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I am elated to share my second kirkus review! Happy independence day Trinidad and Tobago 🇹🇹

I am elated to share my second kirkus review! Happy independence day Trinidad and Tobago 🇹🇹

I am so incredibly proud of this book. Every step in the process has been extraordinary. It has been a dream to have this book published by the amazing team at @abramskids , illustrated by the talented @geetaladi_illustration, and so positively reviewed. I will be forever grateful that this lyrical story, inspired by a nationwide blackout on a tiny Caribbean island, has brought so much light into the world

I am so incredibly proud of this book. Every step in the process has been extraordinary. It has been a dream to have this book published by the amazing team at @abramskids , illustrated by the talented @geetaladi_illustration, and so positively reviewed. I will be forever grateful that this lyrical story, inspired by a nationwide blackout on a tiny Caribbean island, has brought so much light into the world

Current Gone! was reviewed by Kirkus, and I’m so grateful for these words:

“A tempting invitation to turn off the lights, put down the screens, and live in the moment—at least for a night.”

An ordinary blackout turned into an extraordinary experience about togetherness, small joys, and finding light in unexpected places ✨

So excited for this book to find its way into your homes.

Illustrated by the incredible @geetaladi_illustration
Out June 9, 2026 with @abramskids

#CurrentGone #KirkusReviews #PictureBook #KidLit #trinidadandtobago🇹🇹

Current Gone! was reviewed by Kirkus, and I’m so grateful for these words:

“A tempting invitation to turn off the lights, put down the screens, and live in the moment—at least for a night.”

An ordinary blackout turned into an extraordinary experience about togetherness, small joys, and finding light in unexpected places ✨

So excited for this book to find its way into your homes.

Illustrated by the incredible @geetaladi_illustration
Out June 9, 2026 with @abramskids

#CurrentGone #KirkusReviews #PictureBook #KidLit #trinidadandtobago🇹🇹

So excited to share

Current Gone! was reviewed by Publishers Weekly ✨

“a dazzling climax that’s pitch-perfect… bright-eyed and appreciative tale about embracing the dark.”

Eternally grateful for this moment and @geetaladi_illustration captivating art that brought this story to life.

📚 Coming this June from Abrams Books for Young Readers.

So excited to share

Current Gone! was reviewed by Publishers Weekly ✨

“a dazzling climax that’s pitch-perfect… bright-eyed and appreciative tale about embracing the dark.”

Eternally grateful for this moment and @geetaladi_illustration captivating art that brought this story to life.

📚 Coming this June from Abrams Books for Young Readers.

The moment you finally get to hold your book in your hands…

This one holds a very special place in my heart.

I wrote it after the massive blackout we had in Trinidad. That night stayed with me, and somehow, in about an hour, it turned into this story.

Everything about this journey has felt like a dream—from working with my wonderful editor to seeing @geetaladi_illustration gorgeous illustrations bring the story to life.

I also got to cross something off my bucket list: having one of my books published by the incredible team at Abrams Books for Young Readers.

Sometimes I still check to make sure this is all real. ✨

Current Gone! is coming this June. ✨

The moment you finally get to hold your book in your hands…

This one holds a very special place in my heart.

I wrote it after the massive blackout we had in Trinidad. That night stayed with me, and somehow, in about an hour, it turned into this story.

Everything about this journey has felt like a dream—from working with my wonderful editor to seeing @geetaladi_illustration gorgeous illustrations bring the story to life.

I also got to cross something off my bucket list: having one of my books published by the incredible team at Abrams Books for Young Readers.

Sometimes I still check to make sure this is all real. ✨

Current Gone! is coming this June. ✨

Book announcement!

Book announcement!

A little late in posting but my author copies of "The Pone Pact" have arrived!

A little late in posting but my author copies of "The Pone Pact" have arrived!

My newest book is now available on Amazon!

Link in bio

My newest book is now available on Amazon!

