The Caribbean has long been a wellspring of storytelling reflecting rich histories, vibrant cultures, and deep-seated traditions, and its children’s literature is no exception. In 2025, a new wave of Caribbean-authored books promises to captivate young readers with tales that celebrate the region’s diverse heritage, folklore, and landscapes. From adventures rooted in island life to stories that explore themes of identity and nature, these books offer windows into the heart of the Caribbean and its diaspora.
Caribbean Picture Books for Kids
A Single Dreadlock by Xaiver Michael Campbell and Eugenie Fernandes
After a young Black boy named Lovie immigrates from Jamaica to Newfoundland, his self-esteem plummets when his new classmates subject him to microaggressions related to his hair. With the love and wisdom of his grandmother (who speaks Jamaican English), Lovie learns to embrace his natural tresses, symbolized by the growth and care of his dreadlocks. Picturesque acrylic illustrations complement this affirming story that celebrates Afro-textured hair and the importance of staying true to oneself.
Buy it: A Single Dreadlock
New Shoes for Leo by Lauren Agra Deedy
This heartwarming picture book follows young William, a Cuban American boy, on his quest to find shoes for his cousin Leo, who lives in Cuba. As William faces challenges and discovers the deep connections within his family, he learns about sacrifice and love. With hand-drawn illustrations rendered in Gal’s distinctive freewheeling, color-saturated style, this story explores generosity, cultural heritage, empathy, kinship, and identity. Back matter includes an author’s note, illustrator’s note, and a glossary of Spanish words used in the text.
Buy it: New Shoes for Leo
Patty Dreams by Nadia L. Hohn
In this upbeat picture book, a young boy named August recalls the joy of his Jamaican family’s patty business, from their time on the island to their new life in Toronto. As August works with his father to re-create the familiar spicy pastries in a new country, themes of resilience, cultural heritage, and family bonds shine. The cartoony, full-color illustrations are somewhat overdramatized, bringing liveliness to the story’s celebration of home and identity. The back matter consists of a postface about Toronto’s 1985 “patty wars.” A delicious tale of foodways, adaptation, and tradition.
Buy it: Patty Dreams
Precious by Carlos Aponte
In this heartfelt picture book, Pedrito, a young boy living in Puerto Rico, navigates the challenges of a hurricane, family separation, and loss. With vivid, affecting storytelling, the book explores resilience, community, and the comfort of music and pets. The bond between Pedrito and his new dog, Luna, symbolizes hope and healing, making this a touching tale of recovery and connection. Cartoony digital ink and pastel illustrations in full color evoke warmth, emotion, and the spirit of Puerto Rican culture.
Buy it: Precious
Ready, Set, Mango! by Tamla T. Young
Two cousins navigate the joys and challenges of summer vacation on “the island.” While they squabble over everything from mangoes to pebbles, their shared experiences and love for adventure bring them closer. Inspired by the author’s
childhood trips to Jamaica, this picture book highlights friendship, family, and the beauty of small, everyday moments, reminding readers that even in rivalry, there’s room for fun and connection. Lively, full-color digital illustrations perfectly complement the playful tone of the text.
Buy it: Ready, Set, Mango!
Ripening Time by Patrice Gopo
This picture book follows a young girl’s excited anticipation for plantains, a cherished family dish, to ripen. As the fruit changes color, the child’s excitement grows, culminating in the joy of eating crispy fried plantains. The story celebrates patience, family, and the simple pleasures of food and togetherness. Vibrant, expressive illustrations, rich in color and texture, evoke warmth and cultural connection. The back matter includes an author’s note, pronunciation guide, postface, and a recipe for fried plantains.
Buy it: Ripening Time
The Last Last by Wendy J. Whittingham and Brianna McCarthy
This picture book beautifully captures a young girl’s experience of leaving her Jamaican home for Canada. As her family prepares to immigrate, she takes one final walk, savoring the last moments with familiar sights, sounds, and smells. Through vivid prose and vibrant, painterly illustrations, the bittersweet narrative delicately captures the complexity of transition, offering a touching reminder that while we create new memories, the old ones remain in our hearts. A moving exploration of memory, change, and hope.
