"This new edition of a picture book classic shares the joy of Carnival as it tells a timeless tale of friendship and community spirit."
Originally published in 1978, Errol Lloyd’s Nini at Carnival is a joyous picture book classic that we’re delighted to see available in this beautiful new edition. Guaranteed to spark a warm glow of nostalgia in readers who remember it from their own childhoods, this timeless treasure will also charm a whole new generation of readers.
In his afterword, author-illustrator Errol Lloyd shares the personal story that sparked his creation of Nini at Carnival, relating how he moved from Jamaica to London as a young law student in the mid-seventies, just as Notting Hill Carnival was bursting into life as the lively event we know today. “Captivated by its spectacle and joyousness”, Lloyd was inspired to translate Carnival’s infectious celebratory vibe into a vibrant picture book that conjures all its colour, energy and community spirit, while telling a universal tale that speaks to all young readers.
Come Carnival Day, children are excitedly helping each other adorn their bright costumes while Nini sits alone, feeling left out and reduced to tears, for she doesn’t have a costume. But help comes in the form of a fairy godmother who looks uncannily familiar and issues Nini with an ultimatum, and a promise: “If you don’t stop crying this minute… I will turn you into an ugly frog. But if you come with me, I will make you Queen of the Carnival”.
So, Nini wears a dazzling piece of cloth gifted to her by the fairy godmother — a costume that gives her the confidence to join the dancing parade, and sees her hailed Queen of the Carnival by her fellow dancers.
Every year on Carnival Day, the streets fill with a whirl of colour and sound, as people put on their wildest costumes and pick up their musical instruments to celebrate with a grand parade. When the big day arrives, everyone is excited! Everyone except for Nini.
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I loved the book because Nini’s friend was kind to her when she was sad.
This book is about a girl called Nini going to a carnival. The carnival had lots of people in costumes, music and a parade.
Nini was sad because she didn’t have a costume. Her friend in the fairy godmother costume turned her into the Queen of the carnival. Nini was excited and danced all day.
My favourite part of the book is when her friend, Betti pretended to be a real fairy godmother.... Read Full Review
Colourful, bright and happy
Toby said he liked this book, it was so colourful with all the pictures of the carnival. He did not know what a carnival was before reading this book so enjoyed learning what this was all about. Really nice message of inclusivity and inclusion.... Read Full Review
Really enjoyable book, friendship and helping.
A lovely heartwarming story. Poor Nini doesn't have anything nice to wear for the carnival until her fairy godmother friend comes along to help her.... Read Full Review
Every year on Carnival Day, the streets fill with a whirl of colour and sound, as people put on their wildest costumes and pick up their musical instruments to celebrate with a grand parade. When the big day arrives, everyone is excited!
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Nini at Carnival and determined it is suitable for children aged 3-8 years old
Nini at Carnival features in the following genres: Featured Books for 3+ readers, Featured Books for 5+ readers, Featured Books for 7+ readers, Books of the Month, Books Reviewed by our Reader Review Panels, Recommendations, Stories about Family and Friends, Picture storybooks, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Children’s picture books, Children’s: picture books, activity books, early learning concepts, Traditional, cultural or folkloric festivals, celebrations or holidays, Holidays and celebrations, Holidays, events and seasonal interest, Interest qualifiers
Paperback, Hardback. £11.69, down from the £12.99 cover price. In Stock.
Nini at Carnival was written by Errol Lloyd and published by Thames and Hudson an imprint of Thames and Hudson Ltd
Nini at Carnival has 32 pages
£11.69, reduced from £12.99. In Stock.
