LONDON – ‘J is for Jamaica’ a children’s book which explores some of the sights, sounds and tastes of Jamaica, was launched recently at the Jamaican High Commission in London.
The United Kingdom-based Jamaican author, Benjamin Zephaniah said he was honoured to have written the book, which he noted, would have wide appeal for children around the world.
“I want children, Jamaican children, to have a sense of where their fore-parents came from and also want all kinds of children to understand that Jamaica is a diverse place, not just a place for reggae; it’s a very interesting country, it’s a very cultural country”, he said.
Published by Francis Lincoln, ‘J is for Jamaica’ features photographs by Prodeepta Das. It is part of the picture storybook series that teaches the alphabet while focusing on a particular country. The series includes: A is for Africa, B is for Brazil, C is for China, I is for India, and W is for World.
Mr. Zephaniah, who is also of Barbadian heritage, described himself as an internationalist, and a keen advocator for multiculturalism. He noted however that, “if you really want to know where you are going you have to have a strong sense of where you are coming from.”
Deputy High Commissioner to London, Sharon Saunders, is conversation with poet Benjamin Zephaniah at the launch of the new Children’s book ‘J is for Jamaica’ written by Mr. Zephaniah with photographs by Prodeepta Das.
Deputy High Commissioner Sharon Saunders, who spoke at the launch, praised Mr. Zephaniah’s work.
“The poetry of.this outstanding son of Jamaica has made ‘J is for Jamaica’ even more special. He has captured the spirit of Jamaica and the awe and marvel with which a child greets each new discovery. For children of Jamaican and Caribbean heritage ‘J is for Jamaica’ is a great supplement to the stories of their parents and grand parents,” she stated.
Benjamin Zephaniah is a renowned performance poet and broadcaster. In 1998, the University of North London awarded him an honorary doctorate in recognition of his work. His poetry collections include ‘Talking Turkeys’; ‘Funky Chickens’; and ‘Wicked World’.
