Yolanda T. Marshall facts for kids

Marshall in 2021

Yolanda T. Marshall is a Canadian author of children's books.

Early life

Marshall, the oldest of three sisters, was born in Guyana and grew up in Scarborough, Toronto. Her family moved to Canada when she was 14. Her father is a jazz musician.

Writing

Marshall's first children's book, Keman’s First Carnival, was published in 2016. Her children's books generally center around children partaking in elements of Caribbean culture, such as food and music. Her books include:

• A Piece of Black Cake for Santa (2017), where children give Santa sorrel and black cake;
• My Soca Birthday Party (2020). A girl has a birthday party with plenty of Caribbean and African food and music; CBC.ca called it one of "the best Canadian picture books of 2020."
• C is for Carnival (2021), an A to Z book about children at the Toronto Caribbean Carnival.
• Hot Cross Buns For Everyone (2022), about children baking hot cross buns and having an Easter party.

She has also written two books of poetry, Obayifo (2008) and Messages on Dried Leaves (2017).

Personal life

Marshall lives in Scarborough, Toronto. She has a son, who inspired several of her books. As of 2020, she works in academic publishing.