This unique, vibrant picture book follows a little girl’s journey to understand and be true to herself amidst the lively backdrop of carnival season in Trinidad, where New York-based author/illustrator O’Brien was born. The daughter of carnival revelers, Lil’ Miss Sugarcane is raised to love the exuberant pre-Lenten celebration. The book starts with her parents’ love story–her father, the original Robber, “in a twist” has his heart stolen by her mother, Dame Lorraine. As Sugarcane gets older, she shows her feisty personality–instead of being sweet like sugar, she bites like a barracuda. “Mommy would try to fit me in dresses with cute frills, pretty bows, and little top hats. But Miss Dame Lorraine soon realized dat I, Lil’ Miss Sugarcane, would be having none of dat.”

With her parents’ love and acceptance, Sugarcane overcomes the obstacles she faces to become the truest version of herself–the Midnight Robber, who “learned to steal deh hearts of millions, one verse and rhyme at a time.” This includes facing the relatable challenge of bullies. “I’m rough and tough like leather, and dresses ain’t never been my ting,” Sugarcane says. “If bullies want to poke fun at dat, den brace for deh verbal arrows I go sling!” One of this book’s most interesting aspects is its Caribbean dialect, supplemented by a playful glossary, which makes reading it out loud an immersive and exciting cultural experience for kids.

Along with the text, O’Brien’s detailed, expressive illustrations show Sugarcane dancing, dressing in costumes, and playing on a beach with her family, which illuminate the text and will spark young readers’ imaginations. The costumes are especially fascinating, a visual feast of pirates, parasols, playing cards, and ballgowns, often rendered with just the right touch of spooky, whimsical flair. This lively book will also help children and their parents talk about the importance of self-expression and acceptance–and maybe even inspire the creation of a colorful costume or two.

Takeaway: A little girl’s journey to be true to herself amidst the lively backdrop of carnival season in Trinidad.

Great for fans of: Nadia L. Hohn’s Malaika’s Costume, Errol Lloyd’s Nini At Carnival.

Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A
Editing: B+
Marketing copy: B