It'll Be Irie: Staying True to Yourself

by Donn Swaby, Alejandra Barajas (Illustrator)

Raymond is moving with his family from Kingston, Jamaica to Queen, New York and he can’t wait to show everyone how American he can be! Whether it’s through books, magazines, music videos, and movies, he learns about America in any way he can, even if some of his sources of information are outdated. On Raymond’s first day of school in America, his every attempt to impress everyone with his “American-ness” backfires. What’s worse, his new classmates doubt if he’s Jamaican at all. It’s not until Raymond remembers what he loves most about being Jamaican—making Jamaican Christmas cake—and shares it with his new classmates, that he gains the courage to be himself. Everything is Going to Be Irie will captivate young readers’ hearts with the story of a head-strong immigrant child's humorous attempt to embrace a new cultural environment.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

Published July 1, 2023

Reviews

[Catherine Beach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe one of the most important things we can learn to be in 2023 is the best authentic version of ourselves. Americas melting pot is beautifully diverse with so many people from different places and wonderful things to learn from each culture.

Unfortunately, now-a-days, many people are suffering from empathy and compassion fatigue and have stopped learning from different cultures. Instead many have resorted to judging them for their differences.
This is a perfect time for young children and adults to learn the glory of being 100% uniquely themselves and for us to celebrate that and mend our compassion fatigue. Perhaps we could learn to enjoy the unique qualities in different cultures again.

‘It’ll Be Irie’ spurred these thoughts after reading it several times.
I felt it each time I read through and looked at the illustrations. Embracing our differences continued to be at the fore front of my mind.
It’s a simple story with a big message.
A message that says, have the courage to share what’s glorious about you and your culture. A message that says, maybe just maybe, the kids around us will want to know about our unique roots.
It also shares that we have preconceived notions about different cultures.
This book will allow for some wonderful conversations to spark in children across the globe.
I loved that the writing captured the Jamaican dialect as it brought me into the young boys world.
The illustrations are wonderful and thoughtful.

I would love to see an ‘It’ll Be Irie’ cartoon series with these messages. So needed during this time. Perhaps you could also add in a printout of the ‘Christmas Cake’ recipe as well.

Beautiful job Donn and Alejandra! I look forward to seeing your successes in the future.

[Kelly {SpaceOnTheBookcase] · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is no greater message than being told it’s okay to be true to yourself. Irie is moving to America with his family and he becomes hyper focused on being an American. He follows the fashion, slang and pop culture but loses his Jamaican roots in the process. It isn’t until his new friends at school question him about being Jamaican that Irie realizes he doesn’t need to change himself to fit in.

America is, and has always been, a melting pot. No greater lesson can be taught to the youth of today.

I received a gifted copy for a book tour.

[K.L. Bernard · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 in 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.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cardinal Press is a new-to-me publisher that strives to publish “realistic, representative books for socially thoughtful children”. I’m excited to share a new book from them, IT’LL BE IRIE about a young boy who immigrates to America from Jamaica, based on the author’s own parents’ experiences.

Raymond finds out his family is leaving Jamaica for America. To prepare, Raymond learns American slang, watches American movies, and tries making American food. On his first day of school in Queens, Raymond tries out all his new tricks. He tries to talk like an American but overuses slang. He shows off his skills at recess by playing American games. But, his new classmates are confused and wonder if he is really from Jamaica.

At home, Raymond shares his frustration with his parents where he is encouraged to be himself rather than what he thinks his new American friends want him to be. He tries again the next day by sharing his family’s special Christmas Cake with his friends.

The end of the book includes an author’s note with talking points to discuss with your child and the recipe for his father’s Jamaican Christmas Cake. This book is great for families that are making a move to a new community, for kids who struggle with fitting in, and as a reminder to be your authentic self. The illustrations are excellent and show lots of diversity of characters and great reactions to Raymond’s silly behaviors.

[mad mags · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Full disclosure: I received a free ARC for review through Library Thing's Early Reviewers program. Content warning for some casually racist microaggressions.)

-- 3.5 stars --

When Mum and Pops announce that they're moving to America, Raymond dives straight into research mode, determined to be the most American he can be. But on his first day of school in Queens, his classmates question whether Raymond is even Jamaican (based on their own stereotypes, which sadly aren't really examined). In his rush to assimilate, has Raymond lost everything that makes him, well, Raymond?

Then Pops has a delicious idea: why not share Raymond's favorite Jamaican memory with his classmates, to help them get to know him better. And so the family whips up a Christmas cake (even though it isn't Christmas).

