by Baptiste Paul
illustrated by Jana Glatt
 
Melba is hyper-excited; “her excitement churns like the sea.” Tomorrow is… Carnival! But she oversleeps and so has to make her own way the next day by bus. And, along the way, there are just so many distractions. Too many! First she stops to jam to Misyé Francois, tink-a-tink-tinking on a steel drum. They miss the bus. Together, Melba and Misyé, joined by a mannikou, hurry to the next stop. But then her friend Kenwin needs her help untangling his kite. He now joins their party, with two green jacquots in tow. And so, on and so on, up and down Saint Lucia’s vibrant, diverse landscape until four eager people, four creatures and a box of bananas finally manage to catch up with the parade…or have they? 
 
A gorgeous tribute to Carnival which sings off the pages. Includes scatterings of Creole words and Barefoot publisher’s typically generous information back notes which contextualise the festival.  A North American author who grew up in St Lucia; Brazilian illustrator. ‘A real douse of sunshine’ (Fen, Letterbox Library staff). ‘An absolutely joyous book, just zinging with colour and energy’ (Eileen, Former Primary Teacher, Letterbox Library reviewer). ‘Love this books and a subject close to my heart. Really captures the celebration of carnival’ (Edyta, Deputy Head, Primary, Letterbox Library Reviewer). Age 4-7, Paperback 31pp