Mum and Grannie rush about and pack our things … but I don’t want to leave our island home!

 

The girl in this story is immigrating with her family from Jamaica to Canada. On this last day before they leave, she chews one last sugar cane stalk, and inhales the sweet smell of roast corn one last time. She takes one last walk to the beach and paddles in the ocean. Can this really be the last time she will see her home?

 

When their plane lands in Toronto, big buildings tower above their taxi. She, Mum and Grannie make their way through the busy streets to get to their new home. As the girl heads indoors, she hears an odd cry from a big, stripy blue bird. A blue jay, Grannie tells her. Could this be her very first first?

 

Inspired by Wendy J. Whittingham’s childhood in Jamaica, and boldly brought to life by Caribbean artist Brianna McCarthy, The Last Last explores the idea that it’s possible to make new memories while still carrying beautiful memories of your first home in your heart.