Vincentian Eleen Ackie has authored "Adam Goes to the Sunshine Corner Store” in honor of her 9-year-old son, Adam, whom she describes as "the heart” of her creative journey.
"The book celebrates childhood independence, courage, and the warmth of community,” Ackie, a Brooklyn, New York resident, who was born in the Southern Grenadines island of Union Island, told THE VINCENTIAN on Monday. "It follows Adam on a joyful neighborhood adventure that shows children how small steps can lead to big confidence.
"It also highlights the beauty of CaribbeanAmerican family life and the importance of love guiding a child’s journey,” she added.
"I wrote this book for my son, Adam — my brave little light,” Ackie continued. "I wanted him, and children like him, to see themselves reflected in stories filled with joy, confidence, and community. Too often, children of color do not see enough positive, everyday representations of themselves in literature. I wanted to change that.
"The message I want to convey is simple but powerful: You are brave. You are loved. And the world is brighter because you are in it,” she said.
Ackie said Adam’s walk to the Sunshine Corner Store is symbolic.
"It represents the small but meaningful steps children take toward independence, guided by the love of family and the support of their community,” she said.
Excerpts from "Adam Goes to the Sunshine Corner Store” read: "Adam held his shiny coin tight as he stepped outside. The sun smiled down on him, and the whole neighborhood seemed to cheer him on.
"With every step, Adam felt braver,” they add. "He waved to neighbors, greeted the flowers, and followed the path that led him to the Sunshine Corner Store — his very first big adventure.”
Ackie said her son inspires her to write books that celebrate "Black boy joy, confidence, and belonging — stories where children who look like him can see themselves as brave, loved, and full of possibility.
"During Black History Month especially, I feel a deep responsibility to contribute stories that uplift our children, affirm their identity, and remind them that they are part of a powerful legacy,” she added. "Through my writing, I aim to preserve culture, nurture pride, and give young readers stories that reflect their light back to them.
"I carry the warmth of the Caribbean with me wherever I go, and I pour that spirit into every page,” Ackie continued. "Writing is not just my craft — it is my way of honoring the past, celebrating the present, and inspiring the future.
She said publishing "Adam Goes to the Sunshine Corner Store” has been "one of the most fulfilling and emotional experiences” of her life.
"It feels like placing a piece of my heart into the world — a piece filled with love, legacy, and hope,” said Ackie, stating that she was raised on Union Island, where "storytelling, community, and resilience shaped the foundation” of who she is.
Today, she said she divides her time between her professional work, parenting Adam, and writing stories that "honor our heritage, our courage, and the everyday magic found in family life.”
Ackie said children will read Adam’s story and "feel seen, encouraged, and uplifted.”
She said this brings her "immense joy and gratitude.”
But Ackie added that "Adam Goes to the Sunshine Corner Store” is more than a story.
"It is a celebration of Caribbean heritage, Black boy joy, and the quiet courage children show every day,” she said.
"I hope it inspires families to cherish the small moments, encourage independence, and remind children that they are capable of shining brightly wherever they go,” Ackie added.
She said "Adam Goes to the Sunshine Corner Store” is independently published through Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing).
The book is available worldwide through Amazon in both paperback and ebook formats. Purchase Link: Amazon: Adam Goes to the Sunshine Corner Store.