Free launch event set for SoualiColor, new cultural coloring book for young children

GREAT BAY--Families, educators and the wider community are invited to the launch of SoualiColor, a new color and write book designed to introduce young children to St. Martin culture in a fun, creative and multilingual way.

The free launch event will take place on Sunday, July 5, from 9:00am to noon at Amuseum Naturalis at The Old House in French Quarter, on the hill above Coconut Grove. Guests attending the event will receive a free copy of the book while supplies last. The morning will also feature a cultural scavenger hunt, a coloring station and light refreshments.

SoualiColor was created by the Soualiwomen Kultural Association (SKA) in collaboration with Les Fruits de Mer. The book is designed for younger children who are learning to read and write, combining coloring pages with culture-based vocabulary and handwriting practice.

“SKA was formed to celebrate Carnival in another way, more creative and cultural. Then we opened up more to promote and share our culture and traditions,” said Erica and Laticha Stephen, President and Vice President of SKA. “After SoualiKulture, our cultural activity book, we wanted to make a multilingual book for the younger ages. SoualiColor promotes our culture to the young students who are learning to read and write. Each page is fun: images to color, and related words to read and write. Young ones can connect with our culture and traditions while they are learning these skills.”

The book features lively illustrations centered on St. Martin heritage, including music, dance, cultural wear, Carnival, livestock, agriculture and food traditions. Each coloring page includes related words in English, French, Spanish and Dutch, followed by a page where children can practice writing those words. Seven members of SKA worked with Les Fruits de Mer to develop and write the book.

Les Fruits de Mer President Jenn Yerkes said the association is proud to support the launch of SKA’s second book about St. Martin culture.

“Every child here deserves to learn about the rich culture of their island, and feel proud of it,” Yerkes said. “This book is a great way to showcase culture and traditions for younger kids. We look forward to giving SoualiColor to thousands of students over the coming years as part of our book program.”

Free printed copies of SoualiColor will be distributed to local schools and students through Les Fruits de Mer’s book program. The book is also available as a free download at lesfruitsdemer.com and for purchase worldwide on Amazon.

Teachers and youth group leaders interested in receiving copies may contact Les Fruits de Mer at info@lesfruitsdemer.com. Companies, organizations and individuals interested in sponsoring copies for schools are also encouraged to contact the association.

The project was produced with the support of the Fonds pour le développement de la vie associative (FDVA).

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