A son of Jamaican immigrants, author Donn Swaby based IT'LL BE IRIE on childhood memories of his father's Christmas cake baking marathons, as well as the stories his mother told him about being a new immigrant in the US. It's a sweet (pun intended) story about being true to yourself and your roots.

(Although I could have done without all the references to fishing. Vegan parents may want to skip this one.)

[Lizanell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note: I received this book in an advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review.

When Raymond learns that his family is moving to America, he immediately starts studying up. Upon the families arrival in Jamaica, Queens, his determined adoption of all the best American slang and trends doesn't work as well as he'd hoped. After a day that wasn't what he expected Raymond gets a lesson from his father about how his home will always be a part of him.

The illustrations here are beautiful and I think the book is well intentioned, if perhaps clumsily executed. I'm not sure we really needed Raymond to speak in patois from the very opening of the book and I think kids who have never encountered the speech pattern will be confused by it. I second the another reviewers identification of the micro-aggressions voiced by the other children (we could MAYBE give them a bit of a pass due to the age they seem to be portrayed.) I do want to give the author praise for not having the other kids make fun when Raymond doesn't use the Americanisms correctly (he cheers goal! after making a basket and describes a classmates hair as swole) instead opting for expressions that clearly convey their confusion without edging over into unkindness.

[curiouskat_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Received through Librarything Giveaway*



This beautifully illustrated picture book was such an enjoyable read for our family's read aloud. It is a very easy to follow story that can also be a great tool for learning. Not only does it give an intorduction to Jamaican culture, it can spark discussions on different matters. For example, immigration, different cultures, being a new kid, stereotypes, expectations, and even food. I am also always a fan of when books include discussion questions and recipes. I can see this book working well over time and being a tool used in various ways as a child gets older. Even if a child is too young to participate with the discussions, they can still enjoy the visuals and hear the story being read to them. And when they get older, then reintroduce the story and go through the discussions together. Overall, I felt as if the story was well written and I'm looking forward to trying the recipe with my family.

[Bodd Boy-Land · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a nine-year olde from northern England, I would visit my dad in America during the summer. Like little Raymond, my futile attempts to ‘fit in’ made me, awkwardly, ‘fit out.’ It was only after the end of summer return to Leeds when all my lads said to me “You speak like an American” did I realise the inability to maneuver in two ‘worlds’ as well as the importance of being true to myself.

In his book 'It’ll Be Irie', Mr. Swaby has not only associated himself with the likes of Dumas, Pushkin, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Wheatley, Linney, and Dickens, Mr. Swaby has also, rather exceptionally, captured the essence of preteen angst to fit in- in a foreign land. Said essence, via this colourful story, is ageless and a most welcomed trip down memory lane.

Via this brilliantly layered story for every age, one confidently concludes that Mr. Swaby is an observer, a learner, and a teacher. Here, in this creative presentation of all three, he has done well.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I can call this a success, although for multiple reasons it certainly isn't aimed at me. The young character here emigrates with his family from Jamaica to NYC, but even though he's so genned up and intent on being American he's still in for a culture shock. When he starts declaring a good hoop in basketball as a "goal!" to celebrate we see him getting things wrong, and the kids who want to be friends with him can't see him either as American or Jamaican. The moral then is clearly just be yourself – which does kind of gloss over the racist opinions of the real world (the kids here who remain off-page but didn't want to be friends with him) but surely is the better, more positive approach. I think the brief lesson about the grammar of the patois the story is told with should have been at the beginning not the end, but otherwise this is fine.

[Rey Marz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun and thoughtful book, about a boy named Raymond, moving from Kingston, Jamaica to Jamaica, Queens, New York. You can definitely feel Raymond’s excitement and enthusiasm as he tells his story. He loves learning about the world around him, and fitting in at his new school. But he also learns the value in how to stay true to himself.

We get some wonderful illustrations from illustrator Alejandra Barajas. And writer Donn Swaby draws from his own Jamaican heritage, enriching his storytelling with the Jamaican Patois form of English, including the word “Irie” in the title. While reading this book, I was actually learning right along with Raymond and the kids at his school. The author even includes his father’s recipe for Jamaican Christmas Cake! And after following the recipe, I can confirm that this cake is really, really good! Altogether, It'll Be Irie: Staying True to Yourself is sure to delight readers of all ages, especially if you love cake!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful tale of a child who moves from Jamaica to Jamaica, NY. In the process of researching his new country Raymond becomes overeager and makes a few missteps. Once his classmates approach him with their stereotypes of what they believe to be authentically Jamaican, Raymond examines what being Jamaican means to him. In this process he is able to share some new things with his friends and be himself in his new country.

