This author has also written "Matters of the Heart" and has co-authored "Medicinal Plants with a BVI Cultural Twist" with Mrs. Virginia Hodge. "Arona's First Garden" caters to children aged three (3) to seven (7). In nine (9) chapters, she describes her journey of inspiration to start the garden to her first sale of produce at the market. The creative artwork of Dwayne Mactavious has enlivened this story.
The author has given us a glimpse into her early life and how her parents endorsed and encouraged her potential in agriculture. The BVI was traditionally a farming territory that produced food for local and regional consumption in the US Virgin Islands. Mrs. Fahie-Forbes has chronicled how she started by selecting a spot to garden, getting her parent's permission, and getting training from an Agri Easter and Summer Camp.
In Chapter 7, the author shares the first moment when she saw fruit budding. The story reads, "Look! Look! Okras are bearing on the plants!" I am currently planting okras and have a full appreciation of how exciting it is to see them bear from the seedling stage to harvest size. In the latter part of the book, the author shares how she reaped her produce and sold them at the market. As you read, you feel the excitement as she details how much money she made at the market.
Mrs. Fahie-Forbes shared that the book can be used as a medium to transfer and sustain the agricultural culture for future generations. She encourages parents to get one for their children in the age range. I encourage you to get a copy for the children in your home. The only way that we can appreciate our culture and the importance of agriculture is if we put our hands to practice by starting a garden.
