Eight-year-old Shamar King (left) of Stella Marris Preparatory and 13-year-old Jahaur Gayle of Shortwood Junior High, delve into the pages of 'Six Runs' and 'The World Cup' from the recently-published book series on cricket for children. -photo by Anthea McGibbon

Anthea McGibbon, Gleaner Writer

Jamaica's children have now been incorporated into the strategic preparation towards the future success of the West Indies team.

Additionally, more Caribbean women can actually learn and speak confidently about the game, through books specially written around cricket.

As part of the Get Caught Reading series, printed by Ginn, the cricket books are being promoted in Jamaica by the Book Merchant Limited as support texts rather than mainstream syllabus material.

According to executive director of the Book Merchant Limited, George Davis, the objective is to educate children up to age twelve about the sport, while improving their language skills.

The books' information, packaged colourfully, and beneficial to adults, teens and pre-teens alike, addresses all aspects of the game - the countries, matches, rules, strategies, vital game statistics and vocabulary. It also offers lessons on morals such as perseverance, faith, forgiveness, and above all team effort for the common good.

Already several children and adults have delved into the pages, exploring and gleaning from the contents. Jahaur Gayle, 13, first former at Shortwood Junior High, attests to this educational treat, after reading the irresistible selection - The World Cup.

The book collection comprises five fiction and five non-fiction - written by three Jamaicans and one Trinidadian.

For ages 6-7 there is the fiction The Lost Ball and the non-fiction The Cricket Match. For ages 7-8, there is the fiction Peter's New Bat and the non-fiction It's a Funny Game. For ages 8-9, there is the fiction The Magic Bat and the non-fiction Brian Lara. Twins with a Spin and non-fiction The World Cup have been produced for ages 9-10. The fiction Six Runs and the non-fiction Know the Game targets children aged 10-11.

The first five books relate the everyday experiences of Jamaican youth, who, in the minds of the authors, commit some free time to playing cricket around the neighbourhood, at school and in competitions.

Incorporating all members of the family, the books promote the need for support, and a rounded knowledge of the game by both boys and girls alike. A particular strength is the classic portrayal of cricket characters by the depicted adults, especially the grandfathers, highlighting a Caribbean tradition - education through oral history. The illustrated features are Caribbean, giving new meaning to Jamaica's motto 'Out of the Caribbean (many), one team'.

Quick facts on the Caribbean countries are presented and a brief history on the remaining 16 participating countries. Information such as location, cricket history and other interesting facts are complemented by maps, tables and photographs.

Quite appropriately, there is a non-fiction book dedicated to the West Indies team's current captain Brian Lara. The series, however, would have been more complete with an additional personality feature, perhaps of a Jamaican cricketer such as Courtney Walsh, or even a younger, less experienced player such as pacer Daren Powell.

Notwithstanding that, the series has been "enthusiastically received" in other Caribbean countries such as St Lucia, according to international publishing director, Englishman Nigel Kelly.

The series' fusion of excellent writing, brilliant illustrations, historical photography, dynamic layout, which is colourfully packaged, makes an irresistible cricket treat.