July 5, 2021

Who would have believed that getting children to read and learn life lessons would be so much fun? Painted on the colorful Bahama island backdrop of Andros—the land of crabs, bonefishing, Blue Holes, and 20lb Rock Iguanas, Bahamian teacher Mrs. Princess Burrows has managed to pull the two elements (reading and learning) together in her book Letters to My Mother: Confessions from Engine #9. Mrs. Burrows has authored a children’s book that will have youngsters glued to the pages. They’ll be enamored with the rich stories of kids like themselves growing up on the island and the lessons they learn even amid their mischief.

In Letters to My Mother, Baton Grey (affectionately called Engine #9) is a mischievous boy who is often led astray by his friends in Andros. If he’s not captaining a dinghy, being charged by a goat, or an accomplice to deflating the tires of an ice cream truck, young Baton is having the time of his life engaging in his boyhood adventures. Manipulated by his eight rascal friends who take great delight in leading him into mischief, Baton’s life takes a drastic turn when he loses one of his closest friends. He now sees life from a new perspective. This intriguing book captures the heart of a young lad who feels compelled to confess his risky shenanigans to his mother while highlighting the unforgettable life lessons learned along the way.

Fellow educator, a French language teacher in New Providence, and author of Le Début Conversational French, the first Bahamian-written foreign language book series, Madame Mickelle Pratt says, “Letters to My Mother: Confessions of Engine #9 is a compelling story of fun, family, bad choices, consequences, life lessons, growth, and change.” Madame Pratt said each chapter reminded her of the sweet island life in The Bahamas and gives the new generation a glimpse of how life was back in the day. Using it as an opportunity to share a story with her young son, who enjoyed the book as much as she did, Madame Pratt noted that the book was filled with vivid descriptions that will make your mouth water. “It catches your attention and spikes your imagination,” she stated. As a mother, what stood out to her was that every chapter had a lesson to be learned and Engine #9 surely learned many valuable lessons about making wise decisions! “This novel is a perfect example of how teens go through the motions and emotions of adolescence and peer pressure… learning and maturing every step of the way. It’s a must-read!”

Also a mother, Mrs. Burrows understood the importance of having positive reading materials that instilled critical life lessons in a way young readers would understand, relate to and enjoy. As a teacher for nearly 24 years, she has taught and inspired her students to write engaging stories in their little Love Hill settlement. “Children learn by example,” Mrs. Burrows stated. “I can tell them to write, but when they see that I am joining them in writing, they realize that it is not just foreigners who can write stories or books—they can too.” At her students’ suggestion, Mrs. Burrows compiled an assortment of her stories and had them published in book format. Although the book was written for children, adults are also enjoying it. Andros resident Shantell Riley said she read the book from cover to cover and enjoyed every bit of it. “The messages are very timely, particularly for younger generations,” Ms. Riley said. “I am grateful to the author for documenting the events, which are very relatable.”

A local principal in Andros gifted a copy of the books to her entire graduating class. “It’s a practical keepsake,” Mrs. Burrows said. “I believe it’s one of those books students will want to keep for their children.”

Published by InspirePublishing.org, Letters to My Mother is available in Love Hill, Andros at Tammy’s Groceries, DJ’s Buy 4 Less, and Chrispin’s General Store. You can also secure your copy on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle format or by contacting the author.