Coloring Books Bridge Cultural Gaps for Trinidadian Children

Aniesa Gismondi, a Trinidadian living in California, has created a narrated coloring book, “Let’s Colour Carnival,” to help her daughter connect with Trinidadian culture. The book introduces children to Carnival, celebrating traditional mas characters and the country’s vibrant history. Gismondi also wrote a Divali-themed book and intends to create a series showcasing Trinidadian cultural celebrations, emphasizing the value of cultural storytelling for future generations.

Aniesa Gismondi, living in California and longing to maintain her Trinidadian heritage, has authored her second narrated coloring book, “Let’s Colour Carnival.” This book aims to introduce children to the vibrant Trinidad and Tobago Carnival through traditional mas characters, while fostering an appreciation for the country’s rich history and creative spirit.

In her own words, Gismondi stated, “The costumes I concentrated on in the book tell stories of our past, our people and our identity. I wanted to ensure the traditional mas characters remain a part of our cultural storytelling for future generations.”

Using the pen name Ila Maharaj, inspired by her daughter, Gismondi seeks to create culturally engaging literature. She is motivated by the fear that her daughter, raised outside Trinidad, may not fully appreciate her roots. Gismondi emphasized, “My goal was to create books that help Caribbean children, both in Trinidad and Tobago and in the diaspora, stay connected to their roots.”

Her passion for reading drove her to collect children’s books highlighting various cultural celebrations, yet she found a lack of literature representing Divali. After researching, Gismondi realized that culturally relevant materials were not readily available, which inspired her to develop her own work. She stated, “When I was looking for a book on Divali for Ila, I realized I had none.”

Gismondi’s background includes a degree in agricultural business from UWI and experience in creative writing. After finding an illustrator in Trinidad to better capture local culture, she published her first book, “Let’s Colour Divali,” in October 2024 and is eager to expand into a series focused on Trinidadian cultural holidays.

In addition to promoting Carnival, Gismondi emphasizes that her book introduces younger audiences to the festival’s traditional aspects. She reflects on her intention to convey the meaning behind Carnival in simpler terms. An excerpt from her book encapsulates this artistic approach: “The memories of an ancient time, Create masqueraders of every kind…”

“Let’s Colour Carnival” is readily available for purchase at multiple local shops and online platforms, including Amazon. Interested readers may connect with Gismondi through her Facebook page or Instagram for further updates on her work and upcoming projects.

Aniesa Gismondi’s efforts to connect her daughter to Trinidad and Tobago’s culture through children’s literature highlights the importance of cultural preservation. Through her narrated coloring books, she aims to engage young readers with the rich traditions of her homeland, fostering identity and appreciation for heritage in the diaspora. Gismondi’s initiative underscores the vital role of storytelling in sustaining cultural connections across generations.

Original Source: newsday.co.tt