The Caribbean

Children's Literature - Sylvia Firth

Many youngsters have never been exposed to food outside their own cultures. This volume and others in the series, "A World of Food," provides informative and practical ways to become familiar with other societies. The first settlers in the Caribbean arrived from South America. Over the centuries Europeans, Africans, Indians, Chinese, Syrians, Lebanese and Portuguese have come to live and work on the islands. All have contributed to the vibrant life of the area, including the many celebrations and especially the food. Crops include plantains, sugar cane, coffee, rice, coconuts, sweet potatoes, beans, yams, bananas, callaloo, oranges, papaya and breadfruit. Vibrantly colored photographs and sidebars provide additional information and add to the overall attractiveness of the book. Three recipes offer the opportunity for readers to prepare jerk chicken, rice and peas, aka kidney beans) and tropical fruit punch. Other useful features are a glossary, an index, a bibliography and web sites. Add this title to the collection, as it is sure to be of use to both teachers and pupils to expand their knowledge of our world that grows smaller by the day. Reviewer: Sylvia Firth