Yolanda T. Marshall is a Guyanese-born Canadian Author. The daughter of a Jazz musician, she began writing poems at eight. A cross-genre writer, world traveller, jazz lover and devoted mother, she embodies art and takes her readers on adventurous, cultured journeys. Yolanda is also a columnist/editor for Canada's Caribbean Camera newspaper's “Lit Corner”. This author is Agented.
Titles since 2020 have been traditionally published in Canada.
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"Christmas Elves Being Themselves" is a festive story about elves being their unique and merriest selves: these elves ‘ confidence will encourage readers to celebrate our differences. A curious elf prefers to learn about how families celebrate Christmas worldwide. The busy elf decides to enjoy a beach vacation, while an adventurous elf takes a jolly ride down the chimney. One likes veggies more than cookies. Santa loves them all the same, even when they play naughty pranks. The publisher of this title is Chalkboard Publishing, D.E.A.R. Books. Like many of her other books, this picture book is beautifully illustrated by Daria Lavrova.
ByBlacks - Celebrate Black Canadian Authors
MORNIN' BARBADOS - CBC TV 8 Appearance
Author Of The Year 2022 Loop Awards
Additional titles are coming soon.
"Little Readers" is a line of books that encourage young children to read with a purpose and are excellent for culturally responsive educators and parents. These titles are exclusive to the Canadian publisher Chalkboard Publishing, D.E.A.R. Books. Like many of the author's books, this educational collection is written to celebrate and represent the diverse cultures within the African and Caribbean diaspora.
Let's improve the reading rates and experiences of all children/students.
"Hot Cross Buns For Everyone" is an inclusive 2022 Easter release. Jackson’s friends and families bake assorted hot cross buns for his Easter party. Liam’s foster parents use his most memorable Scottish ingredient, and Dimitri’s dad adds Greek mahlepi spice. Some have rainbow colours for all to see and a sweet Jamaican bun and cheese recipe! One by one, the children arrive with hot cross buns for everyone. It is illustrated by Daria Lavrova. The publisher of this title is Chalkboard Publishing.
CBC's picture books to watch for Spring 2022 list.
Indigo - Author book signing and launch
The Star Newspaper - Halton School Board appearance Kindergarden to Grade 8
“A Piece of Black Cake for Santa” was originally published in 2017, and it is the Author’s second Children’s book. A new edition, illustrated by a South African Illustrator, Subi Bosa, was published in 2019. In 2021, this title was adopted and traditionally by Chalkboard Publishing. This book demonstrates the holiday experience of Femi and her friends, who planned to leave a few traditional Caribbean treats out for Santa, including Black Cake. The children share warm wishes for their favourite dishes while enjoying winter activities at the Christmas fair. The Canadian edition includes a Black Cake recipe.
One of the UK's ten best diverse and inclusive Christmas books for children by Hello Magazine
View the television appearance - Caribbean Christmas Traditions
WRTV - ABC NEWS television appearance USA
The Canadian Children's Book Centre's Best Books for Kids & Teens, Spring 2022
"C is for Carnival" was published on August 1st 2021, by Chalkboard Publishing. D is for dance! E is for emancipation! This rhyming alphabet book celebrates Canada's Caribbean Carnival from A to Z. This engaging and educational book features a diverse cast of children in vibrant costumes as they 'play mas' while dancing to Soca and Calypso music. A glossary at the end makes it easy for readers, including parents and teachers, to review what they have learned. It is illustrated by Daria Lavrova. This book includes a Paratha Roti recipe.
She Does The City article, "16 Compelling Books By Black Canadian Authors."
Newspaper article - The Star and Scarborough Mirror
TV media appearance - BREAKFAST TELEVISION
The Canadian Children's Book Centre's Best Books for Kids & Teens, Spring 2022
One of CBC's best picture books of 2020 is "My Soca Birthday Party: with Jollof Rice and Steel Pans."
As Anne’s birthday drew close, her friends prepared a soca party. Anne loves Caribbean soca music played on steel pans and West Africa’s spicy jollof rice. Hence, her friends planned to celebrate her special day with a fusion of sounds and traditional dishes from the Caribbean and African countries, representing their diverse yet comparable cultures. Anne was in for a real surprise. This book includes a Jollof Rice recipe. Subi Bosa illustrates it.
The publisher of this title is Chalkboard Publishing, and this is Marshall's first traditionally published book.
CBC The Next Chapter interview appearance - Listen here
Globe and Mail article - Introduction to this picture book
Children's books for Black History month
In June 2019, the Author launched "Miles Away In The Caribbean." This children's book is a poetically written, educational story about a Canadian boy named Miles (her son). In his magical spaceship, he visits Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago. Miles highlights magnificent landmarks and enjoys his cultural adventures. Illustrated by Beatriz Mellow.
Storytime on Bibliovideo - Full reading on video
Visuals of this book - Miles's adventure 2019 launch video
Miss Marshall’s 2018 release is “Sweet Sorrel Stand.” Rose and Nicolas loved their favourite Caribbean sorrel drink in this children's book. The siblings decided to create a sorrel stand with the assistance of their parents. Their Sweet Sorrel Stand was a success in the neighbourhood. The drink's main ingredient is the Roselle plant (Sorrel), a hibiscus native to West Africa. The red flower buds are boiled, strained, and sweetened with sugar, with a touch of ginger, cinnamon, orange peel and cloves. Once cooled for a couple of hours or overnight, it is served with ice. It is known to be very rich in antioxidants. Traditionally, this drink is done during the Christmas holidays. On a hot summer day, it is a refreshing alternative to lemonade.
After becoming a mom, she was inspired to write her second book, a children’s book named "Keman’s First Carnival." This 2016 publication is about a young, Black Canadian child’s first experience of Toronto’s annual Caribbean Carnival. The excited 8-year-old and his Mother enjoyed the rituals at the Caribbean celebration, such as picking a flag to wave, the Caribbean-influenced foods, dancing, costumes, and music.
The Author’s third release, “Messages on Dried Leaves,” is a mild resurrection of the Author’s first poetry book, ‘Obayifo.’ This book is a poetic collection.
The name of her first book, "Obayifo," originates from the Ashanti tribe. It is the name given to an African Witch. The poem visits the works of Obeah, its people and fears. This poetry book was published in 2008, while Yolanda attended the University of Toronto.
PrOFESSIONAL member of CANSCAIP (Canadian Society of Children's Authors, Illustrators and Performers) and The Writer's Union of Canada.
Books are available in various bookstores such as Indigo, A Different Booklist, Knowledge bookstore, TINLIDS, Another Story Bookshop, Barnes and Noble, AMAZON and more...
Also, CHECK YOUR LOCAL CANADIAN & local American libraries.
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