Mari and the Great Market Swap

Gr 1-3–Step into a Barbadian market where the rhythm of each sale joins together like a calypso tune. Mari and her granny are off to the market to sell fresh guava from their farm and use their earnings to shop for their weekly groceries. But when a sugarcane truck crashes, blocking their customers, worry takes hold. Afraid they’ll have nothing but guava and cassava to eat this week, Mari and her friend, Wendy, put their heads together to barter and trade so everyone in the community gets what they need. ­Springer-Willms (Sammy the Seasick Pirate) ­creates an immersive experience of daily life in Barbados, generously employing adjectives and adverbs alongside the use of dialect to express the cadence of Bajan Creole. The sensory and communal experience of Mari’s time in the market shines. Eigner’s (I Like You So Much) art provides a sense of whimsy and familiarity, blending the spontaneity and colors of a childlike creative process in the background with bold and expressive characters in the foreground. At times, text placement overwhelms the page, mirroring the organized chaos of the market; a choice that may present challenges for following along. The story expands as readers learn about ­Barbadian market culture, traditional foods, and the importance of food security. Back matter includes a thoughtful appendix and author and illustrator’ notes.