Man-Man and the Tree of Memories

This is a beautifully written and illustrated book that tackles the very sensitive subject of slavery and the suffering endured by the characters’ ancestors through the colourful and uplifting background of carnival and celebration.

Man-man is a boy who is excitedly preparing for the London carnival, in particular his dancing, of which his nan doesn’t approve because she says it is like dancing with the devil. Nan is visiting to look after Man-Man’s mother who is ill and whose voice is fading away, much the same as her Grandma had during a past carnival season. The sickness worries Man-man and his sister Pan, so they are more determined to put on their best show for her.

The story follows their excitement during their preparations and the procession, where along with their friend Kareem, they draw the attention of spectators by their fabulous show on their float. Their mum watches them from her balcony and so Pan-Pan pleads with his heart, for his mum to get better. Inadvertently he has called the Queen of Revels, an apparition, a spirit who takes the three of them to a place of their ancestors, where the scent of flowers, orchards of mangoes and breadfruit trees and a soft warm breeze surrounds them. The queen eventually leads them all to the Tree of Memories and it is here where the story sensitively tackles Man-Man’s family’s painful roots and the darker meaning behind the carnival.

From the tree, they witness their ancestors being torn apart, but the author cleverly intertwines the present and the past to create a hopeful ending.

For anyone who wants to explore topics of African heritage, Black History or slavery, this is an excellent start.