– hopes to spread message of sharing through poetry
Local author Tarik Braithwaite during an interview with this publication
Author of “Trapped” and “The Art of Blooming”, Tarik Braithwaite, has published his first children’s book, titled ‘Crocodile Benji’.
The book targets children between the ages of 6 and 10 years old, is penned in poetic verse, and offers a delightful blend of imagination and moral lessons surrounding friendships and sharing.
The story revolves around the eponymous character Benji, a formidable and grumpy crocodile who fiercely guards his swamp from intruders. With an unwavering determination to keep his domain to himself, Benji shuns the company of his fellow swamp dwellers, refusing to share his space with anyone.
However, as the narrative unfolds, Benji embarks on a transformative journey, guided by the universal values of friendship and togetherness. Through a series of heartwarming encounters with his friends, Benji learns the importance of sharing and cooperation, ultimately realizing that true happiness lies in companionship and mutual support.
Further, Crocodile Benji represents a departure from the conventional narrative structure. It embraces the fluidity of poetic verses to captivate young minds by infusing the story with themes of sharing and friendship. The author hopes to also promote empathy, compassion, and a sense of community among readers.
Author’s vision
In a world in which children’s literature is undergoing a paradigm shift, Crocodile Benji stands out as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling. Speaking about the inspiration behind the book, Braithwaite told Guyana Times his hope is for Crocodile Benji to fill a void in the literary landscape by crafting a narrative that not only entertains, but also instills valuable life lessons.
“My hope is to get them (children) to interact with the characters, interact amongst themselves and have fun with the project. It is good when we can educate children around the world, but I don’t think you can take away, at this stage, the fun from learning so the two kind of work antagonistically,” Braithwaite told this publication.
The evolving world
of children’s literature
In an era marked by technological advancements and shifting cultural dynamics, the landscape of children’s literature is undergoing a profound transformation. Gone are the days of simplistic narratives; today’s young readers crave stories that challenge their imagination and stimulate their intellect.
In response to this evolving landscape, many authors are pioneering new storytelling techniques and thematic explorations to cater to the diverse needs of young audiences.
In essence, Crocodile Benji represents a shining example of this literary evolution, offering a narrative that not only entertains, but also enriches the minds and hearts of its readers. In this regard, the 28-year-old author takes pride in the ability to hand draw all the characters before they were digitally illustrated.
“As writers, we need to evolve as well with the generation, if we want to appeal to them. We can’t appeal to them using traditional methods, so we need to evolve and develop new methods, methods that could apply to them. This is one of the gaps I think we need to touch on, because it’s not that children are no longer into reading books, but it’s how we put it over to them,” Braithwaite added.
Future projects
Braithwaite, who majors in law studies, promises his readers quality and timeless content. In this regard, he is currently working on several new projects, including his first novel, ‘Red Light City’, which will narrate the history of mining in Guyana, specifically in the Amerindian community of Kamarang, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
According to Braithwaite, this project compiles multiple short stories based on the art and culture of pork-knocking, challenges, and common myths and legends.
“The Red-Light City is going to be a book that I am going to focus a little bit more on bringing out my Guyanese culture and Caribbean culture. I have always wanted to dedicate a book specifically to that; because, when you go around the world, you will still be seen as a Caribbean writer, but yet the question is posed as to how you can be a Caribbean writer when none of your content is Caribbean-based… And I think that’s where the Red-Light City comes into play, because you are going to see a lot more use of creole language and familiar content that Guyanese can relate to,” Braithwaite disclosed.
Crocodile Benji can be purchased at business outlet Book Hub or Book Cub. It is also available on Amazon in hardcover, paperback, and e-book versions.
