Liline & Pepper: A Morning with Grann - by Samanka Dumond & Samanka Dumond-Desir

About the Book

Liline, a young Haitian American girl, and her cat Pepper learn a little about Grann's homeland of Haiti while getting ready for the first day of kindergarten.

Book Synopsis

In Book 2 of this early reader series about a Haitian-American girl named Liline, her cat Pepper, and their multi-generational family, Liline and Pepper learn a little about Grann's homeland, Haiti, during the morning routine of getting ready for school.

Review Quotes

LILINE & PEPPER: A Morning with Grann
By Samanka Dumond-Desir; Illustrated by Christina Oyebade
Paw Prints Publishing
School Library Journal
September 2023

Dumond Desir, Samanka. Liline & Pepper: A Morning With Grann. illus. by Christina Oyebade. 32p. (Liline & Pepper: Bk. 2). Paw Prints. Sept. 2023. Tr $15.99. ISBN 9781223187822; pap. $5.99. ISBN9781223187839.
PreS-K-It is the first day of kindergarten, and Liline, a young girl with brown skin, is reluctant to wake up. That changes when she smells the aroma of "kafe ak lét," coffee and milk. Grann, Liline's favorite person, is the kitchen. She pours the coffee, and as Liline eats breakfast, Grann tells her all about Haiti, her magical homeland where the coffee comes from. The stories continue as Grann walks Liline to school. Not only does this early reader address the first day of kindergarten, an important milestone for children, it also gently introduces Haiti in a simple and positive light and is a great title to share with children interested in the country. Back matter includes a glossary of Haitian-Creole words and information on Haitian culture, language, and coffee, supplemented with photographs and illustrations. VERDICT A recommended first day of school story that is also an introduction to Haiti.-Ruth Guerrier-Pierre

--Ruth Guerrier-Pierre

About the Author

Samanka Dumond-Desir was born and raised in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. As a little girl growing up in Haiti, she was a passionate lover of nature and loved playing outdoors with a beloved cat, Monou. After moving to the United States as a teen, she earned a bachelor's degree in International Business and French at St John's University and a master's degree in Construction Management at New York University. Throughout the years, she has been an active member in her community, volunteering for Jumpstart Corps members while in college and working with the young children at her local church. She currently resides in New York City with her husband, Jasinsky Desir, and her parents.