It’ll Be Irie

 

Title: It’ll Be Irie

Author: Donn Swaby

Illustrations: Alejandra Barajas

Publisher: Cardinal Rule Press

ISBN: 9798985805178

 

Review:

When Raymond and his family move to America from Jamaica, he plans to learn everything he can. He reads books, researches clothing and even learns some hip American slang. He practices making pizza until he gets it just right.

When Raymond finally arrives to America and spends his first day at school, he shows everyone how American he can be by using his hip American slang and eating two trays of food at lunch to show his big American appetite. Unfortunately for Raymond, his classmates didn’t give him the reaction he wanted.

At home, Raymond tells his parents about his day. He realizes that life in America is very different, and he misses home. Raymond has an idea of what he can do to share his culture with the kids at school. What do you think it was?

Author Donn Swaby has created a fun and creative story to share with children. Young readers will learn about Jamaican culture and what it must be like to be new in a strange country. Learning about American culture is fun but not easy to translate. Parents and teachers can discuss with children what it would be like for them if they went to a new country.

The illustrations by Alejandra Barajas are vibrant with fun cheerful colors and expressive characters that bring the story to life. Young readers can learn about family and friendships. The back pages have an author’s note for parents and teachers on how to read this book with kids by asking questions about the story. There is also a recipe for the cake featured in this story.