I Live in Havana - Yo Vivo en la Habana

By Jordan Lancaster Ortega.

Illustrated by Lemay Hernandez Miranda & Daniesky Acosta Linares. Pub. 2018

Book for children in English and Spanish with colourful illustrations.

£16.00 inc p&p

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This is a book produced as an act of solidarity for Cuba by the writer, aimed at children especially Cuban children living outside Cuba to help connect them with the city of their families and daily life for children back in Havana. It is bilingual and is beautifully illustrated throughout with big colourful drawings. There are lots of references to Cuban food, arts, customs and real places in Havana, with a cheery positive approach.

The aim of the book explains the apparent mismatch between the level of Spanish (possibly GCSE) and the illustrations produced by two Cubans, more like those used in books and games in the UK for 5-8 year olds. It describes a day in the life of a young girl, Yadira, who lives in Havana with her family, so there is no story as such although the girl and her life are fictional. It might have been more appropriate for use in UK schools if it was a realistic book and had photographs of real Cuban children and families at school, work, home and play, or if it told a story. However it could be lovely gift for bilingual children here who you want to receive an unproblematic view of life for children in Havana.

The preface by the Cuban Ambassador, Teresita Vicente, rightly emphasizes the high level of child health and education and innovative programmes in Cuba, praised by UNESCO and UNICEF reports. And for every book sold the author will be donating a percentage of the profits to the Music Fund for Cuba charity.

Reviewed in CubaSi Winter 18/19 issue.