Congratulations to calypsonian Kenneth ‘Rabo’ Silcott who officially launches his first children’s book on Saturday morning at the Montserrat Public Library.
The Adventures of Jojo – The Dungeon is Rabo’s first published book but he’s pretty sure it won’t be the last.
Jojo, is a turtle fashioned after the author’s bad boy days growing up in St John’s, Montserrat.
“I wanted him to be a bad boy but as I began to think about him I realised everything he did has consequences,” Silcott told Discover Montserrat. Jojo’s best friend is a dolphin named Cecil. Their friendship gets tested in this colourfully illustrated story.
“It feels really good to know the book is completed and ready for children to enjoy. It has been four years in the making,” he shared.
While the idea for the story came to him while he still lived in the United States, it was returning to Montserrat two years ago that provided the space and time for reflection which he needed in order to complete it.
It’s been a pretty good year for the artist who was second in the 2016 Calypso Monarch competition and recently found out two of his songs have been nominated for indie awards.
“The Adventures of Jojo – The Dungeon explores the theme of true friendship between a turtle and a dolphin, which transcends differences … appearance, culture and lifestyle. The story also lends itself to discuss the value of holding and sharing “secrets” as we continue to educate children about protecting themselves from all forms of abuse” says Sheron C Burns, PhD.
Rabo hopes he’s been able to translate the feelings and memories of the way he grew up into the book, written for children five to ten years old. “I hope it gives them a reason to smile and I want parents to take the time to read it with them.”
The Adventures of Jojo – The Dungeon is available on amazon.com in both paperback and Kindle. Copies will also be available for sale at the book launch which begins at 10:30AM at the Public Library in Brades. Books are also on sale at the Montserrat Arts Council office in Little Bay.
