Magnus the Mongoose Wins Africa Laureate Award
Jamaican author and creative Alison Tabois Latchman has won the Africa Laureate Award in the category “Best Children’s Fiction Book” for Magnus the Mongoose Meets New Friends, becoming only the second Jamaican to earn the honour. The international recognition celebrates the book’s exceptional artistry, creativity and contribution to contemporary literature. For Tabois Latchman, the achievement adds another accolade to a career spanning children’s literature, animation and advertising, marked by a commitment to creating original stories and productions that celebrate Caribbean culture.
A Jamaican Story with Universal Appeal
Magnus the Mongoose Meets New Friends follows Magnus, a ‘sly’ mongoose from the fictional district of Sunny Square, as he and his crew, the SMARTs, embark on an adventure rooted in Jamaican culture and community spirit, with a sprinkling of Patois.
More than a story for young readers, the book is a celebration of Jamaica, weaving together themes of curiosity, safety and the joy of connection. Through familiar cultural references, Jamaican expressions and engaging characters, the series introduces children to the richness of Jamaican heritage while encouraging literacy and learning.
Originally conceived as an animated series, Magnus the Mongoose has since expanded into a publishing property. Its crossover appeal has attracted international industry attention, with CARICOM, the Caribbean Community, featuring the series as a noteworthy example of regional cultural production. The brand was also spotlighted in Kidscreen, a global magazine serving the children’s entertainment industry.
A Career in Award-Winning Storytelling
Tabois Latchman is also the co-creator, writer, producer and voice director of Cabbie Chronicles, recognised as the Caribbean’s first animated series. The production earned multiple awards and helped establish her reputation as a pioneering voice in regional animation at a time when Caribbean-produced animated content was virtually unheard of.
Her work in advertising has also earned international recognition. Tabois Latchman was recruited to work on an animated advertising campaign for Tower Isles Patties, a Brooklyn-based Jamaican food brand with a global following. As part of the campaign, she contributed her expertise in writing, voice direction and casting.
The campaign increased the brand’s social media following by 3,600% in six months and received a Telly Award, placing second only to Petco in its category. It also won Gold at the AIVA Communicator Awards.
These achievements reflect Tabois Latchman’s ability to develop stories and characters that connect with audiences across different formats, from animation and advertising to children’s publishing.
Celebrating Jamaica Through Storytelling
For a small island nation whose cultural influence reaches far beyond its shores, Jamaica’s creative talent continues to make its mark internationally. Tabois Latchman’s Africa Laureate Award adds to that legacy, bringing further recognition to Jamaican storytelling and the power of culturally rooted children’s literature.
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