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by Dr Jen (Author), Raymund James Dakay (Illustrator)
Walking the Pipeline is a joyful Jamaican childhood story filled with adventure, imagination, courage, kindness, family bonding, and the simple pleasures of country life.
In this second Herb and Jen adventure, the two siblings return for another unforgettable summer holiday, surrounded by the lush beauty of the Blue Mountains and Roaring River. From picking ripe fruit and watching horses gallop, to fishing in the river and enjoying juicy mangoes-a favorite Jamaican delight-the story captures the freedom, wonder, and happiness of childhood.
Inspired by stories of a magical castle filled with laughing children, Herb and Jen enter a world of imagination and dreaming. Eager to find the mysterious castle, they set off along the long, water-filled pipeline, walking without fear as they sing their playful song, "One step, two steps, ho, ho, ho!" Their journey is filled with laughter, discovery, chanting games, and the joy of simply enjoying life.
But their carefree adventure suddenly takes a frightening turn when a bull appears and chases Herb through the bush toward danger. Just in time, the kind and courageous Farmer John comes to their rescue. His timely help reminds readers of the importance of kindness, community care, and looking out for one another. After the children make it safely home, Herb's bee sting is treated with love and care.
At the heart of the story is more than adventure. Walking the Pipeline celebrates imagination, bravery, sibling closeness, family love, and the delight children find in nature, play, and shared experiences. And as the story gently reveals, the magical castle they long to find is not far away at all-it is found in the joy, freedom, and wonder of being children.
When their father finally tells them, "You are the children in the castle, having fun," the story closes with a beautiful reminder: childhood itself can be magical.
