The holiday season is the perfect time to dive into the expansive world of Caribbean children’s books. These stories are a great way to introduce young readers to a world rich with cultural heritage and vibrant, diverse characters. Whether you’re searching for gifts for your own children or recommendations for loved ones, here are some standout Caribbean children’s books to explore this holiday season.
The Blue Pickup Hardcover by Natasha Tripplett (Author), Monica Mikai (Illustrator)
Set in the warmth of Jamaica, Natasha Tripplett’s debut picture book follows Ju-Girl and her Granddad as they repair his old blue pickup truck. Together, they restore more than just a vehicle—they preserve cherished memories and create new ones. A heartwarming tale, beautifully illustrated by Monica Mikai.
Buy: Hardcover
What’s In The Cookie Tin by Yolanda T. Marshall (Guyana and Barbados)
It’s a universal experience! Generations of families from many countries and cultures share the common practice of repurposing the cookie tin. This humorous picture book follows Olivia and Benjamin on their quest to eat what’s inside the cookie tin. The siblings’ experience at their grandparents’ home sheds light on a multicultural phenomenon involving the cookie tins found in many homes worldwide. What do you think is in the cookie tin? This book includes a delicious butter cookie recipe!
Best Believe: The Tres Hermanas, a Sisterhood for the Common Good – by NoNieqa Ramos (Author), Nicole Medina (Illustrator) (Puerto Rico)
Meet the Tres Hermanas: Evelina Antonetty, Lillian López, and Elba Cabrera. From Puerto Rico to New York City, they grew into Bronx leaders—Evelina, a social activist; Lillian, a librarian championing bilingual books; and Elba, an arts advocate. NoNieqa Ramos’ rhythmic verse and Nicole Medina’s vibrant illustrations celebrate their inspiring legacy.
A Safer Place To Stay by Rachel Osbourne (Jamaica)
Discover the enchanting underwater adventure of Mu, the healing star. After a meteor shower, Mu lands in the sea, using kindness and courage to clean the coral reef and revive its beauty. This vividly illustrated picture book encourages young readers to embrace kindness, friendship, and the power of hope. Perfect for curious children who dream of exploring imaginative worlds and characters, A Safer Place to Stay inspires a sense of wonder and care for our planet.
Buy: Paperback
Old Clothes for Dinner?! Hardcover by Nathalie Alonso (Author), Natalia Rojas Castro (Illustrator) (Cuba)
Magaly loves the yummy Cuban food her Abuela has been cooking since arriving from Havana, but when Magaly’s sweater goes missing, she discovers that Abuela is making ropa vieja for dinner. Old clothes for dinner? Yuck! Now Magaly must hide the rest of her clothes before her family eats them up. A silly story of misunderstandings! Endnotes feature other imaginative names of food around the world, facts about Cuba, Spanish vocabulary. Includes two delicious recipes for ropa vieja and arroz con leche.
Angélica and la Güira Hardcover by Angie Cruz (Author), Luz Batista (Illustrator) (Dominican Republic)
In her picture book debut, bestselling author Angie Cruz (Dominicana) tells the joyful story of Angélica, a girl who bridges the distance between the Dominican Republic and Washington Heights with the music of a güira. Gifted by her grandfather, the güira becomes her voice, bringing her community together in vibrant harmony.
Love, Lah Lah by Nailah Blackman (Author), Jade Orlando (Illustrator) (Trinidad and Tobago)
Soca star Nailah Blackman invites you to fête with Lah Lah and her papa in this vibrant Carnival story set in Trinidad & Tobago! From dancing through the streets to cheering the parade, Love, Lah Lah celebrates music, culture, and the joy of Carnival—a perfect gift for soca-loving families!
