St. Maarten author Tamara Leonard takes local children's story into Miami classroom

GREAT BAY--Caribbean literature made its way into an American classroom on Tuesday, October 20, when St. Maarten-based TamLeo Books brought its storytelling and literacy initiative to Miami Springs Elementary School in Florida, introducing students to a children's book created in St. Maarten and inspired by the experiences of local children.

Tamara Leonard, founder of TamLeo Books, participated in The Education Fund's 2026-2027 Teach-A-Thon, engaging students in Ms. Mercedes Pacheco's third-grade gifted class through an interactive reading of Does My Belly Have a Brain?

The classroom visit combined storytelling with hands-on activities designed to encourage students to explore important personal values, including intuition, integrity, kindness and the importance of making thoughtful decisions.

The experience offered the young students an opportunity to connect with a Caribbean story while examining lessons that apply to their everyday lives.

For Leonard, the visit represented more than an opportunity to introduce her book to a new audience. It was also a moment of cultural significance, demonstrating that stories developed in St. Maarten can connect with children beyond the island's shores.

"Growing up in St. Maarten, we're so used to seeing American stories in our classrooms. So there's something special about reversing that and sharing a story created in St. Maarten, inspired by real St. Maarten children, with students in an American classroom. It's a proud reminder that our Caribbean stories have a place beyond our shores," Leonard said.

The Miami classroom experience marks another step in the development of TamLeo Books and its mission to encourage reading while celebrating Caribbean voices and perspectives in children's literature.

Through the initiative, Leonard is helping introduce young readers outside the Caribbean to stories shaped by the experiences and creativity of children from St. Maarten.

The visit also demonstrates the opportunities available for locally developed educational and literary content to reach international audiences, particularly through classroom engagement and initiatives that promote literacy.

For TamLeo Books, the experience reflects its continuing commitment to inspiring young readers, celebrating Caribbean storytelling and demonstrating that stories created on a small island can find an audience far beyond their place of origin.

The organization's message remains that a good story knows no borders.

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