Two wonderful Windrush books for you
One lyrical illustrated biographical story
Of singer and actress Mona Baptiste
Who sailed to England on the Empire Windrush
At the age of 20
Mona Baptiste sang all around the world
And is most famous for the song ‘Calypso Blues’
We Sang Across the Sea
The Empire Windrush and Me
Is a colourful book
With vibrant illustrations by Oninye Iwu
This special story is a joy to read aloud
Written by Benjamin Zephaniah
The words dance across the page
And it is impossible to read them
Without feeling their rhythm
This is a book that sings to readers
With heart and soul
It tells a tale of all the hopes, dreams and bravery
Of the people who travelled to England
Aboard the Empire Windrush
In search of a better life for themselves
And their families
This is the perfect picture book
To introduce The Windrush Generation
To younger readers
It would be wonderful to read this story
Then listen to Benjamin Zephaniah’s poetry
And also to the songs of Mona Baptiste
While encouraging children to think of
How it would feel to leave their home
And travel somewhere far far away
To begin a new life
Granny Came Here On The Empire Windrush
Is a stunning book
With gorgeous prose from Patrice Lawrence
And beautiful illustrations by Camilla Sucre
I adore this book and I cannot read it
Without crying
I love the bond between Ava and her Granny
I love the admiration and respect Ava has for her Granny
I love that this story shows one of the key ways we learn history
From the mouths of our elders
Their stories matter
They shape us
And they shape the future
They make sure that we never forget
The struggles and achievements of people
Who came before us
Ava has to dress up for school
As someone that she admires
She talks to her Granny
As she is struggling to decide who to be
Together they head to ‘the trunk’
Where Granny keeps clothes, jewellery and accessories
Inspired the items they pick out from the trunk
Granny talks to Eva about who she might dress up as for school
With a necklace of sparkling beads
Granny suggests Winifred Atwell
A singer from Trinidad
Where Granny was born too
But Ava had not heard of her before
With a headscarf
Granny suggests Mary Seacole
Ava knows all about her
And admires her greatly
But her cousin is already dressing as Mary Seacole
Ava would like to be someone different
With a wrinkly brown jacket
Granny suggest Rosa Parks
Ava knows her story
But also knows that her two best friends
Will be dressed as her for school
Ava looks into the trunk
And pulls out a small cardboard suitcase
Granny’s grip
The small case she carried with her
When she sailed aboard the Empire Wiindrush
From Trinidad to England
All those years ago
Together Ava and Granny look through the contents of the case
And Granny tells Ava the story of her voyage to England
How arriving here was not what she had expected
How the weather was cold and the people could be cruel
How she was sad and lonely and longed for home
But was also determined to stay
Granny tells Ava a tale of courage and fear
Of strength, resilience and determination
Of hopes and dreams and happiness
Ava listens intently to her Granny
And knows just who she wants to dress as for school
A hero very close to home
Who Ava not only greatly admires but also dearly loves
And just writing this review
The tears are falling again
This is an incredible book
Powerful and emotive storytelling
The perfect picture book for exploring with older children
Children could find out more about The WIndrush Generation
They could research the inspirational women featured in the story
They could think about what they might pack
In a small carry case to remind them of home
Windrush Day is on 22nd June.
You can find out more about it and resources to use with children at Twinkl Resources and at the CBBC Newsround website