My 9 year old loved it! Hes a Big tech fan but he put his tablet down and read it from cover to cover. He asked questions and said he liked it! Love the colorful and cheerful illustrations. Great job. Love the author and her inspirational story!- Lisa Blackwood
This is a book for the entire family! What we loved the most were the vibrant illustrations and the engaging story from beginning to end. My six-year-old son was able to read a few pages to his sister. He was energized to read the book to us. Keep developing more stories like this Lead Forward Publishing Team!!!!- Mitchell
Deborah Mortimer has done it AGAIN! What a charming, charming story! I was transported to the Caribbean right along with the author and illustrator. I mean, the sun as a steel drum! Loved it and every part of this book. Every child (and adult!) will now wish for an island adventure.- Verified Purchaser
This book is like an animated movie where it’s geared towards children but the adults end up enjoying it even more. It reminds me of stories I have heard from cousins about going home for the summer. Deborah has another hit on her hands!!!- SnickyJ
I read all of the books by this author, and each new book becomes my favorite. Summer Island is a vacation in a book. Illustrations are amazing, colorful, and the rhymes make the reading easy and engaging. I ordered a physical copy to add to my daughter's library.-I Love Rhyming Books
I purchased this book for my grandson who’s just learning to read. He just took a trip to the islands to visit his Caribbean family, so now we can talk about how similar he is to the main character. He’s going to love it.- Jinja
What a lovely, happy, beautiful story!
This book is a joy to read. It's a story of wonder, family, love and a touch of paradise! Children will love the illustrations as they introduce the islands in such a colorful, magical, and inviting way. They are absolutely beautiful. This story of a little girl going with her daddy to visit his homeland and meet her island family is so sweet. It makes you wish you could go along with her! I actually think this story introduces the joy and wonder of traveling to a faraway place; and what a great lesson for young readers. I imagine many children will dream of visiting with their own families one day.
I highly recommend! This book will be a bedtime, story time, and family favorite for sure.- Naomi Dunsen-White
Wow! You surely do not need to be a kid to enjoy this children's book!! It's such a fun read for everyone! The story is well told and the pictures make it come to life. Highly recommended read!!- Amber Mya Charles
This book is AMAZING!!!! I love the flow of the story and the animations made it all come to life. As a daughter of two West Indian born parents this brought back memories of meeting & reconnecting with family over the Summer vacations. This is such an engaging read for children!!!- Cleo D
Although my 2 month old granddaughter has no clue as to what I read to her, I'm so excited to add it to her library to read again as she gets older. I'm sure she enjoyed the vibrant colors and rhyming flow along with her Gaga's animation and smile.
Love it girl 🥰- Deanna Walter
As a reading teacher, I love the rhyming and colorful word choice! I cannot wait to share this gem with students and colleagues but, especially as a gift for young readers in my family. Great work, Deborah C. Mortimer :)- Eugenia Cooley
This story was a short and sweet heart-warming story about family. It can definitely be used as a learning tool to little ones, teaching them that even though there are culture differences, there's still a common denominator--love.- A.R. Myers
I was really impressed with the illustrations of this book as it was very colorful and interactive.
And lastly… I was curious as to what was going to be the ending thought of her visit with Grandma.- Beverly Moore Cooke
Summer Island is a sweet story of family connection across many miles. The lyrical prose and vibrant illustrations will bring you back to the book over and over, and you will want to share it with the people you love. A truly enjoyable escape.- Verified Purchaser
A lovely, bright and colourful children's picture book.
Summer Island is a great storytime read for children.
The illustrations are fabulous too.- Hayley
Summer Island” by Deborah C. Mortimer gave me allll the feels!! I hopped on that airplane with young Deborah and her Daddy and enjoyed the Islands with every rhythmic stanza and beautiful illustration!
When the book arrived THIS AFTERNOON, I ripped it open and immediately got my fix, then I placed it on my daughter's bed as it would be tonight’s bedtime story.- Patricia Bellamy-Mathis
I loved reading this story. I smiled with every turn of the page. The colors and illustrations are absolutely beautiful. The story was written in rhyme and made me feel like I was there on the island as well. I reminisced on my travels to the Bahamas to see my family while reading this book. Great story for children AND adults.- Shanita Allen
New children’s book celebrates Caribbean heritage and culture.
August 9, 2023: ALLENTOWN, PA – Leap Forward Publishing proudly announces the book release of its latest addition, Summer Island. Penned by author Deborah C. Mortimer, this delightful book, rich in imagery and spirit, paints a vibrant portrait of Caribbean heritage and culture. Readers of all ages will gain a new appreciation of the sun-soaked shores and rhythmic beats of island life.
Summer Island sends readers to the Caribbean, capturing its rich culture and vibrant experiences. We ride alongside a young girl as she visits her father’s birthplace for the first time. Here we uncover new discoveries and incredible family connections, especially with her wise and beloved Granny. Ideal for K-5 students, the book promotes cultural appreciation, world exploration, and the values of family and community.
This children’s book release comes at the heels of National Caribbean Heritage Month, which was celebrated in June. The engaging story strongly emphasizes the power of family ties. The author is herself a child of Caribbean parents. She uses this extraordinary story to celebrate her family, opening up a world of new experiences for readers of all ages and backgrounds to delve deeper into the diverse wonders of the islands.
The book launch for Summer Island is set for Thursday, August 24, 2023, from 4-6 pm at the cozy ambiance of The End Bookstore located at 3055 W. Tilghman Street, Allentown, PA. This will be a rare chance to get to know the author on a personal level, gain unique insights into her writing process, and get their book copy signed.
Deborah C. Mortimer has carved a niche for herself in children’s literature. Her books aren’t just stories - they are experiences. Her previous work Zorah and the Very Big Question, focuses on the classic challenge of what kids want to be when they grow up. Readers follow Zorah as she explores how her strengths and interests relate to many professions like lawyer, scientist, ballerina or even president. This inspiring tale emphasizes the power of ambition, representation, and self-belief for readers of all ages.
Another well-known release includes When You Give a Girl a Puppy... chronicling the heartwarming journey of a girl and her puppy, emphasizing their deep bond and the growth of the girl's confidence and imagination. This book gained immense popularity and was even featured and read by Hollywood's beloved actor, Ryan Reynolds, on his heartwarming show, Bedtime Stories with Ryan.
Leap Forward Publishing, founded with the guiding principle of inclusivity, is proud to include Mortimer’s latest release. As a leading force in highlighting stories that mirror the diverse experiences of children from every corner of the world, additions like Summer Island provide broader representation across the literary landscape. Every child deserves to see themselves in the stories they read. Children's books are pivotal in shaping perceptions, understanding differences, and fostering respect. With its engaging narrative and mesmerizing visuals, Summer Island is poised to be an essential addition to bookshelves, libraries, and educational institutions.
For more information about Mortimer’s incredible books and the upcoming Summer Island book launch, visit www.leapforwardbooks.com.
~ About Leap Forward Publishing: Leap Forward Publishing was born from a passion for storytelling and an earnest desire to spotlight diverse narratives. With a vision to craft books that serve as windows to the world, this diverse company empowers children of all backgrounds to see themselves and explore the stories of others.
