Little Bell Caribbean, the publishing house behind some of the Virgin Islands’ most beloved children’s books, is adding a new title to its Broo ‘Nansi collection just in time for the holidays. Broo ‘Nansi and Hummingbird, written by longtime Virgin Islands author Mario Picayo, debuts this Saturday at Island Booksellers at Buccaneer Mall on St. Thomas.
The book joins two earlier installments published by Little Bell Caribbean — Broo ‘Nansi and the Tar Baby by Lois Hassel-Habtes (as told by Ector Roebuck) and Broo ‘Nansi and Sis Iwana by Yohance Henley.
The story follows the famously mischievous spider as he promises to design dazzling costumes for the upcoming Carnival — a plan that leaves Broo Tukuma doubtful, Sis Iwana cautiously hopeful, and Hummingbird quietly observant. Picayo describes the tale as full of “twists, turns, humor, and wisdom,” woven with familiar characters like Broo Ram Goat and set against unmistakably Caribbean backdrops featuring avocado trees, hummingbirds, hurricanes, and Carnival itself.
A member of the historic St. Thomas Gypsy Carnival troupe, Picayo said the idea grew from a request by the troupe’s executive committee to craft a Broo ‘Nansi story that could shape their 2025 theme. With costume fabrics already chosen, he blended these elements into a narrative that could play out both on the page and on the parade route.
Picayo, who was born in Cuba and has lived in the Virgin Islands since his teens, has spent decades collecting and retelling Broo ‘Nansi and other Caribbean folktales — a passion that began during his work with the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in 1990. His newest book features vibrant illustrations by artist Raquel Picayo, who created the images using textures from nature and fabric to achieve what she describes as a “kaleidoscopic effect” while keeping the style simple enough to complement read-aloud storytelling.
Broo ‘Nansi and Hummingbird will be presented this Saturday, December 6, at Island Booksellers in Buccaneer Mall on St. Thomas. A children’s reading begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by a book signing and conversation with the author at 11:00 a.m. The event is free and open to the public.
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