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My Little Island
Fiery colors and hundreds of details evoke the sun–drenched beauty, the sweet smells, and the joyful sounds of a jewel–like little Caribbean island that a young boy rediscovers while on a visit with his best friend. Ages 3–6
- GenresPicture BooksChildrens
40 pages, Paperback
First published November 30, 1984
117 people want to read
About the author
Frané Lessac
62 books17 followersFrané Lessac is an author and illustrator, having created beautiful illustrations for more than forty books. Frané’s first book My Little Island, was named a Children's Book of the Year by the Library of Congress, a compilation of her paintings from Montserrat. She has contributed her distinctive paintings to many picture books, including On the Same Day in March named Top Ten Science Books by ALA Booklist. The Donkey of Gallipoli, named an Honor Book for the Children’s Book Council’s Book of the Year Awards, Kirkus Review’s Best Books, CBC NTSS Books for Young People USA, and an USBBY Outstanding International Books. Her contribution to Amnesty International’s “We Are All Born Free” celebrating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, has been translated into more than 30 languages and an USBBY Outstanding International Book. In 2010, Frané was awarded The Muriel Barwell Award for Distinguished Service to Children's Literature. She is married to children's author, Mark Greenwood, and they have collaborated on many children's books including is The Greatest Liar on Earth and Drummer Boy of John John. Frané constantly visits schools, libraries and festivals in Australia and overseas sharing the process of writing and illustrating books empowering both children and adults.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 21, 2020
The first time I went to Montserrat I was spending a year going from Trinidad to Puerto Rico courtesy of a very cheap one-way ticket from LIAT . I booked into a little guest house run by a 40ish English blonde lady and her 21 year old local lover whose official position was 'cook'. Every night all 8 of us guests would sit en famille around the dining table and the 21 year old would serve us macaroni cheese pie, peas and rice and fried chicken. He didn't know how to cook anything else.
The house was a traditional West Indian house. It was wooden with gingerbread and windows without glass but narrow wooden shutters, quite a lot like this one (link on GR). Inside, the wooden walls went to the lower edge of the roof, no ceiling. This is to promote the air flow from the lazily-turning ceiling fans suspended on long poles from the roof. The rooms are therefore somewhat less than private.
The Third night I was there, a honeymoon couple came in quite late at night, after dark. They had a really great wedding night full of loud, enthusiastic, kinky sex. It was quite worth losing sleep over.
Next morning over breakfast, all of the other guests, except the couple, could hardly keep a straight face. We'd all heard everything. The couple told us they were on their honeymoon, and one of the guests said, yes we'd all gathered that! It was hard not to laugh, no one quite managed enough self-control. We never saw the couple again. In the dark they hadn't been able to see the gap above the walls but now they had, and I suppose the embarrassment was just too much for them.
Although it doesn't say it, this book is based on Montserrat before the volcano erupted. If you know the island you can recognise the scenes. It's a really lovely book, the art work is brilliant and very typical of Frane Lessac's faux-naive style. The small amount of text that goes with it illuminates the pictures. It is fun to sit down with a child and look at the pictures, forgetting for a minute how that way of life has gone forever since Soufriere Hills blanketed half the island in several meters of volcanic ash.
The house was a traditional West Indian house. It was wooden with gingerbread and windows without glass but narrow wooden shutters, quite a lot like this one (link on GR). Inside, the wooden walls went to the lower edge of the roof, no ceiling. This is to promote the air flow from the lazily-turning ceiling fans suspended on long poles from the roof. The rooms are therefore somewhat less than private.
The Third night I was there, a honeymoon couple came in quite late at night, after dark. They had a really great wedding night full of loud, enthusiastic, kinky sex. It was quite worth losing sleep over.
Next morning over breakfast, all of the other guests, except the couple, could hardly keep a straight face. We'd all heard everything. The couple told us they were on their honeymoon, and one of the guests said, yes we'd all gathered that! It was hard not to laugh, no one quite managed enough self-control. We never saw the couple again. In the dark they hadn't been able to see the gap above the walls but now they had, and I suppose the embarrassment was just too much for them.
Although it doesn't say it, this book is based on Montserrat before the volcano erupted. If you know the island you can recognise the scenes. It's a really lovely book, the art work is brilliant and very typical of Frane Lessac's faux-naive style. The small amount of text that goes with it illuminates the pictures. It is fun to sit down with a child and look at the pictures, forgetting for a minute how that way of life has gone forever since Soufriere Hills blanketed half the island in several meters of volcanic ash.
