They say the best stories come from unexpected places. For Spree Simon, it was junk, discarded pans, tins, and steel drums pulled from the scrap heaps of John-John, Trinidad. For 11-year-old Sarai Ayesha, it was her mother’s desk.
This Read Caribbean Month, a debut picture book biography celebrates the ordinary boy who created something extraordinary: the steelpan, an instrument now played around the world.
Spree, written by award-winning novelist and former lawyer Celeste Mohammed and illustrated by Cory Thomas, chronicles the life of Winston “Spree” Simon, a teenage innovator who, on Carnival Tuesday 1946, became the first person to play a recognisable tune on a steelpan, transforming what others threw away into music that would define a nation.
But before the book reached readers worldwide, it passed through one small but critical pair of hands: Sarai Ayesha, Celeste’s daughter, who became its first child reader, editor, and contributor.
“I enjoyed offering a child’s perspective to the book and getting to be the first child reader, editor, and contributor to it. I want to become a writer someday, so this contribution felt like being one, which made me feel like my dream is somewhat achievable if I use what I learn and work hard.”
This is what she had to say about her mother’s book that will be launched internationally.
1. Did you learn anything new about Trinidadian history or the steelpan that surprised you?
I was surprised that the steelpan started from the simple town of John-John, where a boy was fixing his broken kettledrum, and he suddenly heard a note. Prior to the news of this book, I went to MITTCO, where they make steel pans, and the process seemed extremely complicated, so I thought that Spree would have grown up, then gone somewhere to work on a steelpan, but reading that Spree did it with a rock and some wood from his backyard, I was shocked.
2. What do you think Spree Simon would feel knowing children today are reading his story?
I would assume that Mr Spree Simon would be glad that his story is and will be cherished by young children across Trinidad, or maybe even the world! I imagine that when the book comes out, he’ll be doing somersaults in heaven! It’s not easy to invent something, let alone be remembered for it, so I hope that the relatives of Spree will buy many copies and cherish them, especially the young relatives.
3. You’ve read the book many times now. Is there a favourite part or page that stands out to you?
I really like the part of the book where Spree is now in John-John, poking through the scrap at the side of the road, and whenever he finds something useless, he holds it up as if it is of immense value and says, “Look at this!” It shows that we can appreciate all the junk and ‘garbage’ we come across, we just choose to fuss over other things instead. A poor boy who had almost nothing to himself chose to cherish the scraps of the wealthy as if they threw away gold. This really puts the meaning behind the saying, ‘One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.’ I also liked how the illustrator depicted the bustling city and made Spree stand out amongst it all. As you take a look at the pictures, your eyes may quickly glance at him running with a piece of metal scrap. There is always a silent mission going on among the loud city.
4. How does it feel to share something your mom created with the world? Was it scary or exciting?
I am excited for this book to come out. I’ve always wanted to be a writer too, so helping my mom in even the smallest way was a great accomplishment for me. People think that I purposely use big, fancy words, but in reality, I’m just using what I hear, see, read, and learn from my mom. Sometimes, she teaches me little grammar tips so that I can extend my knowledge and so that I am always one step closer to achieving my dream of becoming a writer. So yes, I am excited to help bring out my mom’s first children’s book, and I hope she has many more lying somewhere in her office.
5. If you could tell other children one thing about this book, what would you say? Why should they read it?
I would tell them that this book is amazing. It can teach you many things, not just how the steelpan was created, but also that junk can be turned into something better, how small children can make an impact, and how, even during adversities, you can still try to enjoy and do what you love with who you love.
6. How does it feel to know your mom is an award-winning author? Are you proud of her? Does it inspire you in any way?
At first, I didn’t like that my mother was an author. I thought that it just took her attention away from me. Now, I realise that she is doing what she loves most (aside from me, of course!) and inspiring not just me but many others around the world who read her work. I am proud to say that my mom is an award-winning author, not just because of the awards, but because I know she works hard.
7. Have you read any other Caribbean books besides your mom’s book? If so, which ones are your favourites?
I have read other Caribbean books, but my favourite is Alex the Awesome and the Crazy Quest for the Golden Pod by Jeunanne Alkins and illustrated by Janine Mendez-Franco.
Mary Cuffy is an educator and local children’s author of the Ladybug series. Cuffy believes the best investment we can make in children is in the early years.
Email mary.cuff@yahoo.com . IG:marycuffy . FB: mary cuffy/Lola and the Dancing Ladybug