I’ve got two kids in the target demo…they liked the artwork and the Jamaican dialect it was written in. They didn’t like the conflict between Raymond and his friends but appreciated the way it was resolved. The main issue I have with the book is that everyone in Queens (especially in Jamaica)probably knows a few Jamaican people already. Everyone looks forward to making and eating the cake. Thanks to Donn Swaby and Cardinal Rule Press for the ARC and the recipe!

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet, timeless story! When Raymond’s parents tell them they are moving from his home in Jamaica to a new home in America, he is so excited! He channels his excitement into researching his new home and trying to be as “American” as he can be so he will fit in. But it doesn’t work out how he planned, and he ends up deciding that being himself is the best plan.

This was a beautiful book, visually and in its prose. Raymond’s enthusiasm leaps from the page as he explores and makes discoveries and starts the struggle to be himself in a new land. I admire his bravery and spirit. And I look forward to using it to spark many conversations about deep themes that are universally human.

Thank you to Cardinal Rule Press and TLC Book Tours for my advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher.
Raymond learns that he will have to move from Jamaica to America. To prepare for the move, he studies everything that he can about American culture and language so that he can be the most American when he arrives.
I thought that this was a great book about showing readers that it is better to be yourself and fit in that way, instead of trying to change yourself to fit in. The illustrations were bright and colorful. I liked that the language was true to what Raymond would speak in Jamaica instead of changing it to fit American English. There is also a special Christmas Cake recipe at the end of the book.
This is a good book for younger readers.

[A Easterling · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fabulous book to teach confidence in oneself and pride in one’s culture. I read it to my 3-year-old, who immediately said, “Read it again, Mommy”. My 7 and 10 year old sons read it and really enjoyed it. They both said the best part was the way the book was written grammatically in how the main character would speak. They also enjoyed learning more about Jamaican culture. I can tell this book is a wonderful way to spark empathy in children. We discussed ideas about, “What makes someone American”, and “How would you feel if you were at a new school in another country?”. The illustrations are joyful and colorful and the story is one I feel we have not read before, but that my children instantly appreciated and enjoyed. I am sure we will read it again and again!

[Geoffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Making learning fun and engaging, while guiding us through a shift in perspective is a tough climb, but this manages to stay culturally specific and yet appeal to anyone who knows what it's like to be in a new environment and want to impress, but lose themselves in the process.

Such lessons of the larger world, about how to be more mindful and compassionate (especially with ourselves) are crucial for kids (and adults alike).

And it manages to be funny, dramatic and uplifting while doing all that other stuff to boot!

And the artwork is great and perfectly suited to the tone and feel of the story and characters.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This “feel good” and unique picture book introduces Jamaican Patois, culture, and even a traditional recipe. The “Before, While, and During” reading suggestions promote a deeper understanding of the text, emigration/immigration, and social perceptions and encourage reflection on identity and inclusionary/exclusionary practices and problem-solving strategies. The main character and the story are likable and relatable, providing young readers with a well-written and well-illustrated opportunity to learn about the importance of authenticity. This is a terrific book that can be read over and over again!

[Sina Lucia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really sweet story of a young boy whose family moves from Jamaica to Queens, NY. As a child of diaspora myself, it is a balancing act of wanting to fit into your "new" home and staying true to the home of your heritage. This story beautifully illustrates that balance of wanting to fit in, but then understanding that being true to yourself is so much more important. Especially now, as we continue to grow and change and expand to a more global society, this story is very current. And even if you don't see yourself as an immigrant, the theme of staying true to yourself and not trying to "fit in" just for the sake of fitting in, is a key for all of us.

[Alexandra Thompson]

Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. :)

This book was a quick read that can really get you thinking. It would be a great read-aloud for kids of any age. There are discussion questions included, covering things to ask before, during, and after reading. The illustrations are colorful and intriguing, and the storyline is relatable and unique. Readers get a look at life in Jamaica as well as in America, and I thought it was interesting to see the protagonist "prepare" to move to the US and choose what he thought was important to know (American slang, foods, music, etc.).

Would recommend!

[Joshua Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donn Swaby brings us an endearing tale about immigrating to a new country and staying true to yourself in the children’s book It’ll Be Irie! Raymond’s family has recently moved to America from Jamaica, but he soon starts missing home as he struggles to fit in with a new culture while remaining true to his own. Swaby unwraps the tale beautifully, making it fun, meaningful, and ending with a great message about accepting others and yourself! The story is wonderfully complimented with illustrator Alejandra Barajas’ fun and colorful art style. This is a great children’s story about acceptance, kindness, and self esteem that is perfect for all ages!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raymond is determined to be the most American kid ever. He adopts what he thinks is American speech, style of dress, all things American. When he arrives from Jamaica, he discovers he doesn't fit. He's not American, he's not Jamaican. It is not until he goes back to some of his Jamaican roots that he starts fitting in. And he discovers that it's okay to be true to himself.

