J Is for Jamaica

by Benjamin Zephaniah, Prodeepta Das (Photographs)

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.

Genres: Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published June 7, 2006

About the author

A British-Jamaican writer, dub poet and Rastafari. He was included in The Times list of Britain's top 50 post-war writers in 2008.

Reviews

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is wonderful. For kids who want to learn about this magnificent place 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.

[Marcia Donnelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good book to introduce children firstly to poetry, and secondly to the culture of Jamaica. Benjamin Zephaniah gives an introduction to Jamaican culture using the alphabet as the starting point, complimented by bright and vibrant pictures. The book is very useful in presenting to children a culture which may be different to their own, and Zephaniah’s passion for his heritage is apparent, and I feel that this is an attribute that keeps the children interested as you read it to them.

I have found that children respond well to this book; the short rhyme in which it is written is helpful in keeping them engaged, it is easy to listen to and almost song-like.

[Caleb Ensminger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is all about the culture of Jamaica. The book goes from A-Z and each letter has a specific word that is used. For example, C is for cricket, J is for Jamaica, or M is for market. The book then explains why that that word is relevant for the country. I would use this book in my social studies classroom when I am learning about different cultures. I could have each student pick a different word from this and do research on it, and I could also pick from different country's books as well.

I really liked this book. I enjoyed reading and learning about Jamaican culture. I feel young students could learn a lot from this book. I could definitely see myself using this book in a social studies unit when covering different cultures, along with book from other countries as well.

[Raquel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful photos. The rhyming is a little forced, but the 5-y-o requested a second read.

[Dane Cobain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learn the alphabet!