Malaika, Carnival Queen ( Malaika Series #4)
Written by Nadia L. Hohn
Illustrated by Irene Luxbacher
Published by Groundwood Books
Malaika learns about her father, who came to Canada as a migrant farm worker when she was just a baby and who shared her love of carnival.
Malaika dreams about a man with a basket of fruit and guesses that the dream is about her father. Mummy explains that her daddy passed away long ago, and Grandma decides it’s time Malaika knew more about her father’s life.
The family drives to a far-off farm where they receive a warm welcome and visit the orchard where Malaika’s father picked fruit. The farm workers tell Malaika that her daddy had always dreamed of celebrating carnival there, just like back home. Will Malaika agree to be their Carnival Queen for the harvest festival?
Nadia L. Hohn and Irene Luxbacher have created another compelling story about Malaika, who finds a way to cope with her sadness about her father through their shared love of carnival. Includes an author’s note.
Primary ISBN: 9781773068503
Publication Date: May 2023
Available As: Hardcover
Picture Book, Age 04 or older
Community Represented: Jamaican/Jamaican American
Themes: Canadian Connection, Celebrations, Cross-Group Friendship, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Celebrations & Traditions, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Family, Engagement Tool: Arts, Engagement Tool: Video, Family Relationship: Parents, Family Separation: Different Immigration Status, Migrant/Seasonal Worker, Multilingual: Jamaican Patois/English Bilingual, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Trauma & Healing: Death of Family or Friend, Welcoming Library: Core Picture Books (Current)
Setting: Canada
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Immigrant
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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