Welcome to Litsy!

This was a quick and creepy MG read. I like that it focuses on Caribbean folklore and delves into the question of is it our island because we live here or theirs because they were here first. It reminded me of The Ocean at the End of the Lane (not a good thing) at times. Not sure if I‘ll continue the series, but not set against it. Low pick, mainly for diverse rep.

If there is one thing I took away from this story is that I need to go learn exactly what a Jumbie is, because I was left confused. I thought it was a specific type of supernatural creature but at some point in the story it felt more like an umbrella term, so kudos for the author making me want to learn more (although I‘m sure she didn‘t intend for it to be this way lol) The story it‘s self was fun but overall not as scary as I hoped for.

This was cute, I did recognize some the the influence that these stories have across other genres. This was for the Black SFF A Thon read a thon that started today.

So, I‘m starting a journey into more Middle Grade reading. An agent I recently submitted to passed on my Young Adult manuscript, but had some interesting feedback. She thinks my writing style might work well with MG, so I‘m going to read more of it and see if it sparks any story ideas. One of my best friends (who does write MG) recommended some books. The Jumbies sounded cool, so I put it at the top of my reading list. Here we go!

My review of this book can be found on my Youtube Vlog at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7tZjgM4Cec

Enjoy!

Another great day of reading.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - The Jumbies
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - The Last Life of Prince Alastor

I loved that this juvenile fiction book is based on Caribbean folklore. I think I would have enjoyed reading it better than listening because my mind wandered quite a bit but I find that‘s often the case with kids books. There are a couple more books in this series. I enjoyed what the author, Tracey Baptiste, had to say about her books last week at a Feminism and Children‘s Literature emporium I was fortunate to attend.

The Jumbies is the perfect MG October read! Based on Carribean folklore, jumbies are types of malevolent creatures that come out at night to kill humans. There's a war going on between jumbies and humans, and although this is a creepy read, it's also a story of friendship, family, acceptance, and love. There's lots of action, so perfect for reluctant readers.

Despite its fantastical premise the message is classic... love conquers all! ❤️ Beautiful book!
This is a book that I would recommend to children of all ages!

Please read my full review here:
https://thereadingmermaidsreviews.weebly.com/book-reviews/the-jumbies-by-tracey-...

Or you can watch my review here:
https://youtu.be/H_4DRXpRPus

Review video for the week is up:

https://youtu.be/H_4DRXpRPus 😊

It's a middle-grades novel based on a Caribbean folk tale about a girl who goes into the forest and catches the attention of something that has lived there a very long time .... Fun, fresh, and the right sort of spooky for its audience. I'll read the next.

The author was a guest earlier this month at my employer's Children's Literature Festival. I didn't catch her presentation but heard enthusiastic reports that she is an excellent storyteller.

Although I feel there were parts it could‘ve been written a bit better, this was an enjoyable book. I love the idea of more fairytales surrounding other parts of the world. Overall a very good read and perfect for children

#booktober day 9:favourite mg series. The Jumbies and Rise Of the Jumbies are such exciting books with realistic characters who handle their situation in a way that‘s believable (despite the fact they are taking on Jumbies!) My 8yr old kid loves it‘s do I! #mgbooktober

This was a fun middle grade read! Would be perfect addition for a unit on folklore. I‘m excited to read the sequel.

Love this!

I clocked in a total of 4 hours and 14 mins for #24in48. Wish I could‘ve read more but I did manage to finish a book and a half. This middle grade novel was scary but fun in every way. Really glad to have met this author and hear her speak this year. POC fairytales are a thing! And I love it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is my stack for #24in48 ... it‘s rather small but I don‘t know how much time I‘ll have to read. I may not make the full 24 because of a certain 9 year old, but I‘m excited to try!

I love fairy tale retellings, and this spooky middle reader based on Caribbean fairy tales was edpecially fun because I genuinely didn‘t know what would happen next.

I really enjoyed this middle grade novel focusing on creatures from Caribbean folklore. The characters were interesting, and the story was well written and had amazing pacing. I can‘t wait to read the sequel!

Letter J #litsyatoz

A slightly scary kids book to finish off October!

Looking for a sweet but spooky fairy tale? How about one set on an island and with creatures from Trinidadian folktales? Middle-grade but definitely not middle of the road boring.

Finished Walk on Earth yesterday & loved it! Will definitely continue the series!
So I decided to start reading The Jumbies! I had to...I've been neglecting my #MGlit. Gotta mix it up. Don't want to suffer "mal-LIT-trition". ? No? Too much? Sorry. ?
Well, let's just say that so far I'm LOVING THIS BOOK! I ? Corinne, our brave & bold MC. The setting, a beautiful Caribbean island. And our Jumbie, so cunning & elusive. Can't wait to find out more.

Absolutely charming for younger readers.

More evening reading. ❤️📚🤘🏻#catsoflitsy

This must be what heaven is like: Indian food, Girl Scout cookies, and a fun middle grade novel to pass the evening. Baptiste's novel is inspired by the Haitian folktale "The Magic Orange Tree." This is just the sort of book my budding horror fiction fangirl 9-year-old self would've devoured. So pleased that the female protagonist, Corinne, is a strong, smart, and brave character. I recommend for the Rebel Girl (or Boy) in your life! #litsyatoz

An excellent, spooky fairy tale retelling from the Caribbean with a courageous and clever young girl as the protagonist. I'm suggesting this to middle grade readers looking for a longer chapter book that's like Goosebumps or American Chillers.

Starting my Month of spooky reads with The Jumbies. I love October! 👻

This book is so much fun--a creepy Caribbean folktale full of bizarre creatures. I am now compelled to re-watch one of my favorite movies, "I Walked With A Zombie"--which is essentially a retelling of "Jane Eyre" with Haitian voodoo.

Third reading location of the day--time to ease up a bit and coast into the evening. Should have this one finished before the glass runs dry.
#readathon #24in48

Off to a late start, but with a vengeance! First up is "The Jumbies"--will go nicely with coffee and the first of many snacks to come, scratch blueberry muffins. Snacks will be secured throughout the day, as I bounce from station to station!
#24in48 #readathon

Haven't read any J-fiction in 2016, so I'm using @24in48 as an excuse to plow through my Youth Librarian's SRP book talk recommendations. I am particularly excited for "The Jumbies", a Haitian horror tale.

Summer reading stack shaping up nicely.

Middle grade novel based on Haitian folklore. Rings my bells. I enjoyed it very much. Made me miss my time in the Caribbean, especially since summer has not found Chicago, yet.

Currently reading! Middle grade creepiness set in the Caribbean!