Anthea McGibbon, Sunday Gleaner Writer
Marcia Patch (right) is more than enthused with the recently published book series written around cricket. Here, Patch, who gets up before dawn to watch cricket, peruses with her granddaughter, Michaila Chambers, two books - 'Brian Lara' and 'The Funny Game'.- photo by Anthea McGibbon
A CREATIVE pacer is being delivered to Jamaica's children through the uniquely designed series of reading books being promoted by the Book Merchant Limited. Catering primarily to children up to 12 years old, the books teach about cricket while sharpening language skills.
The series is the result of the brainstorming between Jamaican George Davis and Englishman Nigel Kelly, after observations were made on the apparent literacy challenges and seeming lack of interest in cricket by some young Caribbean nationals. It comes in time for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007, complementing the existing cricket workshops for Jamaica's youth by Scotiabank.
According to George Davis, executive director of Book Merchant Limited, the books, which were printed as part of the Get Caught Reading campaign by Heinemann Ginn, are being promoted locally as support books to the existing syllabus. With colourful packaging, dynamic historical photographs and illustrations, strong layout, and creative writing, the book series is an irresistible treat for adults, teenagers and children alike. The carefully chosen lettering (text style) is easy on the eyes.
10 books
There are 10 books - five fiction and five non-fiction - written by one Trinidadian and three Jamaican authors. For age six to seven, there is the fiction, The Lost Ball, and the non-fiction, The Cricket Match. For age seven to eight, there is the fiction, Peter's New Bat, and the non-fiction, It's a Funny Game. For age eight to nine, there is the fiction, The Magic Bat, and the non-fiction, Brian Lara. For age nine to 10, the fiction, Twins with a Spin, and non-fiction, The World Cup, is written. The fiction, Six Runs, and the non-fiction, Know the Game, target children aged 10-11.
According to Nigel Kelly, the international publishing director, the artwork "is vital in illustrating the text as well as assisting in the reading". Working closely with the Caribbean artists and writers, Kelly ensured consistency in the standard expected by the Heinemann Ginn printers. The vibrantly colourful artwork demonstrates the deep connection of U.K.-based Caribbean illustrators - Louise Elis, Anni Axworthy, Pete Smith, Lyn Knott, Andy Cooke - to their roots. This is especially depicted in Peter's New Bat, Six Runs and The Lost Ball.
The photographs of non-fictions and thefictions illustrations have a strong Caribbean flavour. Accurately capturing the characteristics of the races, the beauty of the Caribbean scenes, the illustrations add new meaning to Jamaica's motto becoming 'Out of the Caribbean, one people'.
Emphasis was equally placed on writing style, and working within a word limit comfortable for children, which presented much challenge.
The writers were chosen by Kelly for the varied skills they possess. Jamaican Diane Browne is highly respected across the Caribbean as an award-winning author for children literature. Jamaican Janice Rose Brown is a new author, but with expert knowledge of her close friend Brian Lara. Trinidadian 'cricket nut' Nasser Khan currently edits cricket magazines, and Jamaican Hazel D. Campbell is world-renowned.
Aside from improving language skills and a sound education on cricket, there are foundational lessons taught in fun, such as humility, teamwork, and perseverance. The excellent illustrations also provide intelligent guidance on standards to expect from artists, while encouraging appreciation of various races.
Theme
Written for both boys and girls, the girls are taught that they, too, can play equally well, with enough drive and determination to succeed. This is the main theme of Twins with a Spin.
Twins with a Spin is about a boy and a girl, twins who compete healthily in school matches. The Lost Ball illustrates responsibility and perseverance through difficulties to success. Faith comes out strong in the combined stories of The Magic Bat. Forgiveness is one critical element to any team and is taught in Six Runs.
The non-fictions are the main tool in emphasising the elements of the game. Know the Game presents guided charts and maps along with techniques, rules and vocabulary on the game. The World Cup is an introduction to the Cricket World Cup, and participating countries. In The Cricket Match, however, author Nasser cleverly teaches on historical facts through thedepicted aspirations of the featured children.
Although the books are all equally impacting, The Funny Game is unique. Unlike the other non-fictions, it consists largely of comical illustrations by Andy Cooke which interpret well the quick facts smartly summarised by Nasser Khan. Khan takes us all over the world and on to the cricket field into the minds of varying players and fans. His writes conversations, as he imagines what must have been said at given moments in cricket world history.
The book Brian Lara summarises the life of the Caribbean's current team captain. However, the series could have been more complete with a similar biography on Jamaican Courtney Walsh, or even a younger player such as Daren Powell or Christopher Gayle as further inspiration.
Mr. Kelly admits there was some challenge in narrowing the scope of available material to write about. However, he says the books are already being enthusiastically received in other countries, as they are consistently purchased in St. Lucia and St. Vincent. As with Trinidad and Tobago it is hoped that sponsors will come aboard in Jamaica to assist with free distribution of more books throughout local schools.
- anthea.mcgibbon@gleanerjm.com.
