Ti Koko and Kush Kush by Patricia Turnbull, a "magically" New Caribbean Children's book by Virgin Islands Educator

GREAT BAY, St. Martin  - Ti Koko and Kush Kush by Patricia G. Turnbull from the Virgin Islands (VI) is the newest children’s book published here by House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP), said Jacqueline Sample, president of the indie press. 

“Ti Koko and Kush Kush is a brilliantly crafted story about a happy little coconut tree and a friendly, wise yam and the power of friendship and camaraderie in a small community,” said Dr. Nicole Phillip-Dowe, Head of UWI Open Campus, Grenada.

The poem-story style of the colorfully illustrated book blends environmental themes for a wonderful comeback story for children ages 4 to 9, and for teens and adults who enjoy reading to younger children.

“Ti Koko and Kush Kush is also perfect for boys and girls still coping with loss of their homes or sadness because of hurricanes and other natural or manmade disasters and strife,” said Sample. The hardcover book measures at 8.5in. x11in.

“Patricia Turnbull magically weaves this precious work for our children” in Ti Koko and Kush Kush, said environmentalist Tadzio Bervoets. “The importance that the environment plays in our lives should indeed ensure that ‘Nature is our Future,’” said Bervoets, who is the managing director of St. Maarten Nature Foundation.

“Ti Koko and Kush Kush is a bright face of hope following the still visible ravages of hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria to the people, houses, livelihood, and landscapes of various countries and Caribbean islands, including damages to the author’s home in Tortola,” said Sample.

Ti Koko and Kush Kush is available in Tortola, VI at Mellow Moods Café, J&C Trading, and from the author; in St. Martin at Van Dorp’s Madame Estate and Simpson Bay bookstores; and in St. Lucia at the Folk Research Centre and St. Lucia Books 758.

The Caribbean storybook is available on the Internet at www.SPDbooks.org goo.gl/atoJFo. 

Reuben Vanterpool painted the exclusive dreamy blue sea, boats, Caribbean bayside, flora, VI schoolchildren, sunny and moonlight landscape scenes for Ti Koko and Kush Kush, said the author. Vanterpool is a leading VI artist, muralist, and art teacher. The former Speaker of the Legislative Council of the Virgin Islands is also the curator of Sugar Works Museum.

Dr. Patricia Turnbull is the author of Rugged Vessels and the landmark VI “historical memory” title Can These Stones Talk?. Awards and honors include a Summer Institute for Creative Writing fellow, University of Miami, and the British Virgin Islands Badge of Honour.

The poetry of Dr. Turnbull also appears in Longman’s Caribbean New Voices 1; Sent Lisi: Poems and Art of Saint Lucia; and Where I See the Sun – Contemporary Poetry in the Virgin Islands.