themes: Canadian Connection, Cross-Group Friendship, Cultural Empowerment, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Celebrations & Traditions, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Family, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Food, Education & Literacy, Family Relationship: Parents, Family Relationship: Siblings, Outdoor Exploration, Own Voices/Lived Experience, STEM, Welcoming by School
Setting: Canada (Toronto)
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Immigrant, 1st Generation
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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Engagement Materials:
Source: Greystone Kids