O Christmas Tree by Vashanti Rahaman, illustrated by Frané Lessac (Boyds Mills, 1996).
This is a lovely story about a boy in the West Indies who wants nothing more for Christmas than a real evergreen tree. He's sad because the trees that come off the boat have dried up and the needles fallen off. But his neighbor teaches him that the true Christmas trees in the West Indies are the poinsettia that bloom each season.
You can read about Caribbean Christmas traditions here. You can find a sorrel drink recipe here.
Love the illustrations! I've never heard of this book -- I'll have to check it out. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYou wouldn't believe how unknown this book is! There are websites with lists of notable Afro-Caribbean books and this beautiful book is no where to be found. I am so glad your blog shines a light on it!
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