J Is for Jamaica (World Alphabets) [Paperback]

Benjamin Zephaniah (Author), Prodeepta Das (Photographer)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up | Series: World Alphabets

From Cricket to Pumpkin, from Hummingbird to Yam - this is a photographic alphabet showing Jamaica in all its colourful diversity. In vibrant rhyming verse, Benjamin Zephaniah explores some of the sights, sounds and tastes of Jamaica, from the bustling capital of Kingston, to the peaceful and serene Blue Mountain. A perfect way to introduce children to this small and beautiful Caribbean island with a big heart.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2—An alphabetical introduction to the island. From ackee, Blue Mountain, and cricket to ugli fruit, veranda, and waterlilies, readers learn of some of Jamaica's flora, fauna, and familiar sights. The text is limited to four lines of verse for each entry and lacks in-depth information. The vivid, colorful photographs do much more to help readers visualize this tropical nation.—Margaret R. Tassia, Millersville University, PA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

The striking coloured photographs on each page breathe meaning into the diversity of Jamaican life and contrast vividly the sometimes drab existence we have in the UK Not only in the bright colours but in the attitudes to life, which is for living, and love, which is for everyone Carousel ... beautifully vibrant photographs ... What makes this different from similar books, and therefore special for me, is that Benjamin doesn't stick to the usual touristy sights but shows us the zinc roofs of the downtown shanty towns in Kingston, the hair plaiting and the gatherings on the veranda, which are so much a part of life at the heart of the island. A lovely introduction to Jamaica for children ... -- Val Bloom Junior Education This book is an enchanting way of introducing children to this beautiful Caribbean island, as well as sharing in Benjamin Zephaniah's passion for poetry. Prodeepta Das's photographs add authenticity and atmosphere to the book Books for Keeps With a vivid poem and photograph for each letter of the alphabet, this is a beautiful introduction to all aspects of life in Jamaica. Sugar cane, pumpkin and ugli fruit are just some of the gorgeous foods on show, netball and cricket some of the sports. And behind it all is the wonderful background of a beautiful country. A book to feast the eye and the ear Book Ahead 0-7 This well-known series of photographically illustrated books has expanded to cover many worldwide localities. Although it is, strictly speaking, non-fiction the text here is unusual, and rather special: lovely, witty verses covering Jamaican life and people from A to Z. The author's obvious affinity with this island comes across well, as folklore, poverty, colour and crops are all covered in sharp-eyed, sharply written pages with evocative photographs as a perfect accompaniment. Boys into Books 5-11 Riveting Reads The verses are as full of Jamaican beauty as the stunning photographs. Ibby Link

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books; First Trade Paper Edition edition (March 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1845076095
• ISBN-13: 978-1845076092
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 10.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #544,821 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #36 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Explore the World > Central & South America

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Happy mom, August 27, 2008

By 

J. Henry "happy mama" (Illinois) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: J Is for Jamaica (World Alphabets) (Hardcover)

This book is wonderful. My husband and I go to Jamaica every two years and plan to take our kids someday. In the meantime this is a great way of introducing them to the cultures and sites of this great country. The pictures are great. I love the honesty and the hopefulness of the rhymes. I would highly recommend this to those who have been to Jamaica as well as those who have not.

5.0 out of 5 stars So glad I found this book., December 20, 2011

By 

Cmill - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: J Is for Jamaica (World Alphabets) (Paperback)

So happy I found this book, so I can continue to expose my 4yr old daughter to the Jamaican part of her heritage. Very real, vivid pictures of all of the things she was used to seeing when we were there. I would recommend this book for any child.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent for young Jamaican kids, May 17, 2011

By 

Lorraine Jones (Kingston, Jamaica) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: J Is for Jamaica (World Alphabets) (Paperback)

I found this title while looking around for culturally relevant educational books for my grandson who is just under 3 years old. Most of the alphabet books available in Jamaica are produced elsewhere and reference things that are not readily recognized by our children.

When I saw 'J is for Jamaica' I figured it must be available locally, but I couldn't find it. I'm glad I sent off for it because my grandson just loves it. He reads it everyday. It is colorful, and the illustrations are actual photos, not drawings or cartoons!

I would recommend this book to any Jamaican parent or educator, or anyone who wants to teach their kids about Jamaica.