Buy it: The Last Last
The Peanut Man by Carmen Agra Deedy
A young girl named Coqui immigrates from Cuba to the United States in this poignant picture book that explores themes of memory, home, and belonging. Through her connection with Emilio—a street vendor dubbed “the Peanut Man”—and their
shared love of baseball, the girl navigates the challenges of immigration. The narrative blends humor and heartfelt moments, offering a touching look at resilience and cultural roots. Illustrations rendered in watercolor, colored pencil, and lithograph crayon create expressive, immersive scenes that evoke warmth and achieve historical authenticity. Includes an afterword.
Buy it: The Peanut Man
The Silver Shadow by Mariesa Dulak
Inspired by a real-life incident from her father’s childhood in Barbados, Dulak follows a young girl’s encounter with a stranded baby shark, capturing themes of empathy, bravery, and connection to nature. The narrative’s quiet tension builds as the child defends the shark against her brother’s friends, ultimately ensuring its safety. With evocative, lyrical prose and a gentle exploration of courage, this book fosters respect for wildlife and the delicate balance of life. Textured digital illustrations, blending soft, flowing lines with luminous, colorful palettes create atmospheric seaside scenes that evoke wonder and emotional depth.
Buy it: The Silver Shadow
Caribbean Children’s Books for Middle Grade Readers
Alyssa and the Enchanted Forest by Alexandra Sheppard
In this sequel to Alyssa and the Spell Garden, British Jamaican Alyssa, a mixed-raced girl, and her cousins are transported to a spell garden full of magic herbs in Jamaica. To return home, they need to overcome the garden’s hostility, unlock the
magic of their ancestors, and gain the trust of the garden’s guardian, Raheem. As the garden’s essence is threatened, they must harness their newfound magic to protect it before summer ends.
Buy it: Alyssa and the Enchanted Forest
How To Say Goodbye in Cuban by Daniel Miyares
In this graphic memoir, 12-year-old Carlos recounts his life in rural Cuba during the Cuban Revolution. After his father wins the lottery, the family moves to the city, but Carlos struggles with the changes. When Fidel Castro’s revolution erupts, Carlos’ father mysteriously disappears, leaving Carlos torn
between loyalty to Cuba and the uncertain journey to America. Faced with Castro’s regime, Carlos must navigate family separation, fear, and the hope of reunion.
Buy it: How To Say Goodbye in Cuban
The Island of Forgotten Gods by Victor Piñeiro
Nico’s summer in Puerto Rico turns into a thrilling adventure when he encounters the legendary chupacabra while filming a documentary. As the creature hunts him and his cousins, they uncover connections to ancient Taino gods and a mysterious
cult. Nico must confront these powerful beings to save the island, all while discovering the true meaning of family, tradition, and his creative dreams. A suspenseful blend of folklore, mythology, and coming of age.
Buy it: The Island of Forgotten Gods
Way Off Track by Carl Brundtland
In this graphic novel, 12-year-old Nansi, a determined track athlete, faces defeat when snooty Tania outraces her with her flashy shoes. To get her own pair for tryouts, Nansi works hard to raise $340. This humorous graphic novel blends Jamaican culture with West African Anansi trickster lore, exploring themes of self-worth, the dangers of social comparison, and perseverance. The page layouts create an engaging visual
rhythm with versatile panels that help to convey Nansi’s expressive personality.
Buy it: Way Off Track
What Fell From the Sky by Adrianna Cuevas
In 1952 Texas, Cuban American 6th-grader Pineda discovers an alien girl, Luisa, hiding in his barn during a military “training exercise.” As soldiers search for Luisa, Pineda and his friends work to protect her, rallying their divided town to help her
return home. This story of friendship, identity, and resistance explores themes of assimilation, belonging, and family, with a dual narrative that brings humor, courage, and historical insight to a thrilling adventure.
Buy it: What Fell From the Sky