The young narrator of this vibrantly illustrated picture-book describes how he returns to the island where he was raised for a visit, bringing along his friend Lucca. Together the two children explore the beautiful world around them, from the ocean to the forest, and also enjoy the delights of the society there. They visit the narrator's old school for a day, stop by the market, and attend a wedding. When it is finally time to leave, they are sorry to go, and vow to come again soon...

American artist and illustrator Frané Lessac, who currently lives in Western Australia, spent a number of years living on the Caribbean island of Montserrat, where she attempted to capture, in her painting, the beauty of the people and places around her. My Little Island collects this work, pairing it with an engaging narrative about visiting the island. Each two page spread features text on the left-hand page, and a painting, identified by name in tiny print, on the right-hand one. Although this is a case where the artwork came first, the text here is well-matched with the visuals, and the result is a lovely little picture-book. It was included in the Reading Rainbow television program in 1985, and it's not difficult to see why. Recommended to Frané Lessac fans, and to anyone searching for children's stories set in the Caribbean in general, or on Montserrat specifically. ( )

Although it doesn't say it, this book is based on Montserrat before the volcano erupted. If you know the island you can recognise the scenes. Its a really lovely book, the art work is brilliant and the small amount of text that goes with it illuminates the pictures. It is fun to sit down with a child and look at the pictures and together make up stories of what is happening. I love this book. ( )