Author shares Haitian childhood joy in bilingual book
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Jowane Theodat, inspired by memories of her childhood in Haiti, wrote “3 Fwa Pase La” to share joyful experiences with young readers.
The author remembered playing a game called Lalin ak Solèy with cousins, neighbors, and classmates, and wanted to counter negative portrayals of Haiti by reminding people of happy childhood moments. The book presents the game and Haitian Creole alongside English, allowing families to connect with the language at their own speed and encouraging intergenerational conversations about traditions.
Theodat chose to focus on a single game to offer readers an accessible entry point into Haitian culture, rather than attempting a comprehensive overview. She believes that children do not need to understand a country’s full history to appreciate shared moments of play and friendship. The book, published on September 27, 2026, aims to spark curiosity about Haiti and provide a space for Haitian children to see their language and traditions represented in literature.
The author hopes the book will inspire questions and storytelling between generations, preserving joyful memories and sharing them with new audiences.
