It'll Be Irie: Staying True to Yourself
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It'll Be Irie: Staying True to Yourself Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Donn Swaby (Author, Narrator), Alejandra Barajas - illustrator (Author), Cardinal Rule Press (Publisher)
5.0 5.0 out of 5 stars 13 ratings
See all formats and editions

What's wrong with Jamaican Christmas Cake? Everything, if it's not American!

Raymond is moving with his family from Kingston, Jamaica, to Queens, New York, and he can't wait to show everyone how American he can be! Whether it's through books, magazines, music videos and movies, he learns about America in any way he can, even if some of his sources of information are out-dated. However, on Raymond's first day of school in America, his every attempt to impress everyone with his “American-ness” backfires. What's worse, his new classmates doubt if he's Jamaican at all. It's not until Raymond remembers what he loves most about being Jamaican—making Jamaican Christmas cake—and shares it with his new classmates, that he gains the courage to be himself.

Everything is Irie will captivate young listeners' hearts with the story of a head-strong immigrant child's humorous attempt to embrace a new cultural environment. In addition, it also offers listeners a figurative taste of the underrepresented culture of Jamaica.

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  1. Listening Length
    12 minutes
  2. Author
    Donn Swaby, see all
  3. Narrator
    Donn Swaby
  4. Audible release date
    January 1, 2024
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Cardinal Rule Press
  7. ASIN
    B0CLM8DGX6
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
  10. See all details
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Product details

Listening Length 12 minutes
Author Donn Swaby, Alejandra Barajas - illustrator
Narrator Donn Swaby
Audible.com Release Date January 01, 2024
Publisher Cardinal Rule Press
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B0CLM8DGX6

Customer reviews

5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5
13 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Martha Hodgkins
5.0 out of 5 stars A Book for the Child in All of Us!
Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2023
Verified Purchase
"It'll be Irie" is a book for the child in all of us! There are many layers to this beautifully written and illustrated book. First, it's a book for children - many of whom can relate to Raymond who is excited about moving to America from Jamaica. Being the new kid at a school can be, in the words of the first graders with whom I shared this book, "very scary." They wonder "Will I fit in?" "Will my classmates like me?" "Will anyone play with me?" For other children, there is a natural curiosity about a new student. Educators will love using this book as they create a positive learning environment that celebrates diversity. The author's choice to include notes for teachers regarding themes woven throughout the story as well as making available a Reader's Guide with lesson plans that connect to the national standards is an insightful and welcome addition. And for parents and grandparents, this book presents a myriad of opportunities to pass on family memories and traditions as well as create new ones! Well don, Donn and Alejandra!
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Chrystee Pharris
5.0 out of 5 stars How to be yourself
Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2023
Verified Purchase
This book was well written, and a great read for kids, especially to learn about another culture, and how we all struggle with the same insecurities of trying to fit in and how to overcome those obstacles by being yourself.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Authentic and affirming
Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2023
Verified Purchase
Got this for my Godson who has Jamaican parents. He was beaming with pride connecting to his homeland and this book is easily a bedtime favorite. Representation matters at all ages
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CW
5.0 out of 5 stars Such an important message
Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2024
This book tells the story of a young boy from Jamaica who moves to Jamaica Queens in NYC. Before the move he does everything he can to learn about American culture so he can fit in with in with the other kids but it backfires-you’ll have to read the book to find out why! At the end, he learns it’s best to just be yourself. I’d like to add that as a native New Yorker, I grew up immersed in the Jamaican culture and this book incorporate Jamaican patois. I Literally read this book in a Jamaican accent which I thought was phenomenal. The addition of patois does really help us as the readers, to immerse ourselves in the story. Kudos to a job well done!
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Claire Annette Noland
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book about change and self-acceptance
Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2023
Life is certainly different for Raymond when he moves from Jamaica to the U.S. He thought he knew everything about being an American but things don't exactly go as planned. Raymond soon figures out that things are much better when he is himself rather than trying to be who he isn't. Lots of fun dialogue in this wonderful picture book about change and self-acceptance.
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Joshua Grant
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful children's tale about acceptance and love for people!
Reviewed in the United States on October 3, 2023
Donn Swaby brings us an endearing tale about immigrating to a new country and staying true to yourself in the children’s book It’ll Be Irie! Raymond’s family has recently moved to America from Jamaica, but he soon starts missing home as he struggles to fit in with a new culture while remaining true to his own. Swaby unwraps the tale beautifully, making it fun, meaningful, and ending with a great message about accepting others and yourself! The story is wonderfully complimented with illustrator Alejandra Barajas’ fun and colorful art style. This is a great children’s story about acceptance, kindness, and self esteem that is perfect for all ages!
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Christina Dendy, Author of Hide and Shh! and The Wall and the Wild
5.0 out of 5 stars A joyful story about starting anew
Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2023
A sweet, fun story about a young boy from Jamaica who moves to Queens in the United States and tries to be what he thinks it means to be an American by changing his voice. The book touches on important SEL themes, like self-awareness, the desire to fit in while remaining "true to yourself," but the best part was the authentic voice that pervades Donn Swaby's narrative. Swaby infuses what can be a difficult struggle with heart and humor. A delightful read, with bold and joyful illustrations, that makes a great addition to any shelf, but especially to classroom shelves. As someone who moved around a lot as a child and started over in many new places at many new schools, I have a soft spot for "new kid" narratives, but I love that Raymond shines a light on specific experiences while also touching on the universal, the idea that most people strive to find their niche or ways to adapt and make friends while remaining their authentic selves.
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xx
5.0 out of 5 stars For every adult that can relate, it awakens the inner-child.
Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2023
As a nine-year olde from northern England, I would visit my dad in America during the summer. Like little Raymond, my futile attempts to ‘fit in’ made me, awkwardly, ‘fit out.’ It was only after the end of summer return to Leeds when all my lads said to me “You speak like an American” did I realise my inability to maneuver in two ‘worlds’ as well as the importance of being true to myself.

In his book 'It’ll Be Irie', Mr. Swaby has not only associated himself with the likes of Dumas, Pushkin, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Wheatley, Linney, and Dickens, Mr. Swaby has also, rather exceptionally, captured the essence of pre-teen angst to fit in- in a foreign land. Said essence, via this colourful story, is ageless and a most welcomed trip down memory lane.

Via this brilliantly layered story for every age, one confidently concludes that Mr. Swaby is an observer, a learner, and a teacher. Here, in this creative presentation of all three, he has done well.
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