Malaika, Carnival Queen by Nadia L. Hohn, illustrated by Irene Luxbacher

Malaika learns about her father, who came to Canada as a migrant farm worker when she was just a baby and who shared her love of carnival.

Malaika dreams about a man with a basket of fruit and guesses that the dream is about her father. Mummy explains that her daddy passed away long ago, and Grandma decides it's time Malaika knew more about her father's life.

The family drives to a far-off farm where they receive a warm welcome and visit the orchard where Malaika's father picked fruit. The farm workers tell Malaika that her daddy had always dreamed of celebrating carnival there, just like back home. Will Malaika agree to be their Carnival Queen for the harvest festival?

(FromGroundwood Books)

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NadiaL. Hohn is a Toronto-basedaward-winning writer and educator. She is the author of numerous picture books which includesMalaika's Costume,Malaika's Winter Carnival,Malaika's SurpriseandHarriet Tubman: Freedom Fighter, illustrated by Gustavo Mazali.

Her writing inspired by her childhood memories, Jamaican heritage, Black culture, world travels, and social issues.