🌴 Introduction: Why Introduce Children to Barbados?
When you think of Barbados, you might imagine white sandy beaches, steel pan rhythms, flying fish, and joyful festivals — but this beautiful Caribbean island is much more than a postcard destination. It’s a place filled with history, culture, resilience, and pride.
As parents, carers, and educators, one of the most powerful ways to raise culturally aware children is to introduce them to diverse stories — especially those rooted in heritage.
So how do we bring the soul of Barbados to life for little ones? Simple: through a story shared by Grandma. 🧓🏾🧒🏾
📘 Meet the Book: Grandma, What’s That? Barbados
Part of the Grandma, What’s That? series, this delightful picture book follows a curious child as they explore Barbados with their beloved grandmother. It’s a joyful, educational, and heartwarming journey through the island’s food, music, traditions, and everyday life.
Designed for children aged 3–7, this story is perfect for:
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Families with Caribbean roots 🇧🇧
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Parents who want to diversify their bookshelves 🖤
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Teachers introducing global cultures in the classroom 🌍
📚 What Will Children Learn?
This isn’t just a book — it’s a cultural experience, beautifully illustrated and told through the loving voice of Grandma.
🐟 Bajan Culture Comes Alive
From flying fish and cou-cou to bands and the energy of Crop Over, children are introduced to Barbadian traditions with vibrant visuals and playful storytelling.
🧓🏾 Family and Generational Wisdom
Grandma’s voice brings comfort and connection. Through her, children learn how stories are passed down, and why it’s important to know where you come from.
🌈 Bold, Colourful Artwork
The illustrations are full of warmth and authenticity, inviting children to fully imagine life on the island.
✨ Identity and Pride
Whether Bajan-born or simply curious, young readers will walk away feeling more connected to themselves, their family, or the world.
👧🏾 Representation Matters
Children deserve to see characters who look like them, speak like them, and celebrate the same cultural moments they do.
Books like Grandma, What’s That? Barbados affirm Black Caribbean children’s identities and help children of all backgrounds develop empathy and understanding. ✊🏾📖
This is more than inclusion — it’s empowerment.
🎨 Fun Ideas to Bring the Book to Life
Here are some easy, fun ways to turn reading into a full cultural experience:
🍽️ Host a “Bajan Day” at Home
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Cook macaroni pie or Bajan fish cakes
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Play calypso or Rihanna’s early hits
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Try speaking a few Bajan phrases and have a laugh together 😄
✏️ Creative Activities
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Colour in the Barbados flag 🇧🇧
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Draw your favourite scene from the book
🗣️ Ask Questions That Spark Connection
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“What do you think Barbados looks like in real life?”
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“What was your favourite part of Grandma’s day?”
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“Do you know where our family comes from?”
📚 A Brilliant Choice for Schools & Libraries
This book is an excellent fit for:
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Black History Month in the UK (October)
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Cultural Diversity Week
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Early Years story time and Key Stage 1 global learning units
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Multicultural children’s book corners in libraries 📚🏫
If you’re a teacher, this book can help you engage children with storytelling that reflects both the African diaspora and global Black joy.
💬 What Readers Are Saying
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“My son was mesmerised — he’s never seen a book about Barbados before. We read it three times in one night!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“As a Caribbean parent in the UK, this book made me emotional. I’m so proud to pass this down to my daughter.”
🛍️ Where to Buy
You can find Grandma, What’s That? Barbados exclusively at NineMileBabies, where we celebrate culture, connection, and childhood through beautifully written stories.
📦 Fast UK & international shipping available.
🎁 Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or cultural gift boxes!
🌟 Final Thoughts
Books are more than bedtime stories — they’re bridges between generations, cultures, and countries.
Grandma, What’s That? Barbados helps children see the world in full colour, while honouring their heritage and encouraging curiosity. Whether you're passing on your own culture or introducing a new one, this book belongs on your child’s shelf.
📚 Because every child deserves stories that reflect who they are — and who they can become. 🖤🌍✊🏾