Yolanda T. Marshall is a celebrated Guyanese-born, Bajan-heritage Canadian author renowned for her vibrant, inclusive, and culturally rich children’s literature. A passionate storyteller and literary trailblazer, she began her publishing journey in 2008 and secured a multi-book deal in 2019. Yolanda is a traditionally published, agented author of twenty beloved titles, including Brown Girl in the Snow, one of The Globe and Mail's and CBC’s best children’s books of 2025, Marching North, A Piece of Black Cake for Santa, Miles Away in the Caribbean, Sweet Sorrel Stand, C is for Carnival, My Soca Birthday Party: with Jollof Rice and Steel Pans—recognized by CBC as one of the Best Canadian Picture Books of 2020 and featured on TD’s Top Recommended Reads for 2023 and Hot Cross Buns for Everyone — featured on TD’s Top Recommended Reads for 2025
A champion for underrepresented voices, Yolanda serves as a columnist and editor for Canada’s Caribbean Camera newspaper’s “Lit Corner,” where she highlights the work of marginalized Canadian authors.
Her dynamic school visits reach over 50,000 students annually across Canada and New York, where she shares her stories and sparks joy through literacy and culture.
Yolanda’s work has earned her national and international recognition, including appearances in major media outlets, at literary festivals, and in an episode of a CBC Kids television show. In 2023, she received the My People Award from the Blackhurst Cultural Centre for her outstanding contribution to Canadian literature. She was named Author of the Year by the Caribbean media Loop Awards in 2022, honored among Canada’s 100 Accomplished Black Women the same year, listed on CBC’s 2020 Best Picture Books, and recognized as one of CIBWE’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch in 2017.
Yolanda is a proud member of the Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators and Performers (CANSCAIP) and a
PAL member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI).
With each book, she continues to celebrate culture, foster inclusion, and inspire the next generation of readers.
Canada, USA, United Kingdom, Jamaica, Guyana, St Kitts and Nevis, Brazil, Japan, India, and Barbados. You can also visit Barnes & Noble.
When Aunty Evangelina gifts Abiola an old compass, it becomes more than just a keepsake; it symbolises direction, courage, and identity. She introduces Abiola to the remarkable legacy of Black Caribbean soldiers who served and fought for Canada during the First and Second World Wars. These men travelled from the warmth of their Caribbean nations to foreign battlefields, facing prejudice and hardship while remaining determined to serve with honour. Many returned to become doctors, lawyers, teachers, and community leaders. They were true heroes whose resilience helped shape Canada’s history.
This beautifully illustrated book not only inspires kids to stand up for what’s right but also educates and encourages them to appreciate the contributions of the remarkable Black Canadian soldiers.
By Chalkboard Publishing
Feb. 3rd 2026
When Amina moves from the Caribbean to a new snowy home, she misses growing her favourite foods. There are no coconut trees to climb, no gardens full of sweet potatoes and callaloo—only ice and snow. As Amina looks out her frosted window, she sings a traditional children’s song from back home, adding her own twist: “There’s a brown girl in the snow, tra la la la la, where none of her plants will grow.”
Determined to find a way to make her favourite plants grow in a new climate, she comes across a possible solution after discovering a library book about gardening and greenhouses. Perhaps there is a way to grow sweet potatoes, after all!
By Greystone Books
September 2025
CBC - 30 Canadian books for younger kids that we are excited about this fall
Quill & Quire - 2025 Fall Preview: Books for Young People – Picture Books
"Big Birthday Wishes" is about a group of friends who share something remarkable: they all have the same birth date. Their parents planned to celebrate with one big party, complete with special cakes for each child from the new bakery in town. However, little did they know that the wishes of the birthday boys and girls were about to come true in the wildest, messiest, and most thrilling ways possible! It is up to the birthday crew to rescue their parents and guests from the sticky, hilarious situations that arise. So, close your eyes and make a BIG wish, but be careful what you wish for!
By Chalkboard Publishing
June 17th 2025
"My Kwanzaa Wish" is a children's book that celebrates the core principles of the holiday with warmth, positivity, and upliftment. This poetically written book includes educational information about Kwanzaa and a delicious fruit drink recipe.
Chalkboard Publishing, D.E.A.R. Books, is the publisher of this title. Jamie Ellis Pasquale richly illustrates this picture book.
Little Justice Leaders recommended Kwanzaa books
View Dr Ramon, a School Psychologist's review of "My Kwanza Wish."
A Different Booklist's Holiday Pick 2024
"What's In The Cookie Tin?" is a humorous picture book that follows Olivia and Benjamin on their quest to eat what's inside the cookie tin. The siblings' experience at their grandparents' home sheds light on a multicultural phenomenon involving cookie tins found in many homes worldwide. What do you think is in the cookie tin? This book includes a sugar cookie recipe!
This title is published by Chalkboard Publishing, D.E.A.R. Books. Golnosh Moini beautifully illustrates this picture book.
Featured book at TIFA (Toronto's International Festival of Authors
Leaside Life Newspaper - Leaside author celebrates diversity
"Christmas Elves Being Themselves" is a festive story about elves being their unique and merriest selves: these elves ‘ confidence will encourage readers to celebrate our differences. A curious elf prefers to learn about how families celebrate Christmas worldwide. The busy elf decides to enjoy a beach vacation, while an adventurous elf takes a jolly ride down the chimney. One likes veggies more than cookies. Santa loves them all the same, even when they play naughty pranks. The publisher of this title is Chalkboard Publishing, D.E.A.R. Books. Like many of her other books, this picture book is beautifully illustrated by Daria Lavrova.
