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Published:Wednesday | December 11, 2024 | 12:06 AM
The inaugural Jamaica Book Festival culminated in a vibrant celebration of creativity and literacy with the highly anticipated launch of Here Comes the Morning, a children’s book co-authored by Grammy-nominated reggae artist Protoje and The Bookboys.
The launch occurred at the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Library during the festival’s grand finale, a book fair showcasing authors, artisans, and industry leaders.
Accompanied by a limited-edition vinyl of the original song that inspired the book, Here Comes the Morning, Protoje and his co-authors took the stage to share the story behind their literary creation. The Bookboys – Azibo, 13, and Gyasi Bookman, 10, added youthful energy and insight to the discussion, sharing their journey of transforming Protoje’s song from his Grammy-nominated 2022 album Third Time’s The Charm into an engaging tale for young readers.
The book, designed for children aged three to seven, explores themes of curiosity, the natural world, and the importance of parental guidance. It follows Yazzy, a young girl curious about where the sun goes at night, as her father takes her on an early-morning adventure to witness the sunrise. Published by Sapling Books, the children’s imprint of Bookman Express, Here Comes the Morning reflects the creative fusion of music and storytelling.
Speaking at the launch, Jamaica Book Festival Director Latoya West-Blackwood shared her perspective on the festival’s mission: “This is more than a book launch; it’s a testament to the power of stories to connect and inspire. Dubbed ‘a festival of ideas,’ the Jamaica Book Festival is about fostering creative literacy and building a community where imagination takes centre stage.”
Protoje echoed her sentiments, expressing his enthusiasm for blending music and literacy to inspire young readers. “I love the fact that we can merge these worlds and create something meaningful for youth,” he said. “This book is an opportunity to encourage young minds to think big, be curious, and explore the world around them.”
Organised by Sapling Books under the leadership of Dutty and Sasha Bookman, Here Comes the Morning is a collaborative triumph. The book launch exemplified the spirit of the Jamaica Book Festival, a three-day event celebrating the written word through its diverse programming. Day one featured a children’s festival with storytelling and creative sessions plus an early readers lounge coordinated by KozyKorner Books N’ More; day two focused on the ‘Business of Books’ industry day, which concluded with a live podcast by Reasonings With Odessa, featuring a conversation with Jamaican dub poetry legend Oku Onuora; and day three showcased a bustling book fair with author signings and panel discussions.
English (US) ·