Review: The ABC of Caribbean and African Food by Rochelle Watson-Senyah, illustrated by Irene Trumpe

There’s a plethora of ABC picture books on the market but this unique self-published paperback, from Rochelle Watson-Senay, is a worthy firm favourite, not least because it includes all the delicious food and drink I enjoyed growing up as a third-generation Black British Jamaican.

This engaging text presents an alphabetical feast of goodies from a host of Caribbean and African countries. Bold, bright, accurate graphics celebrate a rainbow of common foods regularly consumed or produced in either region. From Barbados to Nigeria, Jamaica to Ethiopia, Watson-Senay includes glorious edibles, such as soursop and kenkey, from as many different places as she could cram into this little book.

It’s an extremely helpful text for parents/carers to use with early readers who are learning to recite their alphabet or recognise individual letters. There are plenty of tricky words to challenge slightly older children too, including a handy glossary at the back which would have benefitted from one further edit.

Most of the foods listed are fruit and vegetables so there’s ample opportunity to extend children’s learning by cooking some of the dishes and encouraging them to try new foods while, simultaneously, promoting healthy eating.

Overall, it's a joyful colourful gem that’s highly informative and enjoyable to read. In addition, it provides children with knowledge and understanding of different cultures and encourages Black children to feel connected to, and proud of, their Caribbean or African heritage.

All the Black children's books that I review are checked against my Jericho Benchmark.