Aniesa Gismondi, currently in California, creates narrated coloring books to connect her daughter Ila with Trinidad and Tobago culture, focusing on Carnival and Divali. Through her books, she aims to maintain cultural storytelling for future generations. Gismondi’s personal background and experiences inform her storytelling as she aims to reach Caribbean children both locally and in the diaspora.
Aniesa Gismondi, living in California, aims to connect her young daughter, Ila, to Trinidad and Tobago culture through creative education. She authored a narrated coloring book titled “Let’s Colour Carnival,” which introduces children to traditional Carnival characters, reflecting the rich history and creativity of Trinidad and Tobago. Gismondi emphasizes the importance of cultural storytelling within her book, stating, “The costumes I concentrated on in the book tell stories of our past, our people and our identity.”
Using the pen name Ila Maharaj, Gismondi channels her experiences and heritage while drawing inspiration from both her daughter and her mother’s maiden name. Concerned about Ila growing up away from Trinidad, she seeks to provide a means for Caribbean children worldwide to embrace their roots.
Gismondi’s passion for reading and desire for her daughter to learn about cultural celebrations propelled her to create educational resources, especially after struggling to find books on important holidays like Divali. Her diverse background, with Hindu and Muslim influences, motivated her to author her own children’s book about Divali, leading her to collaborate with Trinidadian illustrator Shireen Ragoobir.
With a degree in agricultural business and a history in creative writing, Gismondi’s expertise shines through in her work. The first coloring book, “Let’s Colour Divali,” debuted in October 2024, with Gismondi aspiring to produce a series around Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural events and holidays.
Gismondi has a deep love for Carnival, yet found minimal resources suitable for young children. Therefore, she decided to create her own book that encapsulates the essence of Carnival beyond its colorful costumes to share this critical cultural aspect with Ila in an age-appropriate manner.
“Let’s Colour Carnival” is available at multiple outlets, including Scribbles and Quills, Unique Bookstores, and Amazon. More information can be found through Gismondi’s Facebook and Instagram pages under the name Ila Maharaj-Author.
Aniesa Gismondi is dedicated to helping her daughter and Caribbean children worldwide connect with their cultural heritage through creative education. By authoring narrated coloring books focused on Trinidad and Tobago’s traditions, she fosters appreciation for cultural storytelling and celebrations. Her efforts underline the importance of nurturing identity and maintaining cultural connections in a globalized world.
Original Source: newsday.co.tt