Trini Christmas is the Best: Experience the Holiday Magic and Traditions of Trinidad and Tobago by Teneil Brown (Author), Patricia Grannum (Illustrator)
Seven-year-old Laurie is ready for a Christmas filled with sleepovers, hot cocoa, and holiday fun with her friends. But when her mom announces that they’ll be spending Christmas in Trinidad, Laurie is anything but excited. As she learns to embrace the unfamiliar, Laurie discovers that there’s more to Christmas than she ever imagined. The island is alive with the sweet sounds of parang music, the irresistible aroma of pastels, and the vibrant colors of nature. Yet, what surprises her the most is the warmth of the family she’s never met before. Trini Christmas is the Best, is a heartwarming children’s story that celebrates cultural diversity, family, and the magic of Christmas through the eyes of a young girl discovering her roots.
Back Home: Story Time with My Father by Arlène Elizabeth Casimir (Author), Ken Daley (Illustrator) (Haiti)
Krik! Krak! That’s how story time starts for Lune. Her daddy’s tales of Haiti—funny, sad, and full of lessons—transport her to a homeland she’s never seen but feels in her heart. Inspired by his words, Lune wonders: could she create stories of her own? A beautiful celebration of storytelling and heritage.
Buy: Hardcover, E-book
Eva, My Nani-Ji by Djamil Ninsoo (Jamaica)
Eva, My Nani-Ji is a heartwarming, labour of love that chronicles the life of Eva Williams, the author’s Nani-Ji (Maternal Grandmother). In this short biography rich with family history and set in the island of Jamaica, we see the world as Eva did from growing up the youngest child and only girl of an Afro-East Indian family all the way up to her wedding day when she goes on to start a family of her own. Author Djamil Ninsoo makes sure to bring each moment in time to life with his colourful use of Jamaican Patois, Caribbean Hindustani and the information skilfully gathered over years of family history research.
Buy: Paperback
Flippity Floppity Wing by Hayden Billingy (St. Vincent and the Grenadines)
In this touching story, Butterfly searches high and low for a way to fix her wing and learns on a fulfilling journey that maybe, nothing needs fixing at all. Flippity Floppity Wing is a compelling children’s story that promotes self-acceptance when presented with an unexpected change.
Buy: Hardcover, E-book
Emergency Quarters by Carlos Matias, Gracey Zhang
Ernesto has waited his whoooole life to become a niño grande. A big boy. Now he’s finally old enough to walk the six blocks to school without his parents. Every morning, his mom hands him a shiny new quarter and reminds him they’re for emergencies. If Ernesto needs her, she’s only a pay phone call away. But each day reveals a tempting new treat to enjoy with his friends: crisp packs of baseball cards, arcade games, hot tamales, and fresh juices! Ernesto has the coins jingling in his pocket, so how will he choose to spend them?
Buy: Hardcover
Abby Invents The Foldibot: (Women In Science Books, STEM Books for Teaching Kids Problem-Solving, Engineering and Inventing) by Arlyne Simon (Dominica)
Abby Invents is an incredibly inspiring story about a little girl who invents the world’s first folding machine. Abby thinks folding laundry is boring. Very boring. There are washing machines and dryers. There must be folding machines, too! Young readers learn that they don’t have to immediately excel at inventing. What matters most is the lessons we learn through our mistakes. Ultimately, Abby succeeds and earns her second patent!
Sincerely Sicily by Tamika Burgess (Panama)
Sicily Jordan’s sixth grade starts off as a nightmare—new school, no friends, and an embarrassing uniform. Things go from bad to worse when her class presentation sparks questions about how she can be both Black and Panamanian. Struggling to explain herself, Sicily turns to her journal to reclaim her voice.
Ada’s Wash Day by Sharnette Donacien (St. Lucia)
Join Ada and Mama as they go through their weekly Sunday morning hair washing ritual. Their special mother-daughter bond is brilliantly captured and illustrated in this fun, and sweet story about grooming and self-acceptance.
