The second time around
I wrote Janjay with the intention of creating a children’s book series. The idea was to center each book on an environmental theme but as I started to write the second book in the series, things changed. Musicians often talk about how difficult the second album is especially coming off of the success of the first project. There is a lot more pressure to deliver at the same level or better than the previous project. Which is why I’ve taken a lot of time to write the second book. Not to mention, life’s trials also delayed the process.
I’ve learned so much about writing since publishing Janjay. This time around I focused a lot more on character development, navigating the present and the past, and most importantly on how to tell a story that has a sense a familiarity even if the reader has no connection to Liberia or Africa.
The second book in the Janjay series is titled, Janjay goes Upriver. While the plot doesn’t center around one particular environmental theme as it did in the previous book, there are definitely scenes rich in describing challenges in access to sanitation. Janjay goes Upriver is about Janjay’s visit to a rural region in Liberia to spend time with her grandmother. Many of the same characters are back including Joe-Joe and Bendu. A new main character is introduced—Tania, an American granddaughter of a Liberian family-friend. Janjay and Tania become fast-friends and together explore Upriver. Janjay introduces Tania to life in Liberia—a completely different world to what Tania is accustomed to.
Even though both girls live worlds apart---you will get to see that kids will be kids no matter where in the world they grow up.
I’m so proud of this book and I can’t wait to share it with the world.
Janjay Goes Upriver is set to be released on 5 June 2021, World Environment Day 2021.
Be the first to receive your special edition signed copy of the new release: Janjay Goes Upriver before the publication date 5 June 2021. Complete this form below by 15 April 2021 and wait for the email link with instructions on how to order. Don’t Miss Out!
~Signed Chantal Victoria — Writer, Publisher, and Academic.
2nd Book in the Janjay Children’s Book Series