‘Violet Loves the Letter V: Virgin Islands Pride’ Book Signing Slated

Ingrid Bough, local author of “Violet Loves the Letter V: Virgin Islands Pride,” educator and library professional, will sign and discuss her book from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. Thursday at Undercover Books & Gifts in Gallows Bay.

Bough grew up in Frederiksted on St. Croix. She centers the storyline on little Violet’s appreciation of the U.S. Virgin Islands. “I came up with the idea for my first book to honor my mother Violet Bough in memorium. My mother retired from the V.I. Department of Education and was known as a culture bearer and historian.”

In a story set in a tropical island paradise, the reader meets Violet, who is named after the violet flower. She loves her name and she discovers the colors violet and purple have long been associated with royalty and majesty. Violet tries to identify V words on her beautiful island; she creates a story using as many V words as she can and discovers her island territories are rich in history and culture.

Violet’s imagination takes her on an island roller coaster ride of twists and turns as she gains a sense of herself and her homeland: Virgin Islands Pride. She takes pride in being from such a unique place surrounded by the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

The book lays the foundation for families to discuss geography, culture, and history, while capturing elements of what makes a proud Virgin Islander.

“It gives readers of any age ‘uplifting teachable messages’ and some parents have enjoyed the story as much as their children,” Bough said of her work.

'Violet Loves the Letter V,' by Ingrid Bough, will be available for sale this week.
‘Violet Loves the Letter V,’ by Ingrid Bough, will be available for sale this week.

In the book, little Violet learns that the United States Virgin Islands, once known as the Dansk Vestindien – Danish West Indies – have been influenced by faraway places like Africa, Denmark, Spain, France, England, Vieques, Puerto Rico, the British Virgin Islands, and many more.

Local artist Stuart Rames illustrated the book.

“Working with Ingrid was an incredibly enjoyable experience,” Rames said. “Illustrating a children’s book was a first for me.”

His colorful, original artwork captures the attention of children.

“My passion for art existed for numerous years from my childhood copying comic book characters to selling my artwork by the time I was in my early twenties,” he said.

During October 2019, Bough represented the Virgin Islands as a presenter and reader at the Charlotte, North Carolina KidsFest and was one of the selected authors to present at the 2019 National Black Book Festival in Houston, Texas.

“What I enjoy most is sharing my passion and love of the beautiful Virgin Islands with everyone. I hope this book will inspire and ignite excitement in the younger generation to learn more about V.I. history, culture, adventure, and island life,” Bough said.

“I delight in reading to children, speaking at events, and presenting to organizations.”

Bough’s educational background includes degrees from Howard University, University of Maryland College Park, and a juris doctorate degree in intellectual property law from the University of Baltimore School of Law.

Bough uses her 20 years of copyright experience at the Library of Congress to venture into various intellectual property and literacy projects both in the Virgin Islands and on the mainland.

Other book launch event planned for this week include:
– WSTX Radio host Douglas Canton interview – 9 a.m. Tuesday.
– Rotary Club West Headquarters Frederiksted, interview, 6 p.m. Tuesday.
– WSTX Radio host Dimitri Copeman interview – 9 a.m. Wednesday.
– WSTX Radio host Doc Petersen interview – 9 a.m. Friday.

Hardcover and softcover books are available on St. Croix at Undercover Books & Gifts and at the Starving Artists Fair Dec. 1 at Whim Museum. On St. Thomas the book is available at the Owl and the Seahorse bookstore.

The book is available online at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

More information is available online at Bough’s website.

www.NOIRILLION.com