Link in bio

New book out soon #theponepact#caribbeanauthor

New book out soon #theponepact#caribbeanauthor

Photo credit @samandco_photo

A little something sweet to look forward to next year :)

Photo credit @samandco_photo

A little something sweet to look forward to next year :)

*Repost* @geetaladi_illustrations

🌟 New Book Announcement! 🌟
So thrilled to share this news that I will be working on, CURRENT GONE: Stars Shine Brighter in a Blackout, ✨beautifully written by @neesabally and to be published by @abramskids !!
This special book will take readers on a lyrical journey of what happens during a blackout ( or as is said in Trinidad: “when current gone”), from disappointment to joy and appreciation!!! I can’t thank enough to my super agent @solsticeillo at @astoundusagency and the team at Abrams for trusting me with this beautiful subject!!

Coming out Spring 2026!!

#diversebooksforkids #picturebooks #kidlit #geetaladi #illustrator #childrensbooks #childrensbookillustration #bookannouncement #kidlitart #childrensbookillustration #bookstagram #kidsbookstagram #diversereads

*Repost* @geetaladi_illustrations

🌟 New Book Announcement! 🌟
So thrilled to share this news that I will be working on, CURRENT GONE: Stars Shine Brighter in a Blackout, ✨beautifully written by @neesabally and to be published by @abramskids !!
This special book will take readers on a lyrical journey of what happens during a blackout ( or as is said in Trinidad: “when current gone”), from disappointment to joy and appreciation!!! I can’t thank enough to my super agent @solsticeillo at @astoundusagency and the team at Abrams for trusting me with this beautiful subject!!

Coming out Spring 2026!!

#diversebooksforkids #picturebooks #kidlit #geetaladi #illustrator #childrensbooks #childrensbookillustration #bookannouncement #kidlitart #childrensbookillustration #bookstagram #kidsbookstagram #diversereads

I am overjoyed to share this announcement.
Thanks to my amazing agent @lynnette_novak and Meredith Mundy for loving this little lyrical tale as much as I do. I can't wait for @geetaladi_illustrations incredible artwork as this story comes to life.

I am overjoyed to share this announcement.
Thanks to my amazing agent @lynnette_novak and Meredith Mundy for loving this little lyrical tale as much as I do. I can't wait for @geetaladi_illustrations incredible artwork as this story comes to life.

Awesome photo session with @samandco_photo

Awesome photo session with @samandco_photo

Snowflake in the tropics
Ornament @kristyjtt

Snowflake in the tropics
Ornament @kristyjtt

Shubh Divali 🪔

Photography:@aashalackheephotography

Shubh Divali 🪔

Photography:@aashalackheephotography

Island life 🏝️

Island life 🏝️

Posted @nationalarchivestt #DidYouKnow From 1866, Nelson Island was the primary landing, immigration and quarantine station for Indian indentured labourers to Trinidad.

Prior to this time, ships carrying indentured labourers docked in the Port of Spain harbour—the first being the Futtle Rozack (known widely as the Fatel Rozak), which arrived on May 30th 1845.

The first ship to dock at Nelson Island was the Humber, which brought 473 immigrants from India in 1866 (part of General Register D in our Collection).

Nelson Island was chosen to become the Indian Immigration Depot because immigrant vessels arriving at the Port of Spain harbour were putting a strain on the Public Health System (chiefly the Colonial Hospital), which was already dealing with the worsening issues of homelessness and poor sanitation in Port of Spain.

When a ship docked, indentured labourers underwent a thorough medical inspection. If found to have an illness, they were kept at the hospital on the island for treatment. Once well, they were dispatched to their designated estate to begin work.

The recruitment of Indian indentured labourers to British colonies continued for approximately 70 years until its suspension on March 12th 1917. It was discontinued because of a number of socioeconomic problems caused by the ongoing World War, as well as growing pushback by Indian nationalists against the low wages and poor working conditions.

The last ship to arrive in Trinidad was the S.S. Ganges, which arrived in Nelson Island on April 22nd 1917.

It was not until January 1st 1920 that this system of indentureship was abolished completely.

We invite you to visit our online exhibition “Nelson Island and Indian Indentureship in Trinidad” to learn more about the role of Nelson Island in the indentureship process, featuring photos and records from our Collections.

To view or download the PDF, please visit: https://natt.gov.tt/sites/default/files/pdfs/Nelson-Island-and-Indian-Indentureship-in-Trinidad_02.pdf.

This photo showing newly arrived immigrants on Nelson Island is part of the National Archives of Trinidad and Tobago Photograph Collection.

