World Book Day

“World Book Day is a celebration! It’s a celebration of authors, illustrators, books and (most importantly) it’s a celebration of reading. In fact, it’s the biggest celebration of its kind, designated by UNESCO as a worldwide celebration of books and reading, and marked in over 100 countries all over the world.” - www.worldbookday.com

This is the 15th year there’s been a World Book Day. In the UK and Ireland, it is celebrated on the first Thursday in March while many other countries celebrate it on 23^rd April.

Here in Bim, DAYS BOOKS is celebrating it and I’ve been invited to take part. Here’s the remit:

“The theme is “Read a book, share a story,” and you will be joining other local writers, educators and school children for a lively afternoon of readings, book signings, panel discussion, and the launch of Days Books’ new website www.daysbookstore.com.

You will be taking part in the panel discussion to be broadcast live via Starcom at 2:15 p.m. and lasting one hour. Hot topics will be the importance of reading, what sharing stories meant to you growing up and your favourite books.”

The picture shows Jehanne (daughter and illustrator) and I with our first book, "Would You Please Fetch Me A Pail?" Granddaughter, Gabriela 'reads'.

Over The Moon

Ping Pong is now on the shelves of gift shops island-wide.

Andromeda Gardens Gift Shop

Barbados Museum

Best of Barbados Shops

Days Books

Deanna Dash’s Toy Shops

Flower Forest

Gallery of Caribbean Art

Islandcrafts

St. Nicholas Abbey

The Tamarind Seed

Also available from these retailers are:

Would You Please Fetch Me A Pail?

Christophore

Away To Bequia

Ananasi And Herald, The Fowl-Cock

Giant African Land Snails is available on-line from Amazon or Book Depository - you may be lucky to find one of the last copies available on the island.

The Slipway - Carriacou

Dick and I recently visited our friends, Dani and Jerry, in Carriacou*. I enjoy visiting, as living appears unhurried there.

Last year Dani teamed up with Kate, an excellent chef, to open a restaurant on the site of the old slipway at Tyrell Bay. I was curious and eager to see it and found it delightful. Its location is cool and commands a great view of the bay. The second day we were there for lunch, an old ferry broke its mooring and headed towards the ocean. Miraculously it missed all the yachts at anchor. From our table we were able to watch the rescue operation.

The restaurant’s furnishings are simple and comfortable. They created some specials pieces by incorporating old machinery from the slipway in the bar and some tables.

We ate several meals there - all were excellent. Chocoholics must try the Chocolate Torte. The menu changed daily offering variety to suit most. There were fish, meat and vegan options at very reasonable prices. So when you’re in the Grenadines, check out The Slipway.

*Carriacou is the largest island of the Grenadines, an archipelago in southern Caribbean. It is 13 square miles of hilly terrain with a population around 5,000 persons. It has several natural harbours, coral reefs and small offshore islets.