News & Features » February 2014 » Ziggy Marley talks Storytelling, Fly Rasta, I Love You Too at the Wall Street Journal

Ziggy Marley talks Storytelling, Fly Rasta, I Love You Too at the Wall Street Journal

Ziggy Marley, whose debut children’s book, I Love You Too, will be released by Akashic on April 15th, recently spoke to Megan Buerger at the Wall Street Journal‘s Speakeasy blog about the book, his new album, Fly Rasta, and more. Read an excerpt below:

You’ve released several children’s albums in the past. Why expand into children’s books? What about the medium appealed to you?

I’m a big reader. My kids love reading and I think it’s important not just for development, but for bonding. You start reading to kids before they can even understand what you’re saying to them, so I look at it as a fundamental tool for connection. And I still like the old fashioned stuff. Turning the pages with your children before bed every night is a special thing.

Remember, before there were books, there was storytelling. When I was growing up, we had blackouts in Jamaica where every night, during certain hours, we’d have no power. My Grandma would round all of us together and tell us stories. I’ve never forgotten that. Even now in my house we try to keep the TV off during the week. That little bit of disconnection gives us room to read and talk to each other.

What’s the story behind the book’s title?

It came from my family. When my daughter Judah was two or three years old, I went into the kitchen and she said, “I love you.” It was totally spontaneous. We weren’t having a conversation, I hadn’t said anything to provoke it, she just came out of the blue and said, “I love you.” So I said, “oh, I love you, too.” It was one of those moments you have as a parent that comes out of nowhere but means everything.

You can read the rest of the interview at the Wall Street Journal‘s Speakeasy blog.

Posted: Feb 12, 2014

Category: Akashic Insider | Tags: Fly Rasta, I Love You Too, Speakeasy, Wall Street Journal, Ziggy Marley