‘A colouring book just for me’

PORT MARIA, St Mary — An instructional designer with a background in psychology and a master of arts in teaching, Tasanique Campbell was working on designs for a Canadian company when her then seven-year-old daughter made a request that changed everything. “Can you make a colouring book filled with girls who look like me?” asked Zauriann Harrison, who is now nine years old. Campbell took on the challenge. “I wanted her to see herself reflected in the pages,” she told the Jamaica Observer.

Pages from Tasanique Campbell’s Afro Princess. Ingrid Henry

“I wanted her to know that she is a princess too and that her hair is her crown,” the educator said of her inspiration for Afro Princess, a colouring book celebrating black girls with beautiful natural hair, in all shades, shapes and sizes. Campbell did not stop there. “I have often seen girls being treated like princesses while boys are expected to receive ‘tough love’. I believe boys deserve to be celebrated and encouraged to love themselves too,” she explained. That led to Afro Prince.

Educator and author Tasanique Campbell with her books, Afro Princess and Afro Prince. Ingrid Henry

“I could not imagine approaching a family with both a princess and a prince and only having something for one of their children. Every child deserves to feel seen,” Campbell said with a smile. With more than 10 years of experience working with young people, she knows that what children see, hear and experience in their formative years has a lasting impact on how they view themselves and the world. That belief is woven into the pages of both books, which are a blend of positive representation, powerful affirmations, creativity and early learning. “Children are not just colouring, they are building confidence, practising self-expression, expanding their vocabulary and developing tracing and writing skills. They are learning to love the skin they are in, the hair on their head and the person they are becoming. They are designed not only to entertain children but to help them build positive messages about themselves from an early age,” Campbell said. As an educator, instructional designer, author and creative entrepreneur, she is passionate about creating meaningful experiences that empower others. She envisions a growing collection designed to celebrate natural beauty, identity and individuality while making learning enjoyable and interactive.