February 8, 2019
The young narrator of this vibrantly illustrated picture-book describes how he returns to the island where he was raised for a visit, bringing along his friend Lucca. Together the two children explore the beautiful world around them, from the ocean to the forest, and also enjoy the delights of the society there. They visit the narrator's old school for a day, stop by the market, and attend a wedding. When it is finally time to leave, they are sorry to go, and vow to come again soon...
American artist and illustrator Frané Lessac, who currently lives in Western Australia, spent a number of years living on the Caribbean island of Montserrat, where she attempted to capture, in her painting, the beauty of the people and places around her. My Little Island collects this work, pairing it with an engaging narrative about visiting the island. Each two page spread features text on the left-hand page, and a painting, identified by name in tiny print, on the right-hand one. Although this is a case where the artwork came first, the text here is well-matched with the visuals, and the result is a lovely little picture-book. It was included in the Reading Rainbow television program in 1985, and it's not difficult to see why. Recommended to Frané Lessac fans, and to anyone searching for children's stories set in the Caribbean in general, or on Montserrat specifically.
American artist and illustrator Frané Lessac, who currently lives in Western Australia, spent a number of years living on the Caribbean island of Montserrat, where she attempted to capture, in her painting, the beauty of the people and places around her. My Little Island collects this work, pairing it with an engaging narrative about visiting the island. Each two page spread features text on the left-hand page, and a painting, identified by name in tiny print, on the right-hand one. Although this is a case where the artwork came first, the text here is well-matched with the visuals, and the result is a lovely little picture-book. It was included in the Reading Rainbow television program in 1985, and it's not difficult to see why. Recommended to Frané Lessac fans, and to anyone searching for children's stories set in the Caribbean in general, or on Montserrat specifically.
August 25, 2019
This read for my AtW challenge: Territories (Montserrat) features a cute story and lovely drawings.
August 5, 2020
I liked the easy to understand explanations of life outside of my normal circle. The illustrations were a direct connection.
November 26, 2024
The best grade for this book would be second grade. The vibrant and colorful depiction of life on a small Caribbean Island. It follows a young boy as he takes his friend on a tour of his island home. Through their journey, readers are introduced to the island's unique culture, traditions, and daily activities. The showcases various aspects of island life, including the beautiful landscapes, local foods, and lively festivals. The illustrations are rich and detailed, capturing the essence of the island's natural beauty and the warmth of its community. The adventure, the boys experience various aspects of island life, such as tasting local foods, participating in traditional dances, and enjoying the natural beauty of the beaches and forests. The book's rich and detailed illustrations capture the essence of the island's culture and environment, making readers feel as if they are truly there.
November 16, 2023
I liked this little children's book, but probably for a reason you wouldn't suspect.
The book focuses on two friends who go to visit the Caribbean island where one of them grew up. What the book then describes is a picture of everyday life on the island which is much different than what the boys experience back home. As such, it's a window into the life of another culture. Targeting ages four through eight, it exposes this age group to another part of the world and another way of life that will hopefully stick with them as they encounter people whose cultural backgrounds differ from their own, and perhaps instilling in them more tolerance for those who are "different."
It is colorfully illustrated to keep children interested as well as having a story that's appropriate for the target age group.
The book focuses on two friends who go to visit the Caribbean island where one of them grew up. What the book then describes is a picture of everyday life on the island which is much different than what the boys experience back home. As such, it's a window into the life of another culture. Targeting ages four through eight, it exposes this age group to another part of the world and another way of life that will hopefully stick with them as they encounter people whose cultural backgrounds differ from their own, and perhaps instilling in them more tolerance for those who are "different."
It is colorfully illustrated to keep children interested as well as having a story that's appropriate for the target age group.
March 3, 2025
This little book shares the story of a little boy showing his friend the Caribbean island he and his family are from. they go around exploring the different parts if the island and shows him the amazing rich culture it has. This story is based on the author's real-life experiences and shows the beautiful landscapes, music, food, and other parts of his background. I would keep this book in my class for those students who may come from a familiar background and want to see their culture represented.
January 31, 2026
Sweet. Enlightening. Of course it's just an innocent glimpse of the best the island has to offer, but it's not completely a fairy-tale. I kinda wanted some sort of back matter, such as an author's note or 'further reading' list, but none is included.
