Local author, Rick S. S. Grant, has achieved a unique and remarkable accomplishment. His four books previously published by Little Bell Caribbean, one of the premier publishers of Caribbean children’s books, have been translated and released in new Spanish and Haitian Creole versions. This culturally enriching endeavor conceived and led from beginning to end by Mr. Grant, is the first for a Virgin Islands’ writer and promotes representation in literature, cultural diversity and language inclusivity.
The translated books are:
“When I Grow Up”
“Cuando yo crezca” (Spanish) and “Lè m gran” (Haitian Creole)
“Where I Live”
“Donde Yo Vivo” (Spanish) and “Kote m rete a” (Haitian Creole),
“Health and Safety for You and Me”
“Salud y Seguridad Para Ti y Para Mi” (Spanish) and “Sante ak pwoteksyon pou mwen avè w” (Haitian Creole)
“When Storm Winds Blow”
“Cuando soplan vientos de tormenta” (Spanish) and “ Lè van tanpèt soufle” (Haitian Creole)
The purpose of the translations is to foster a love of reading and cultural understanding among children of all backgrounds, to emphasize that representation matters and to allow all children to explore the world of literature and learn in their native languages. Grant worked closely with experienced local and national translators Mario Picayo, Fedo Boyer, Creoltrans and their teams to ensure that the message of each story, in the new language editions, was relatable, accurate and culturally sensitive. Grant said, “I believe that every child should have the opportunity to explore the world of literature, regardless of their native language. By offering these translations in Spanish and Haitian Creole, we are taking a step toward a more inclusive literary landscape, in the Virgin Islands, the Caribbean region and the world where all children can enjoy the same stories.”
Grant commented on translation, saying, “These stories hold a special place in my heart, and I am thrilled to share them with Spanish and Haitian Creole-speaking children” adding that “Language should never be a barrier to the world of imagination and learning, and I hope these translations bring joy to many young readers and can be enjoyed by families in Spanish-speaking and Haitian Creole-speaking communities.”
All books are available in print and Amazon Kindle format. The first three of Grant’s published works: “When I Grow Up”, “Where I Live”, and “Health and Safety for You and Me”, have been featured in the US Virgin Islands Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge and the British Virgin Islands’ Summer Reading List. They are also found in homes and libraries throughout the Caribbean, the US Mainland, South Africa, and Peru; just to name a few. “We are excited to add the new versions to classrooms and homes across the territory and beyond,”
Grant said. Media inquiries or request for copies can be made via email at rick.grant@rickssgrant.com or phone at (340) 201-8477.