Aniesa Gismondi, residing in California, has developed a narrated coloring book series, including “Let’s Colour Carnival,” to connect her daughter Ila to Trinidad and Tobago’s culture. The books highlight traditional mas characters and cultural narratives, aiming to enrich children’s appreciation of their heritage. Gismondi’s passion for reading and cultural storytelling drives her mission to create accessible literature for Caribbean children.
In an effort to maintain cultural ties for her daughter while living in California, Aniesa Gismondi has developed a narrated coloring book titled “Let’s Colour Carnival.” This book serves as an introduction to Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival, emphasizing traditional mas characters and aiming to instill a sense of appreciation for her heritage. Gismondi stated, “The costumes I concentrated on in the book tell stories of our past, our people and our identity. I wanted to ensure the traditional mas characters remain a part of our cultural storytelling for future generations.”
Known by her pen name Ila Maharaj, Gismondi draws inspiration from her daughter, Ila, and honors her mother’s maiden name, Maharaj. Gismondi, 39, worries that her daughter might lose touch with her Trinidadian roots since most family members live in New York. Consequently, she desires to create literature that keeps Caribbean children clued into their cultural heritage. “Trinidad culture is so vibrant and unique that I wanted to ensure they would appreciate and celebrate it the way I do,” she emphasized.
Gismondi has always cherished reading and incorporated this passion by requesting books as gifts for her baby shower. When searching for stories about Divali, she realized a gap in the market for cultural representations and decided to write her own book. She remarked on finding it challenging to locate appropriate literature on Divali, reflecting her pursuit to provide meaningful content for her daughter.
With a background in agricultural business from the University of the West Indies and a career in teaching and as a police administrative aide, Gismondi has always been inclined toward creative writing. Her first book, “Let’s Colour Divali,” which debuted in October 2024, marks the beginning of her endeavor to produce a series of coloring books that reflect Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural festivities.
Motivated by her love for Carnival, Gismondi discovered a lack of literature aimed at children ages one to three. As a result, she created her own book to show Ila the depth of Carnival beyond its aesthetic appeal. Gismondi captured the essence of Carnival characters in a child-friendly, rhyming format to make the theme accessible and engaging.
Aniesa Gismondi’s initiative to create narrated coloring books emphasizes the significance of cultural heritage in children’s literature. Her works, particularly “Let’s Colour Carnival” and its predecessor “Let’s Colour Divali,” aim to foster a sense of connection to Trinidad and Tobago’s rich traditions among children, both at home and in the diaspora. Gismondi’s commitment to providing engaging and educational material showcases her dedication to preserving her cultural identity for future generations.
Original Source: newsday.co.tt
