Cultural book for children “The Ti Matado That Could” now available in Dominica

A children’s book, which reinforces the knowledge of culture, is now available in paperback in Dominica.

“The Ti Matado That Could’, penned by young Dominican writer, Racheal Shillingford, tells the story of young Bella, who is eager to learn more about the culture through dance, which eventually does lead to her gracefully dancing the Bèlè and Quadrille to the sounds of Jing Ping music.

While educating on Dominica’s rich artform the book also sends a message to the young readers, that irrespective of the opinion of others, they must dance to the beat of their own drum, even if it means embracing their roots.

Speaking to Dominica News Online (DNO), Shillingford revealed that the inspiration for writing the book came to her one day whilst sitting outside her family-owned shop in Coulibistrie and observing the interaction with a group of young girls.

“There she was playing along with her friends and dancing to some foreign music which was being played on the sound system of the shop owner. When the song was changed to a cultural song, the friends stopped dancing but the little girl continued dancing despite being laughed at by her friends,” she recounted. “It was thereon I decided to write a children’s book depicting our culture, encouraging every child to be like the little one who kept on dancing.”

The young artist is hopeful that reading her book invokes a greater sense of cultural awareness, bringing knowledge to the younger generation while encouraging them to engage and elevate our culture.

“My goal is to send a clear message that it is ok to dance Bélé or to Jing Ping music, no matter what the crowd may think. I hope that every child will grow to be just like Bella with a deep-rooted spirit for their culture and to never give up on things that can uplift them,” Shillingford revealed.

A firm believer that educating the youths on their roots helps preserve the culture, the Coulibistrie native highlighted that her targeted audience is children worldwide, especially people with an indigenous culture like Dominica and the wider Caribbean.

While this is her first published book, Shillingford has completed three other children’s books that are awaiting publication and also I plan to continue the “Ti Matado” as a book series in the near future.

The young entrepreneur who is currently pursuing her lifelong ambition of becoming a paralegal, extended gratitude to her entire family to include, Mother Polly Larocque, my sister Sherma Shillingford, brother Shane Shillingford, aunties Jennifer and Vernice Warrington, her fiancé Gerry Smith for being her pillars and “encouraging me to pursue this and always reminding me I can do anything I put my mind to.”

She went on to thank many others such as Alex Bruno (for speaking life into the book) Candia Robinson, Desiane Gordon and every friend/ relative who has helped assist in the endeavour.

“I have deep-rooted faith in my creator without whom nothing would be possible. I am highly indebted to everyone who has helped me along this journey.”

Anyone interested in getting their hands on a copy can either do so via amazon.com or contact Shillingford at the Telephone number (767) 2253872 or Facebook page “The Ti Matado that could.”