A celebration of the diversity of human life, Mama God, Papa God retells the creation myth in a way that’s both traditional and freshly contemporary. Although a long-time Toronto resident and former host of CBC radio’s “Cloud Nine,” Keens-Douglas was born in Grenada and keeps in close touch with his roots there. In an enchanting West Indian lilt, his narrative retells the familiar story of the origin of light, trees, birds, animals, sun, moon and, of course, man and woman.

Creation here is a joint effort, by Papa God and Mama God; Papa initiates it all, by creating light, and is so pleased at the sight of Mama that he wants to make something beautiful for her, and creates the world. Mama’s touches are more decorative, but both gods are moved by a humorously evoked love for one another. Mama decides to make humans more interesting by making them different from each other – in shapes, sizes, colours, and languages, and the book ends with a sense of delight in the world as a wonderful place.

Stefan Czernecki’s brilliantly coloured illustrations are well matched to the rhythms and lively humour of the text. Taking his inspiration from the folk art of Haiti, Czernecki uses bright, bold outlines with clever, decorative detailing; his stylized but expressive figures draw the reader into the celebratory mood.