America is a melting pot and has been for many years. That no longer means giving up all of your home country's languages, foods, or customs.

I received a copy of this book from LibraryThing and Cardinal Rule Press in exchange for a review.

[Kris Bock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet, upbeat story. Immigrant children (and even those who've simply changed schools) will enjoy seeing someone like them tackling some of the challenges they have faced. American-born children will get some insight into how it feels to be the new kid and see how stereotypes can hurt. Raymond learns to be himself and hold onto his roots. The illustrations are just as bright and cheerful as the story. This is a winner that lends itself to reading aloud and could be paired with activities such as playing the game mentioned or trying the cake recipe at the back.

[Aaron Kusterer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a fun and thought-provoking read. Even being an adult and working in a professional environment, many of us (at least on some level) strive towards the "I have to make them like me" and "If I just change this or this about myself, they will like me." I feel that more often than not, this approach backfires and leaves one frustrated or at the very least, feeling quite awkward. This book is a delightful reminder that it's extremely important to just be yourself and embrace the things that make you unique. Authenticity is always the best policy. Well done, Donn!

[Griffin Wold · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really cute story, with excellent illustrations. Its theme of being true to who you are is one I think is important for everyone to read, not just children.

As a translator, I loved the use of Patois for the language of the book, both because it is the type of English the character Raymond would use, but also because it shows how there are many different versions of English which are all correct.

*I received a copy of the book from the publisher through LibraryThing. The review is my own.*

[Maria Ludwig · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read! Whether read aloud or by oneself, the addition of the writing being in the Jamaican Patois lends a delightful lilt to the reading. Raymonds journey - physically and emotionally - is a well-known tale, but the author puts a lovely spin on it!
The illustrations are eye-catching and colorful. They are sure to draw readers into the story even more. I especially found the recipe at the end of the book to be a unique idea!
I definitely recommend this newest offering from author Donn Swaby!

[Bethany Chinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a delight to read with my kids. The book is vibrant and beautifully illustrated. It is an upbeat story about a boy named Raymond who is moving from Jamaica to New York and has to adapt to school in America. Raymond wants to fit in and thinks he needs be "American" to do so, but in the end discovers he just needs to stay true to himself to be accepted by the other kids. Also it is really cool that this story is told using Jamaican Patois because representation is so important and so is exposure to different cultures, which some children may only get through books and television.

[Sabrina W · Rating 5 out of 5]

The store I work for (Inquiring minds Bookstore and cafe) received an advanced reader copy of this delightful children's book. I think it is a wonderful book for all children to learn the importance of being authentically yourself, and not bending to the perceived "normal" around you. It is also a great book in my opinion for a young child to read if they are going through a move to a new place (especially a new country as shown in the book). As a last note the art and layout of the panels is absolutely gorgeous.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It’ll be Irie” represents the importance of maintaining self-confidence in your identity. Raymond is a boy moving to America from Jamaica and strives to learn all things American so he can fit in with the rest of the kids and be accepted as one of them. Swaby portrays the excitement, and may I say anxieties, of moving somewhere new and foreign. It is a wonderful way to exemplify why and how children should remain true to themselves, their family and their culture. Barajas illustrated the story beautifully!

[Charlotte Offsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young boy moves from Jamaica to America and goes above and beyond to fit in. When he arrives at his new school he is frustrated to find that fitting in doesn’t help him connect with his classmates and comes to find that it isn’t until he acts like himself that he is able to make genuine connections. This is a sweet story of being true to who you are and not trying to pretend to be something you are not just to please those around you.

[Michelle Schaub · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raymond is so excited about going to New York City to live that he tries really hard to be American. Maybe a little too hard. This story about embracing cultural identity in a new place is packed with heart and humor. As a bonus, readers will learn a bit of Patrols, a form of English used in Jamaica. As is the standard with Cardinal Rule Press books, It’ll be IRIE includes BEFORE, DURING, and AFTER reading prompts to promote good reading skills. This book is IRIE, for sure!

[Benson Shum · Rating 5 out of 5]

IT'LL BE IRIE by Donn Swaby and Alejandra Barajas is a great story about Raymond moving to America from Jamaica. And how he prepares to be the most American American ever. But when Raymond arrives at his new school, his Jamaican roots come through and he realizes he just needs to be himself. A great story about embracing your own culture and learning about new ones.