Posted @nationalarchivestt #DidYouKnow From 1866, Nelson Island was the primary landing, immigration and quarantine station for Indian indentured labourers to Trinidad.

Prior to this time, ships carrying indentured labourers docked in the Port of Spain harbour—the first being the Futtle Rozack (known widely as the Fatel Rozak), which arrived on May 30th 1845.

The first ship to dock at Nelson Island was the Humber, which brought 473 immigrants from India in 1866 (part of General Register D in our Collection).

Nelson Island was chosen to become the Indian Immigration Depot because immigrant vessels arriving at the Port of Spain harbour were putting a strain on the Public Health System (chiefly the Colonial Hospital), which was already dealing with the worsening issues of homelessness and poor sanitation in Port of Spain.

When a ship docked, indentured labourers underwent a thorough medical inspection. If found to have an illness, they were kept at the hospital on the island for treatment. Once well, they were dispatched to their designated estate to begin work.

The recruitment of Indian indentured labourers to British colonies continued for approximately 70 years until its suspension on March 12th 1917. It was discontinued because of a number of socioeconomic problems caused by the ongoing World War, as well as growing pushback by Indian nationalists against the low wages and poor working conditions.

The last ship to arrive in Trinidad was the S.S. Ganges, which arrived in Nelson Island on April 22nd 1917.

It was not until January 1st 1920 that this system of indentureship was abolished completely.

We invite you to visit our online exhibition “Nelson Island and Indian Indentureship in Trinidad” to learn more about the role of Nelson Island in the indentureship process, featuring photos and records from our Collections.

To view or download the PDF, please visit: https://natt.gov.tt/sites/default/files/pdfs/Nelson-Island-and-Indian-Indentureship-in-Trinidad_02.pdf.

This photo showing newly arrived immigrants on Nelson Island is part of the National Archives of Trinidad and Tobago Photograph Collection.

A beautiful tapestry of love and grief woven together by a mastery of emotive language. @kjaredhosein #hungryghosts#kevinjaredhosein

A beautiful tapestry of love and grief woven together by a mastery of emotive language. @kjaredhosein #hungryghosts#kevinjaredhosein

Repost. Congratulations!

•@kjaredhosein It's U.S. and Canada publication day for Hungry Ghosts!

Out now in shelves, audiobook and eBook. Thank you so much to everyone at @eccobooks for believing in this book, and to all of you who have walked with me on this journey.

To celebrate, I've done this video showcasing the audiobook narrator's talent. Don Warrington, known for theatre and television, provided the right amount of grit for the text.

The UK and Commonwealth version, by @bloomsburypublishing, comes out on February 16th.

Enjoy! And have a wonderful day!

#hungryghosts #ecco #publicationday #readcaribbean #trinidadandtobago #audiobook #launch #donwarrington

Repost. Congratulations!

•@kjaredhosein It's U.S. and Canada publication day for Hungry Ghosts!

Out now in shelves, audiobook and eBook. Thank you so much to everyone at @eccobooks for believing in this book, and to all of you who have walked with me on this journey.

To celebrate, I've done this video showcasing the audiobook narrator's talent. Don Warrington, known for theatre and television, provided the right amount of grit for the text.

The UK and Commonwealth version, by @bloomsburypublishing, comes out on February 16th.

Enjoy! And have a wonderful day!

#hungryghosts #ecco #publicationday #readcaribbean #trinidadandtobago #audiobook #launch #donwarrington

I normally write all my drafts on my laptop, but as I am nearing the final draft I like to have a hard copy to review.

It's easier for me to do any last bit of editing before sending it off to my agent.

Instead of printing, I use my typewriters. Something about the clacking of those keys and seeing my words come to life makes the whole experience magical. I feel a connection to all those writers of the past, both known and unknown, all of whom used these beautiful machines to create timeless art.

I normally write all my drafts on my laptop, but as I am nearing the final draft I like to have a hard copy to review.

It's easier for me to do any last bit of editing before sending it off to my agent.

Instead of printing, I use my typewriters. Something about the clacking of those keys and seeing my words come to life makes the whole experience magical. I feel a connection to all those writers of the past, both known and unknown, all of whom used these beautiful machines to create timeless art.