Zuzu Goes To Mars: A fun journey that teaches kids facts about the planet Mars Kindle Edition by Richard Rhone
Blast off on an intergalactic adventure with Zuzu, a curious little girl with a BIG imagination, and her wise, feathered friend, Professor Hootie! When Zuzu learns about the planet Mars at school, she’s eager to discover more. With the help of her sidekick, Professor Hootie they zoom past the Moon and land on the dusty, red surface of the fourth planet from the Sun. Join them as they climb towering volcanoes, peek into deep canyons, meet a real Mars rover, and learn fascinating facts about the Red Planet. Packed with wonder, laughter, and plenty of fun facts, “Zuzu Goes to Mars” will inspire every little explorer to reach for the stars.
A Piece of Black Cake for Santa by Yolanda T. Marshall (Guyana and Barbados)
Femi and her friends plan to leave traditional Caribbean treats out for Santa, including Black Cake. The children share warm wishes for their favourite dishes while enjoying winter activities at the Christmas fair. This book includes a Black Cake recipe for all to enjoy!
Julie and the Mango Tree Kindle Edition by Sadé Smith (Jamaica)
Julie loves all kinds of fruit, but mangoes are her absolute favorite. One sticky summer afternoon, Julie goes to the big mango tree in her yard to ask for a snack. But no matter how nicely she asks or how patient she tries to be, the tree just won’t drop a single sweet, juicy mango! Will Julie ever be able to convince the tree to let her have just a taste of her favorite treat?
Buy: Hardcover, E-book
Moko Magic: Carnival Chaos (Moko Magic, 1) by Tracey Baptiste (Trinidad and Tobago)
Twelve-year-old Misty moves from Trinidad to Brooklyn just before Carnival, only to uncover her family’s moko magic—powers to protect their community. As strange events threaten the festivities, Misty and her cousins must master their abilities to confront an unseen evil and save Carnival from disaster.
Buy: Hardcover, E-book
To Carnival!: A Celebration in Saint Lucia by Baptiste Paul
The sights, sounds and tastes of vibrant Saint Lucia come to life in this cumulative tale of a girl’s journey to Carnival. When a series of unexpected delays disrupts her journey to the big parade, Melba must adjust both her expectations and her route to the festivities. Who will she meet and what will she learn along the way?
Buy: Paperback
Josephine Against the Sea by Shakirah Bourne (Barbados)
Eleven-year-old Josephine is determined to keep her dad single, scaring off his girlfriends while dreaming of joining her school’s cricket team. But when girls are banned from trying out, her frustration leads to a reckless act—awakening a vengeful sea creature named Mariss, her dad’s new unshakable “catch.” Josephine must rally her friends and use her cricket skills to outwit Mariss before the creature steals her father’s love—and her place in his heart—for good.
Is This Love (Marley) by Bob Marley, Cedella Marley
Celebrate the timeless magic of Bob Marley’s music in Is This Love?, a heartwarming picture book adapted by his daughter, Cedella Marley. This joyful story follows a big sister’s unshakable bond with her baby sibling, expressed through care, play, and love “every day and every night.” Paired with vibrant illustrations by Alea Marley, this uplifting tale honors family connections, making it the perfect gift to welcome a new sibling or celebrate milestones with love and warmth.
Plátanos Are Love by Alyssa Reynoso-Morris (Puerto Rico)
A heartwarming picture book celebrating the role of plantains in Latinx culture, community, and family, told through a young girl’s time in the kitchen with her abuela. “Plátanos are love,” Abuela says. Through the pop of tostones, mash of mangú, and sizzle of maduros, the girl discovers that plantains are more than food—they’re her history, her culture, and a powerful expression of love.
Bodega Cats: Picture Purrfect (Bodega Cats, 1) by Hilda Eunice Burgos (Dominican Republic)
Miguel Rosado dreams of exploring the world and filling sketchbooks with his art, but his parents have other plans—long hours helping at their Washington Heights bodega. Meanwhile, street-smart cat Lolo is thrilled to escape his harsh past for Miguel’s cozy home. When Miguel lies about joining art club and everything unravels, Lolo must decide whether to brave the busy streets again to help his new friend. Together, they’ll discover the true meaning of trust and adventure.
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