Malaika’s Costume (Malaika Series #1)
Written by Nadia L. Hohn
Illustrated by Irene Luxbacher
Published by Groundwood Books
Malaika’s mother can’t buy her a carnival costume — will she still be able to dance in the parade?
It’s carnival time — the first carnival since Malaika’s mother moved to Canada to find a good job and provide for Malaika and her grandmother. Her mother promised she would send money for a costume, and Malaika marks off the days on her calendar as she waits for Mummy’s letter to arrive. But when the letter finally comes, Malaika learns that there is no money for her costume.
Disappointed and upset at the thought of wearing her grandmother’s hand-me-down costume, Malaika leaves the house, running into Ms. Chin, the tailor, who offers Malaika a bag of scrap fabric. With her grandmother’s help, Malaika creates a patchwork rainbow peacock costume, and dances proudly in the parade.
This heartwarming story about family, community and the celebration of carnival is written in a blend of standard English and Caribbean patois. Nadia L. Hohn’s warm prose and Irene Luxbacher’s vibrant collage-style illustrations make this a strikingly original picture book.
Primary ISBN: 9781554987542
Publication Date: March 2016
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback
Picture Book, Age 03 or older
Community Represented: Jamaican/Jamaican American
Themes: Accolades & Awards, Arts, Canadian Connection, Celebrations: Carnival, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Celebrations & Traditions, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Family, Engagement Tool: Video, Family Relationship: Grandparents, Family Relationship: Parents, Family Separation: Different Immigration Status, Immigrant: Economic, Multilingual: Jamaican Patois/English Bilingual
Setting: Jamaica
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Home Country
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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Lesson Plan
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