Where Stories Dance to the Rhythm of Haiti - Là où les histoires dansent au rythme d’Haïti
Through multilingual children’s books, music, and movement, Djenane Saint Juste Books celebrates Haitian and Afro-Caribbean culture — inspiring young readers to embrace diversity, empathy, and joy.
À travers des livres pour enfants multilingues, de la musique et de la danse, Djenane Saint Juste Books célèbre la culture haïtienne et afro-caribéenne — inspirant les jeunes lecteurs à accueillir la diversité,
l’empathie et la joie.
Celebrating culture, language, and imagination through books that sing, move, and inspire.
Célébrer la culture, la langue et l’imagination à travers des livres qui chantent, bougent et inspirent.
Welcome to Djenane Saint Juste Books, a place where words dance, drums speak, and stories come alive. Founded by Haitian author, dancer, and cultural educator Djenane Saint Juste, our mission is to celebrate the richness of Haitian and Afro-Caribbean heritage through multilingual children’s books that honor the rhythm of life itself.
Each story invites readers to experience a world where movement meets meaning — where every page carries the echo of ancestral drums, the warmth of storytelling, and the brilliance of diversity.
We believe in books that speak to the heart, uplift the spirit, and connect generations across languages and cultures. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or lifelong learner, you’ll find here not just stories — but a celebration of identity, belonging, and joy.
Read more about us and our mission
Bienvenue chez Djenane Saint Juste Books, un lieu où les mots dansent, les tambours parlent et les histoires prennent vie. Fondée par l’auteure, danseuse et éducatrice culturelle haïtienne Djenane Saint Juste, notre mission est de célébrer la richesse du patrimoine haïtien et afro-caribéen à travers des livres pour enfants multilingues qui honorent le rythme même de la vie.
Chaque histoire invite les lecteurs à découvrir un monde où le mouvement rencontre le sens — où chaque page porte l’écho des tambours ancestraux, la chaleur du conte et la lumière de la diversité.
Nous croyons en des livres qui parlent au cœur, élèvent l’esprit et relient les générations au-delà des langues et des cultures.
Que vous soyez enseignant, parent ou éternel apprenant, vous trouverez ici bien plus que des histoires — une véritable célébration de l’identité, de l’appartenance et de la joie.
Our Story / Notre histoire
Born in Haiti and now based in Toronto, Djenane Saint Juste is an author, dancer, choreographer, and teaching artist whose life’s work is rooted in cultural preservation and joyful education. After years of sharing the rhythms and traditions of Haiti through dance and performance, Djenane felt called to bring those same stories to the written page — to create books where children could see themselves, hear their language, and feel the pulse of their heritage.
Each story she writes carries the heart of her island home — its resilience, laughter, and wisdom. Through her books, Djenane invites readers everywhere to experience the music of Haiti’s soul, while embracing the shared humanity that connects us all.
Née en Haïti et aujourd’hui basée à Toronto, Djenane Saint Juste est auteure, danseuse, chorégraphe et artiste-enseignante. Son œuvre est profondément enracinée dans la préservation culturelle et l’éducation par la joie.
Après des années à partager les rythmes et les traditions d’Haïti à travers la danse et la scène, Djenane a ressenti le besoin d’apporter ces mêmes histoires sur papier — pour créer des livres où les enfants peuvent se reconnaître, entendre leur langue et ressentir le battement de leur héritage.
Chaque histoire qu’elle écrit porte le cœur de son île natale — sa résilience, son rire et sa sagesse. À travers ses livres, Djenane invite les lecteurs du monde entier à découvrir la musique de l’âme haïtienne, tout en embrassant l’humanité que nous partageons tous.
About Djenane
Djenane Saint-Juste is a Haitian dancer, choreographer, author, and teaching artist dedicated to preserving and sharing Haitian culture. A Culture Bearer, she brings Haiti’s stories, rhythms, and traditions to life through dance, music, and literature, creating inclusive spaces where all children feel seen.
Since immigrating to the U.S. in 2009, Djenane has worked to build cultural bridges through joyful learning and authentic representation. Her multilingual books, The Mermaid and the Whale and Ti Sonson and the Power of the Drum, celebrate Haitian folklore while supporting language learners.
Whether performing, teaching, or storytelling, Djenane invites young audiences and educators to experience the richness of Haiti with pride, curiosity, and creativity.
The Mermaid and the Whale
You’re going to fall in love with The Mermaid and the Whale — and the songs that come with it!
Written by dancer and storyteller Djenane Saint Juste, this magical tale is inspired by the beloved Haitian folk song “Lasirèn ak Labalèn” (The Mermaid and the Whale). The story takes readers on a journey to the island of La Gonâve, off the coast of Haiti, where an old man searching for gold meets two mystical creatures who help him discover that true treasure lies within.
The book begins with the classic Haitian storytelling phrase “Krik, krak!” and unfolds across pages filled with ocean blues and rich Caribbean culture. Told in four languages — English, Haitian Creole, French, and Spanish — The Mermaid and the Whale invites readers to sing, dance, and explore the beauty of Haiti.
With its accompanying CD of songs and narration, this story is perfect for children, families, and classrooms. It’s more than just a tale — it’s a celebration of folklore, language, and the magic of discovering new perspectives. Whether you're learning a new language or connecting with Haitian heritage, this book is for everyone, young and old alike!
LASIRÈN AK LABALÈN. La Sirène et La Baleine. La Sirena y La Ballena
Ti Sonson and the Power of the Drum
Let your heart follow the beat of the drum in Ti Sonson and the Power of the Drum (Ti Sonson ak Pouvwa Tanbou) — a joyful, trilingual story that connects us to the rhythms of our ancestors.
Written by Haitian author and culture bearer Djenane Saint Juste, this beautifully illustrated book takes readers on a journey into the mountains of Fort Jacques, Haiti, where a young boy named Ti Sonson discovers the true power of the drum. As the story unfolds in English, Haitian Creole, and French, readers are invited to listen closely — not just with their ears, but with their hearts — to the wisdom carried in every beat.
More than a story, this book is a celebration of Haitian culture, resilience, and tradition. It’s perfect for young readers and just as meaningful for grown-ups who are still curious at heart. The accompanying CD features captivating narration in all three languages, along with original songs and powerful drumming from Haitian and Ghanaian artists. It’s a full sensory experience that brings the pages to life!
Ti Sonson and the Power of the Drum is for anyone who’s ever wondered about the secret behind the drum’s call — and is ready to feel its magic.
Ti Sonson ak Pouvwa Tanbou. Ti Sonson et Les Pouvoirs du Tambour
Press & Reviews
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Meet Djenane Saint Juste - Canvas Rebel
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An earthquake brought Djenane Saint Juste to Minnesota where she’s built a life teaching Haitian dance - Sahan Joournal
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Afoutayi Haitian Dance, Music and Arts - Metro Regional Arts Council
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Haitian Artists visit Normandale Elementary - Edina Schools
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Djenane Saint Juste's 'The Mermaid and the Whale' shares Haitian history through word and song - Your Classical
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“The Mermaid and the Whale” Shines the Spotlight on Haiti - Minnesota Monthly
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The Mermaid and the Whale book launch! - Alliance Française Mpls/St Paul