Kingston: Renowned media personality Paula-Anne Porter Jones took us on a brand new adventure on April 15, 2018, with the launch of her debut children’s picture book Sandy, Tosh and the Moo Cow. The launch of this exciting new work took place at the St. Andrew Parish Library (Tom Redcam Library). Sandy, Tosh and The Moo Cow also features the wonderfully, whimsical illustrations of Ion Communications Ltd and is published by Blue Banyan Books.
Sandy, Tosh and the Moo Cow follows an early morning adventure of excitable Tosh and his older more responsible sister Sandy. The two embark on a journey that takes them up and down the roads in their neigbourhood in search of the elusive “moo cows” whose sounds awakened them in the morning. Along the way they stumble upon plants and animals of all shapes and colours and find a little more adventure than they bargained for.
The Joyce Robinson Hall was filled to capacity with readers and lovers of books of all ages. In fact, parents brought children from as far away as Ocho Rios for the event. The tour guide for the afternoon’s adventure was fellow broadcaster Kalando Wilmoth, while Mbala and his wonderful band of “Moo Cows” provided entertainment. Members of the band included children from the audience on ‘cow bells’ and ‘rain makers’ as well as not so young children like Professor Mervyn Morris on the gongs.
Before her reading, Mrs. Porter Jones was interviewed by the lovely ten year old Kenya Batson. She asked important questions about the inspiration for the book as well as the writing process. Other children chimed in with their own questions. During her dramatic and interactive reading, Mrs Porter Jones delighted the children who were eager to show their love of books, colours, plants and learning.
There were also fun games for the adults and children alike. In the closely contested “Moo Off”, participants gave their best “Moo Cow” impressions while “The Great Moo Cow Hunt” had children searching high and low, just like Sandy and Tosh had, for the “Moo Cows” hidden about the room. The children who found the most brown cows won packages of delightful Blue Banyan Books and other goodies.
Mrs. Porter Jones thanked all who were present for the momentous occasion and also those who were involved in bringing the dream of this children’s book to life.
Sandy, Tosh and The Moo Cow is a must read that is sure to please for all young children.