Inspiring Young Readers

posted on 19 Jul 2026

Rasta Granny’s Rainbow by Jessica Wilson, illustrated by Rochelle Falconer

I was delighted to receive a review copy of this unusual picture book by this talented award-winning poet. I very much enjoyed an earlier book, Sofia the Dreamer and her Magical Afro,  which emphasised the importance of hair in African and Caribbean cultural identity – I often recommend it.

Hair is still significant in this story because distinctive dreadlocks adorn the head of the Rastafarian Granny portrayed with her grandson on the cover. But the main theme is about how she and the boy can create some tasty, multi-coloured food together. Preparing and sharing traditional food as a family/ community lies at the heart of most cultures, but picture books often focus on special occasions such as Eid, Hanukah and Christmas. This one is different, because I get the feeling that this rainbow feast is part of Granny’s everyday repertoire. The story is set in Jamaica and the sun shines strongly through the plentiful illustrations by Rochelle Falconer.  

Young Dylan is a typical child who wakes up hungry:

‘The sunrise is flecked with tangerine clouds.

Dylan opens his eyes.

His stomach growls.’

It is raining hard outside which is perhaps why he looks rather miserable. When I shared the story with some five- year-old friends, they wondered if he was missing his parents shown in a couple of family photos hanging on the wall. He goes into the kitchen to find his happy looking granny busily preparing the first meal of the day. I couldn’t help comparing my own very simple breakfast preparations for grandchildren, which are usually variations on fruit, cereal and eggs whilst listening to news on the radio. Jessica Wilson paints a very different experience of sounds and smells, all represented by detailed and colourful illustrations:

‘The air hums with ska and garlic, dub beats and turmeric.

Smoke twists from bubbling pots

and incense sticks.’

What follows is the revelation that Dylan is unhappy at school, as well as feeling sad about the weather. What he needs is his loving Granny to help him to move towards a more positive mood, and to develop his confidence by making a rainbow feast. As the story unfolds, we were intrigued to learn about some unfamiliar foods such as fried plantain, red ackee, cornmeal porridge, green callaloo and duckanoo. Our mouths were watering as the pair chop, peel and blend the various fruits and vegetables that are transformed into a delicious meal that transports them into an ecstasy of flavours. Alongside the sumptuous illustrations throughout, we were transfixed by the beautiful language:

‘Nutmeg warming bitter sorrel. The cloud-lightness of soursop 

Easing rain- soaked todays and powdery- grey tomorrows.’ 

We agreed that Dylan was very lucky to have such a wonderful Granny, and very pleased to find that several of her recipes are included on the final pages.

I strongly recommend this inspirational picture book which will definitely inspire aspiring young poets, illustrators and cooks. It might even influence my own breakfast- making in the future. It is published by Two Hoots and should be available to buy from your local independent bookshop, who will order a copy if not already on their shelves.

 

 Karen Argent

July 2026