Author Betty Peter, who spent her childhood in St Lucia, gives a historical lesson in a unique story.

A series of book readings at three private schools here will this week precede Friday’s signing of what has been described as an intriguing children’s publication authored by a Trinidadian who spent her early childhood in St Lucia.

Speaking ahead of her visit here author Betty Peter said that 75 percent of her story encapsulates the early life in the colonial era in St Lucia, adding that the book documents a part of St Lucia’s history never before documented for young readers.

“Brown Sugar an Spice accurately recounts major events which took place in St Lucia during World War II. It is a social commentary of St Lucia during Colonial times, that illustrates and describes architecture which is slowly disappearing from the island,” Peter said.

“It describes landmarks in St Lucia as seen during the first part of the 20th century example the port of Castries, Columbus Square, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Vieux Fort. and St Lucia’s landscape as seen during Harriet’s escape journey from Castries to Vieux Fort. The Pitons are also mentioned in this book,” she added.

The actual book signing will take place at the Sunshine Book Store at JQ Mall at Rodney Bay from 5pm. This will follow three readings at the Bonne Terre Prep School at 10.30am and Tapion School at 1.30pm on Thursday and the International School at 10.30 Friday morning.

The children’s publication, “Brown Sugar and Spice” which will have separate launchings in Grenada, Barbados and St Vincent is intended to encourage Caribbean children to read more and learn about their own history at the same time.

Having spent most of her early years in St Lucia, Betty returned as a young adult and served as governess to the children of the Administrator, Sir John Thorp.

On Friday she says will have the distinct pleasure of inviting St Lucians of all ages to visit the Sunshine Bookstore in the Rodney Bay Mall to obtain a signed copy of her latest offering.

The release of “Brown Sugar and Spice” coincided with this year’s 10th anniversary celebration of Toute Bagai Publishing Company of Trinidad and Tobago, publishers of the popular MACO line of magazines.

Managing Director Neysha Soodeen the original producer of St Lucia’s Food and Rum Festival says the company believes the time has come to play a role in the education of Caribbean children.

“I am very proud of this book and of its author Betty Peter for finally giving us in the Caribbean, a book which delves into our colonial days and allows the reader to experience these times through the eyes of a child,” said Soodeen. “This is an inspirational book filled with historical facts which makes learning fun for our Caribbean youth.”

“Brown Sugar and Spice” is a “riotous romp” through colonial days during World War II as seen through the eyes of young Harriet. One may imagine that the war had no impact on Harriet’s life—but it did. One may think there was no turmoil or terror on those tranquil islands—but there was. And yet, despite these uncertainties, life went on.

Readers are assured to laugh out loud at Harriet’s hilarious antics as she moves among various islands in the West Indies. In this lively tale, she experiences malaria, wards off evil spirits, awakens to a German attack, builds a tree house village, terrorizes teachers, spies on adults, captures thieves and ultimately saves the day.

“Deciding on whether or not to publish the book was easy . . . there is not only a real need for our Caribbean children to read about their history, but also to be proud of it. This is a book which should soon make every school’s required reading list as there is simply nothing out there like it,” said Soodeen.

“Brown Sugar and Spice” will available at all most leading book stores on the island. The book will also be available across the region.