Aniesa Gismondi, driven to connect her daughter to Trinidad and Tobago’s culture from afar, authored two narrated coloring books: “Let’s Colour Carnival” and “Let’s Colour Divali.” These books introduce children to traditional mas characters and significant cultural celebrations through engaging storytelling. Gismondi’s works aim to ensure that Caribbean children appreciate their vibrant heritage, facilitating a connection to their roots even while living abroad.
In an effort to connect her young daughter, Ila, to Trinidad and Tobago’s rich culture while living in California, Aniesa Gismondi has authored a second narrated colouring book entitled “Let’s Colour Carnival.” This book showcases traditional Carnival mas characters, aiming to instill an appreciation for the island’s history and creativity in children.
Gismondi emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural narratives through storytelling, stating, “The costumes I concentrated on in the book tell stories of our past, our people and our identity.” She designed the book to be interactive, making learning fun and engaging for young readers.
Using the pen name Ila Maharaj, Gismondi draws inspiration from her daughter and her mother’s maiden name. Concerned that Ila, raised away from Trinidad, might lack an understanding of her heritage, Gismondi aims to help Caribbean children in the diaspora remain connected to their roots. “Trinidad culture is so vibrant and unique that I wanted to ensure they would appreciate and celebrate it the way I do,” she reflects.
An avid reader, Gismondi encouraged family and friends to gift her daughter books during her baby shower. Her desire to find a children’s book about Divali for Ila highlighted a lack of relevant literature, prompting her to write her own. Gismondi holds a degree in agricultural business from the University of the West Indies and has a background in both teaching and writing.
Her first book, “Let’s Colour Divali,” was published in October 2024, followed by her second book, which aims to enrich children’s understanding of Carnival. Gismondi noted her intent to explore Carnival’s origins more deeply but decided to keep it simple for younger audiences, focusing on the essence of traditional mas characters with playful rhymes.
Aniesa Gismondi’s commitment to preserving Trinidad and Tobago’s culture through children’s literature is evident in her works, “Let’s Colour Carnival” and “Let’s Colour Divali.” By creating interactive and educational books, she aims to connect her daughter, and other children, to their Caribbean heritage. Her passion for storytelling and cultural identity is poised to enrich the lives of Caribbean children both in Trinidad and the diaspora.
Original Source: newsday.co.tt
