Malaika's Winter Carnival by Nadia L. Hohn

Malaika's Winter Carnival by Nadia L. Hohn Malaika is back and she is in for a change of scenery. In this follow-up to Malaika's Costume, the girl is transported from her Caribbean community to Quebec when her mother meets and marries Mr. Frédéric. Mr. Frédéric is French Canadian, with "different talk" than Malaika is accustomed to and he comes with a daughter named Adèle. Malaika must adjust to many changes in Quebec, the biggest being loneliness for her family and culture. "When I get there, the children speak a different way. The teacher speak a different way. No one understand me. I hate it." The story, written in a blend of English and Caribbean patois, includes vocabulary like breadfruit, chinep, and toque. The words are highlighted in a short glossary at the beginning of the book. The patchwork illustrations create a bright glimpse into Caribbean and city life. VERDICT Good introductory text to highlight the significance of moving, blending cultures and family, and life in a different country

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