Eunice Bent, mother of Jana Bent, reads to her granddaughter, Selah Channell (left) and Shaggy’s daughter, Sydney Burell, at the launch of the book ‘Shaggy Parrot and the Reggae Band’, at the Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Librar on Lwednesday, January 7.

One of the artistic highlights of the past week was the launch of the brightly illustrated book, the brainchild of Jana Bent, Shaggy Parrot and the Reggae Band.

It employs both the visual and performing arts in such a way that none could act independently of the other.

The main character is Shaggy Parrot whose singing and speaking voice is that of Grammy Award-winner Shaggy, Jamaica's diamond-selling reggae performer. The book is superbly illustrated by Trinidadian John Mendes and is brought to life by the accompanying nine-track audio CD, which directs readers through the book.

The book is about Shaggy Parrot teaming with friends (marine creatures) to save the popular waterfall, 'Laughing Waters', located in Jamaica, from pollution. It's a good addition to the local early childhood curriculum resource list.

art useful in education

The book, which caters to children up to eight years old, demonstrates how useful art is in education as much as learning through fun. Visually, it teaches about Jamaica's indigenous sea creatures and scenes along the coasts.

Mendes managed to successfully illustrate a member of the Coral Line dance crew doing the 'to the world' salute on Page 12. He seems a bit challenged to illustrate other reggae dance moves owing to the limitations of limbs on the other members. He, however, captures the dress code and vibes of our singers, and children can visually learn about musical instruments used in a reggae band.

Literary skills of the team of writers which include Shaggy's girlfriend, Rebecca Packer, Kellie Magnus and Ireland-born Veronica Salter, PhD, teaches about respect, perseverance and the environment. The children also learn about harmony in nature and human relationships to achieving goals through teamwork.

The book exposes the developing mind to high quality in both the visual and performing arts. Aside from convincing illustrations, the background music is well balanced in instruments selected and harmony of the notes.

Anthea McGibbon, graduate of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing arts, has over 11 years' experience in journalism and the arts. She is founding president of OAaSIS International set to record and promote jamaica's culture and creative force. Contact her at anthea.mcgibbon@gleanerjm.com and islandartattack@yahoo.co.uk.