@nationalarchivestt The record-holder for most Band of The Year Titles is master designer, Wayne Berkeley! Known as the bandleader responsible for bringing fantasy mas to Carnival, Berkeley’s costumes resonated with masqueraders who had known only historical presentations during the 1950s-1960s. His intricate & creative designs heralded a new form of mas, which brought a degree of imagination & variety to Carnival that continues to live on.

Born in 1940, Berkeley grew up in Belmont, opposite the mas camp of Harold Saldenah. During the 1950s, he attended St. Mary’s College while studying Art under one of Trinidad’s leading artists, M. P. Alladin, and his artistry flourished. Upon graduating, he moved to London where he continued studying art while working for the BBC as a set designer.

He soon returned to Trinidad, bringing with him all he had learned & became a professional designer, working on movie productions, & art exhibitions. In 1965 he was asked to design his first Carnival band, and also designed his first Carnival Queen costume, which won the 1965 Jaycees' Carnival Queen contest & catapulted Berkeley to nationwide fame.

Berkeley’s designs were professional, meticulous & resourceful, utilising local items like cocoyea sticks, shells & casks to create his costume pieces. Over his 50-year career he produced eighteen bands, with 9 of them winning Band of The Year. In addition to mas, he also designed Carnival Queens, with his presentations winning 12 times.

In 1974 he was awarded the Humming Bird Medal (Gold) for his contributions to Carnival, as well as the 2004 Cacique Lifetime Award for Theatre, as he was also in-demand abroad in Europe & the US as a theatrical designer for Vegas musicals, & art exhibitions.

Photo 1 shows Johnny Boos as “Jewel of Ceylon” in Wayne Berkeley’s “Kaleidoscope,” the 1974 Band of the Year, courtesy of the Trinidad Carnival Magazine, Special BWIA Souvenir Edition, 1974.
Photo 2 shows scenes from Wayne Berkeley’s presentation of “Genesis,” the 1980 Band of the Year, courtesy of the Trinidad Carnival Magazine, BWIA Souvenir Edition, 1980.
These magazines are part of the The National Archives of Trinid

@nationalarchivestt The record-holder for most Band of The Year Titles is master designer, Wayne Berkeley! Known as the bandleader responsible for bringing fantasy mas to Carnival, Berkeley’s costumes resonated with masqueraders who had known only historical presentations during the 1950s-1960s. His intricate & creative designs heralded a new form of mas, which brought a degree of imagination & variety to Carnival that continues to live on.

Born in 1940, Berkeley grew up in Belmont, opposite the mas camp of Harold Saldenah. During the 1950s, he attended St. Mary’s College while studying Art under one of Trinidad’s leading artists, M. P. Alladin, and his artistry flourished. Upon graduating, he moved to London where he continued studying art while working for the BBC as a set designer.

He soon returned to Trinidad, bringing with him all he had learned & became a professional designer, working on movie productions, & art exhibitions. In 1965 he was asked to design his first Carnival band, and also designed his first Carnival Queen costume, which won the 1965 Jaycees' Carnival Queen contest & catapulted Berkeley to nationwide fame.

Berkeley’s designs were professional, meticulous & resourceful, utilising local items like cocoyea sticks, shells & casks to create his costume pieces. Over his 50-year career he produced eighteen bands, with 9 of them winning Band of The Year. In addition to mas, he also designed Carnival Queens, with his presentations winning 12 times.

In 1974 he was awarded the Humming Bird Medal (Gold) for his contributions to Carnival, as well as the 2004 Cacique Lifetime Award for Theatre, as he was also in-demand abroad in Europe & the US as a theatrical designer for Vegas musicals, & art exhibitions.

Photo 1 shows Johnny Boos as “Jewel of Ceylon” in Wayne Berkeley’s “Kaleidoscope,” the 1974 Band of the Year, courtesy of the Trinidad Carnival Magazine, Special BWIA Souvenir Edition, 1974.
Photo 2 shows scenes from Wayne Berkeley’s presentation of “Genesis,” the 1980 Band of the Year, courtesy of the Trinidad Carnival Magazine, BWIA Souvenir Edition, 1980.
These magazines are part of the The National Archives of Trinid

@mokosomokow Moko Somõkõw is in Dimanche Gras!

