Virgin Islands Book Highlight: Johnny the Great Rooster

Johnny the Great Rooster

I first featured Mrs. Arona Fahie-Forbes on my blog with her book, Arona’s First Garden in 2020. I was very excited when I saw her at the 2025 World Food Day Market Event. She is one of the people who helped me in my public service career. She served as Deputy Chief Agricultural Officer and always displayed this passion for agriculture, young people and helping others.

When I passed by her booth, I noticed that she and her husband published Johnny the Great Rooster, which was illustrated by Delores Jones. Everyone who is close to me knows that I have a short story called, A Paltry Poultry Tale, about the chickens in my yard. Of course, I grabbed copy to write a review.

Johnny and Susan in the Garden

Johnny the Great Rooster is described by the authors as a “must read for all ages” because anyone can enjoy the contents. Honourable Julian Fraser, the 3rd District Representative and current Deputy Premier and Minister for Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, provided an on-point synopsis at the beginning of the book, reflecting on its educational value. He said, ‘even before I read the book, I sensed that there was a lesson worth learning from it ….”

A glossary is shared before the story so that young readers will have a better understanding of the terms used in the book. Johnny is the alpha male on the Forbes Farm in Josiah’s Bay. The story begins with Johnny being the sole chicken on the farm and how the Forbes took care of him. Johnny eventually meets Susan and they form a bond.

An excerpt from Johnny the Great Rooster

The story takes different turns to show readers how vulnerable these birds can be. A dog attacks Johnny and Susan, but there are rescued by Mr. Forbes. Johnny is also threatened by another rooster, that he is able to subdue.

Johnny and Susan eventually marry and have their brood of chicks. The authors speak to the joy of birth with the family producing 12 chicks of 6 males and 6 females.

Many authors use animals to show morals and values. Jeffrey and Arona brought this story to life with vivid illustrations, and a well-developed story relatable story for Caribbean children.