Jabari and the Shady Shortcut
A thrilling tale of Jamaican folklore, adventure, and lessons learned. Jabari and the Shady Shortcut is a heart-pounding journey through Jamaican proverb and mythology. A heartwarming story of courage, danger, and the wisdom of listening to your elders.
This story introduces children to Jamaican folklore while teaching a valuable lesson about patience and the consequences of taking shortcuts.
It will keep young readers on the edge of their seats!
About The Author
Lemar O. Archer is a Jamaican-born theatre and drama educator, director, researcher, choreographer, and performer with over a decade of experience in arts education and performance.
At the age of eleven, he began writing plays and poems for church productions and JCDC Festival competitions. In 2019, he wrote A Child’s Cry, which earned him and his students the Jamaican Actor Boy Award for Best Children’s Theatre Production.
He is passionate about using storytelling and performance to support youth development and cultural learning. Through this book, Lemar hopes to tell stories that celebrate Caribbean culture, honor the wisdom passed down through generations and encourage young readers to make thoughtful choices.
What People Say
Michael Reckord (Rev.), Educator, Writer and Cultural Journalist
“An enjoyable and exciting read for children, and many adults too. With vivid descriptions of Jamaica’s natural environment, memorable characters, rich folklore, sayings, and a suspenseful, action-filled story, this tale delivers an important moral with warmth and heart. It deserves to be in the hands of scores of Jamaican children.”
Bethany Nelson, PhD, Educator and Scholar, Emerson College
“This delightful Jamaican folklore-inspired story introduces young readers to the culture and language of the island through a hopping adventure. Young readers from many backgrounds will be charmed by Jabari and recognize themselves in his journey. It’s a fun cautionary tale, delivered with a light hand and some heart-stopping action!”
Leonie Anderson, Educator, Author and Editor
“Jabari and the Shady Shortcut is a story rooted in Jamaica’s everyday rhythms, wisdom, and imagination. Blending suspense with heart, it captures the essence of being Jamaican – celebrating childhood freedom, cultural memory, and gentle life lessons. It invites young readers into a thrilling story shaped by courage, tradition and community.”
