Dr Smith writes book related to hurricanes

Vincentian, Dr Rose-Ann Smith has packaged her passion for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in a book that will educate young minds on all things related to hurricanes.

Smith, who is a lecturer at The University of the West Indies (The UWI) Mona Campus in the Department of Geography and Geology, conceptualised ‘The Day I Became a Hurricane’ in April, 2021 and had the finished product just one hour later.

The 24-page picture book was penned by Smith with the intention to educate children from Grades one to five on hurricane formation, development, preparedness, and impacts.

“In fact, it exposes children to the difference between different tropical cyclones and there is an underlying message about self-awareness and identity that parents or teachers can explore with children,” the author told SEARCHLIGHT this week about her first ever book.

She also shared her excitement to publish the children’s book, as it has always been a lifelong dream.

“… But to have one within an area that I am extremely passionate about is more than a dream come true. I am truly humbled and happy to have completed it,”she said.

Smith’s usual research examines how social vulnerability exacerbates disaster risks including climate risks across different social groups and how these groups navigate these challenges.

She told SEARCHLIGHT it is her hope that by reading ‘The Day I Became a Hurricane’, children will begin to understand from an early age, the destructive nature of tropical cyclones like hurricanes and the need for preparedness.

This may be her first book but the lecturer said she “definitely has plans for more publications!”

“I want to continue the story on hurricanes to capture concepts such as vulnerability and risks more in-depth. I also intend to develop more material on natural hazards for kids in the same age group category and older,” she said.

’The Day I Became a Hurricane’ is currently available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback versions but it will also be available at local bookshops soon, including Nightingale and KMK Innovations at the Joshua Centre.

Smith is also dedicated to making the book as widely available as possible in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

A few copies are also available to persons who contact the author whether through Facebook or Instagram.

Top reviews on amazon.com praise Smith’s book for being “absolutely creative”, “masterfully written” and “a fun little book”.

“The book was well written for easy comprehension for my 3yr old toddler son. He was fully engaged as I read the story several times. He was full of questions about the story. It’s now my go to book. A must buy!!,” one reviewer wrote, while another said, “I love the creativity that went into this writing. This is perfect to teach kids about the development of a hurricane. A job well done.”

The author expresses gratitude to all the persons that have supported her so far by purchasing, sharing and reviewing her book on Amazon.

“Also, we are in the hurricane season, so it is the perfect season to get a copy of this book for a child so that they can relate to what is happening,” Smith said.