May 29, 2020
Nice little book about the little Caribbean Island.
May 1, 2020
This book was annoying on two counts.
First count: It does not work as a picture book. The text does not correspond to the images. For example, there is a page that talks about shopping but the facing illustration does not include anybody who is shopping. The book lists a number of plates and their owners; this makes me think that the artist sold this artwork separately and then cobbled together a picture book to go with the art.
Second count: I got this for the Reading Women 2020 Challenge: author from the Caribbean. I made a mistake. The author is NOT from the Caribbean. She is from the United States and has often visited the island of Montserrat. The books is definitely not #ownvoices. The Caribbean is seen through the eyes of a tourist, and a cliché-loving tourist at that. Think of five Caribbean stereotypes that you have encountered in James Bond films or ads for rum, and they will all appear in this book. Jolly people liking to dance and make music in the street? Check. Colourful fabrics and 'exotic' fruit (not exotic to the resident, obvs)? Check. Outdoor snorkeling among fish in a turquoise sea? Check.
I gave the second star because the pictures are quite pretty to look at.
Format: Glossy paper, high-definition images, large font, hardback picture-book format.
First count: It does not work as a picture book. The text does not correspond to the images. For example, there is a page that talks about shopping but the facing illustration does not include anybody who is shopping. The book lists a number of plates and their owners; this makes me think that the artist sold this artwork separately and then cobbled together a picture book to go with the art.
Second count: I got this for the Reading Women 2020 Challenge: author from the Caribbean. I made a mistake. The author is NOT from the Caribbean. She is from the United States and has often visited the island of Montserrat. The books is definitely not #ownvoices. The Caribbean is seen through the eyes of a tourist, and a cliché-loving tourist at that. Think of five Caribbean stereotypes that you have encountered in James Bond films or ads for rum, and they will all appear in this book. Jolly people liking to dance and make music in the street? Check. Colourful fabrics and 'exotic' fruit (not exotic to the resident, obvs)? Check. Outdoor snorkeling among fish in a turquoise sea? Check.
I gave the second star because the pictures are quite pretty to look at.
Format: Glossy paper, high-definition images, large font, hardback picture-book format.
March 13, 2023
I read this book through an online reading by the author. I was interested to read a little about Montserrat as my friends live there, and there’s little to read on the island. It was a lovely children’s book, would recommend for kids only!
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March 9, 2017I could teach about details and setting by using this book.
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August 9, 2012This book offers a look at life on a Caribbean island, as seen through the eyes of a returning child and his friend. The story provides vivid descriptions of life on the island, complemented by vibrant illustrations. This is a wonderful way to examine similarities and differences among cultures. The book was written (in 1984) about life on Montserrat. In 1995, the volcano at the center of the island became active, resulting n the evacuation of much of the population and the destruction of major cities. This might be more information than a young listener needs to hear, but study of the island could also be a nice jumping off point for more complex study of earth science and adaptation. Link to Montserrat Tourist Board.
March 2, 2011
This is an excellent book for students that are Caribbean and have left home. Its a story of a child taking a friend to the Caribbean with him and showing him his past life there. This book could definitely be used to have children write about something in their past to show people how things once were for them.
May 26, 2010
Visit a Caribbean Island. Let yourself be introduced to the food in cooked in coal-pots, animals of the area, steel drum music, a wedding and carnival.
October 1, 2015
i like this book im also doing a story about this book its for homework
January 14, 2016
This was a nice book to help expose children to other cultures and countries. This is a Reading Rainbow book
May 3, 2012
Reading Rainbow: My Little Island
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January 25, 2018Frane and her best friend Lucca are going to visit the little Caribbean island where she was born. It has three-foot-long iguanas and barking frogs; guavas, christophines, mangoes, orange pawpaws, and other juicy fruits; calypso, and reggae music; and even its own volcano. She is very excited to be home again and takes you on a journey on what you can do on her island.
This book was very interesting because it gave you a peek into the life on a Caribbean island and what the culture is like.
This book would be useful in a third or fourth grade classroom to help students lean about different cultures through a story.
This book was very interesting because it gave you a peek into the life on a Caribbean island and what the culture is like.
This book would be useful in a third or fourth grade classroom to help students lean about different cultures through a story.
Read
November 13, 2018Like a series of postcards, the illustrations in this book reveal many aspects of island life.
Read my full review on my blog, Caribbean Children's Books.
Read my full review on my blog, Caribbean Children's Books.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews