Little Lion Goes to School

Are you frustrated in your search for images to build your little one’s self esteem? Well, look no further because Little Lion is here. This fresh, new Caribbean character was brought to life in Little Lion Goes to School, a children’s book by Jamaican author Kellie Margus.

Little Lion Goes to School tells the story of a young Rastafarian boy who has difficulty at his new school where the wealthier children tease him for being poor and different. Through his father’s guidance he learns to value who he is, not what he possesses, and that what makes him different from them also makes him special.

“Caribbean children – whether in the region or in the Diaspora – need to have their own characters that they can identify with; characters that convey positive values and Caribbean traditions,” says the author. “When I was little we watched American television, but we also were immersed in Caribbean culture. I loved Miss Lou poems, and all the Anansi and Big Boy stories. I think children of this generation are losing that connection to our storytelling tradition.”

The book is written in rhyme and is meant for children 8 and under. “Ideally, parents and children will read it together,” says Ms. Magnus. “I’d love it if Caribbean parents used this book as a way to get their young children excited about reading.”

Illustrated by Jamaican artist Michael Robinson, Little Lion Goes to School is the first in a series that will follow the precocious six year old Rastafarian through his adventures growing up in the Caribbean. The lessons in this series translate to all ethnicities and are appropriate for all children.

Excerpt from Little Lion Goes to School:

All the class began to giggle
Little Lion tried to wiggle
All the way down in his chair
His little limbs shaking with fear

Little Lion Goes to School is available just in time for the holidays through www.littlelion.com.