The Alligator Ferry Service and Other Stories from Guyana

John Walker is a professor of Spanish at Queen’s University.

Janet Jagan, best known as the American-born widow of Cheddi Jagan,
long-time leader of Guyana, herself served as prime minister, president,
and Guyana’s ambassador to the United Nations.

The Alligator Ferry Service, her fifth children’s book, features
stories she wrote for her own five grandchildren for their birthdays.
The 15 stories, beautifully illustrated by Toronto artist Elizabeth
Burke, are a shrewd mixture of what the French call the instruire et
plaire method (to instruct and give pleasure).

All rooted in the Guyanese countryside, the stories are populated by
the native birds, beasts, and fishes of Jagan’s adopted land. Although
entertaining and funny, the stories transcend the purely regional,
revolving around a message intended to guide young readers, such as
sharing, loving one’s neighbors, and living in peace and harmony.
These messages also include subtle doses of social justice, tolerance,
understanding, and friendship as characterized by the activities of Saki
the Monkey, Boris the Alligator, Patricia the Baby Manatee, Hermina
Hummingbird, Terry the Otter, Harpy Eagle, and many others whose
humorous and sometimes serious activities point to the message that we
must not only tolerate each other, but also actively protect and assist
each other in time of distress and danger.

This delightful picture book captures the essence of the Guyanese
landscape, yet rises above it all to tell stories from which all
creatures can profit. Fine illustrations. Highly recommended.