Our Queen and both Kings have all qualified for the final round of competition, taking place this Sunday at Dimanche Gras!

Well done to Shynel Brizan (1), Joel Lewis (3), and Russell Grant (6).

@mokosomokow Moko Somõkõw is in Dimanche Gras!

Our Queen and both Kings have all qualified for the final round of competition, taking place this Sunday at Dimanche Gras!

Well done to Shynel Brizan (1), Joel Lewis (3), and Russell Grant (6).

@mokosomokow Moko Somõkõw is in Dimanche Gras!

Our Queen and both Kings have all qualified for the final round of competition, taking place this Sunday at Dimanche Gras!

Well done to Shynel Brizan (1), Joel Lewis (3), and Russell Grant (6).

@mokosomokow Moko Somõkõw is in Dimanche Gras!

Our Queen and both Kings have all qualified for the final round of competition, taking place this Sunday at Dimanche Gras!

Well done to Shynel Brizan (1), Joel Lewis (3), and Russell Grant (6).

@mokosomokow Moko Somõkõw is in Dimanche Gras!

Our Queen and both Kings have all qualified for the final round of competition, taking place this Sunday at Dimanche Gras!

Well done to Shynel Brizan (1), Joel Lewis (3), and Russell Grant (6).

@mokosomokow Moko Somõkõw is in Dimanche Gras!

Our Queen and both Kings have all qualified for the final round of competition, taking place this Sunday at Dimanche Gras!

Well done to Shynel Brizan (1), Joel Lewis (3), and Russell Grant (6).

T&T Carnival 2023

@booktrinidad A lively Tuesday evening at Adam Smith Square featuring the Traditional Individuals Competition!

#visitTrinidad #TourismTrinidad #DisIsWeMas #TrinidadCarnival

T&T Carnival 2023

@booktrinidad A lively Tuesday evening at Adam Smith Square featuring the Traditional Individuals Competition!

#visitTrinidad #TourismTrinidad #DisIsWeMas #TrinidadCarnival

@booktrinidad Dis is We Mas! Here’s a look back at the Kings & Queens Preliminaries this week in Carnival City.

#visitTrinidad #TourismTrinidad #TrinidadCarnival #DisIsWeMas

@booktrinidad Dis is We Mas! Here’s a look back at the Kings & Queens Preliminaries this week in Carnival City.

#visitTrinidad #TourismTrinidad #TrinidadCarnival #DisIsWeMas

T&T Carnival 2023 @booktrinidad Highlights from Red Cross Children’s Carnival today! Artistry. Vibrancy. Culture. Smiles. Dis is We Mas!

#visitTrinidad #TourismTrinidad #TrinidadCarnival #DisIsWeMas

T&T Carnival 2023 @booktrinidad Highlights from Red Cross Children’s Carnival today! Artistry. Vibrancy. Culture. Smiles. Dis is We Mas!

#visitTrinidad #TourismTrinidad #TrinidadCarnival #DisIsWeMas

@booktrinidad A look back at the vibrant artistry featured in Kings & Queens Preliminaries last night in the Grand Stand, Queen’s Park Savannah!

#visitTrinidad #TourismTrinidad #TrinidadCarnival #DisIsWeMas

@booktrinidad A look back at the vibrant artistry featured in Kings & Queens Preliminaries last night in the Grand Stand, Queen’s Park Savannah!

#visitTrinidad #TourismTrinidad #TrinidadCarnival #DisIsWeMas

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The Monster Who Came to Visit

A humorous story with lots of monster mischief and shenanigans and one little girl looking to face her fears.

My Books

The Pone Pact

You might want to know how an ocelot and a rabbit ended up in the kitchen the best of friends. They can tell the story, but which one are you going to believe?

Read Aloud: The Monster Who Came to Visit

Here you will find links to read aloud sessions of my book.

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Read Aloud : Books with Blue

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Story time with Mr. Read

Read Aloud : Duchess of York

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Back again....and published !

Back again....and published !

Back again....and published !

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Hope

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Handling Rejection

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Rewrite, Critiques, Repeat

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Beginning of the Journey : Agents, Queries, Manuscripts

Beginning of the Journey : Agents, Queries, Manuscripts

Beginning of the Journey : Agents, Queries, Manuscripts

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