ByBlacks - Celebrate Black Canadian Authors
MORNIN' BARBADOS - CBC TV 8 Appearance
Author Of The Year 2022 Loop Awards
Telling Tales Author Q&A
Kente Claus Award Winner 2022
Additional titles are coming soon.
"Little Readers" is a line of books that encourage young children to read with a purpose and are excellent for culturally responsive educators and parents. These titles are exclusive to the Canadian publisher Chalkboard Publishing, D.E.A.R. Books. Like many of the author's books, this educational collection is written to celebrate and represent the diverse cultures within the African and Caribbean diaspora.
Let's improve the reading rates and experiences of all children/students.
"Hot Cross Buns For Everyone" is an inclusive 2022 Easter release. Jackson’s friends and families bake assorted hot cross buns for his Easter party. Liam’s foster parents use his most memorable Scottish ingredient, and Dimitri’s dad adds Greek mahlepi spice. Some have rainbow colours for all to see and a sweet Jamaican bun and cheese recipe! One by one, the children arrive with hot cross buns for everyone. It is illustrated by Daria Lavrova. The publisher of this title is Chalkboard Publishing.
CBC's picture books to watch for Spring 2022 list.
Indigo - Author book signing and launch
The Star Newspaper - Halton School Board appearance Kindergarden to Grade 8
The Canadian Children's Book Centre's Best Books for Kids & Teens, Spring 2023
“A Piece of Black Cake for Santa” was originally published in 2017, and it is the Author’s second Children’s book. A new edition, illustrated by a South African Illustrator, Subi Bosa, was published in 2019. In 2021, this title was adopted and traditionally by Chalkboard Publishing. This book demonstrates the holiday experience of Femi and her friends, who planned to leave a few traditional Caribbean treats out for Santa, including Black Cake. The children share warm wishes for their favourite dishes while enjoying winter activities at the Christmas fair. The Canadian edition includes a Black Cake recipe.
One of the UK's ten best diverse and inclusive Christmas books for children by Hello Magazine
View the television appearance - Caribbean Christmas Traditions
WRTV - ABC NEWS television appearance USA
The Canadian Children's Book Centre's Best Books for Kids & Teens, Spring 2022
"C is for Carnival" was published on August 1st 2021, by Chalkboard Publishing. D is for dance! E is for emancipation! This rhyming alphabet book celebrates the Caribbean Carnival from A to Z. This engaging and educational book features a diverse cast of children in vibrant costumes as they 'play mas' while dancing to Soca and Calypso music. A glossary at the end makes it easy for readers, including parents and teachers, to review what they have learned. It is illustrated by Daria Lavrova. This book includes a Paratha Roti recipe.
The US Version was published on April 20th 2023
The UK Version was published on May 1st 2023
She Does The City article, "16 Compelling Books By Black Canadian Authors."
Newspaper article - The Star and Scarborough Mirror
TV media appearance - BREAKFAST TELEVISION
The Canadian Children's Book Centre's Best Books for Kids & Teens, Spring 2022
One of CBC's best picture books of 2020 is "My Soca Birthday Party: with Jollof Rice and Steel Pans."
As Anne’s birthday drew close, her friends prepared a soca party. Anne loves Caribbean soca music played on steel pans and West Africa’s spicy jollof rice. Hence, her friends planned to celebrate her special day with a fusion of sounds and traditional dishes from the Caribbean and African countries, representing their diverse yet comparable cultures. Anne was in for a real surprise. This book includes a Jollof Rice recipe. Subi Bosa illustrated this vibrant book.
The publisher of this title is Chalkboard Publishing, and this is Marshall's first traditionally published book.
CBC The Next Chapter interview appearance - Listen here
Globe and Mail article - Introduction to this picture book
Children's books for Black History month
In June 2019, the Author launched "Miles Away In The Caribbean." This children's book is a poetically written, educational story about a Canadian boy named Miles (her son). In his magical spaceship, he visits Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago. Miles highlights magnificent landmarks and enjoys his cultural adventures. Illustrated by Beatriz Mellow.
Storytime on Bibliovideo - Full reading on video
Visuals of this book - Miles's adventure 2019 launch video
Miss Marshall’s 2018 release is “Sweet Sorrel Stand.” Rose and Nicolas loved their favourite Caribbean sorrel drink in this children's book. The siblings decided to create a sorrel stand with the assistance of their parents. Their Sweet Sorrel Stand was a success in the neighbourhood. The drink's main ingredient is the Roselle plant (Sorrel), a hibiscus native to West Africa. The red flower buds are boiled, strained, and sweetened with sugar, with a touch of ginger, cinnamon, orange peel and cloves. Once cooled for a couple of hours or overnight, it is served with ice. It is known to be very rich in antioxidants. Traditionally, this drink is done during the Christmas holidays. On a hot summer day, it is a refreshing alternative to lemonade.
After becoming a mom, she was inspired to write her second book, a children’s book named "Keman’s First Carnival." This 2016 publication is about a young, Black Canadian child’s first experience of Toronto’s annual Caribbean Carnival. The excited 8-year-old and his Mother enjoyed the rituals at the Caribbean celebration, such as picking a flag to wave, the Caribbean-influenced foods, dancing, costumes, and music.
The Author’s third release, “Messages on Dried Leaves,” is a mild resurrection of the Author’s first poetry book, ‘Obayifo.’ This book is a poetic collection.
The name of her first book, "Obayifo," originates from the Ashanti tribe. It is the name given to an African Witch. The poem visits the works of Obeah, its people and fears. This poetry book was published in 2008, while Yolanda attended the University of Toronto.