The Island of Yaki Yim Bamboo by Millicent F. Arrindell and Fred Rohan-Vargas is a captivating children's picture book. It invites readers into a whimsical realm where siblings Noah and Ida embark on a magical adventure narrated by their Aunt Za. Her tale is about an enchanted island, Yaki Yim Bamboo, where children have fun and can turn into animals if they want to. One day, a boy named Bobotwee refuses to leave the island and bans other children from coming to it. However, fate brings a boat filled with kids to the island, and Bobotwee tries to find them and chase them away. A game of cat and mouse ensues between the kids, Bobotwee, and the animals of the island that want him to leave.

The Island of Yaki Yim Bamboo weaves a delightful story that captures the imagination with its enchanting setting and playful narrative. Millicent F. Arrindell and Fred Rohan-Vargas take children on a whimsical journey, blending adventure with valuable lessons on friendship, family, and sharing. Set against the backdrop of the Caribbean, the narrative not only entertains but also educates young readers about the diverse cultures and landscapes of the region, complemented by an engaging map that invites exploration. The story also explores themes of bravery, personal growth, embracing one's heritage, and the inevitable challenges and fears of becoming an adult. The book features colorful illustrations that complement the story and bring the characters and scenery to life. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves adventure, culture, and island stories.

The Island of Yaki Yim Bamboo by Millicent F. Arrindell and Fred Rohan-Vargas is a magical story that captures children's imaginations in an adventure to a mysterious island. Noah and Ida are two siblings spending the day with their family on the beach in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Their fun day in the sun takes an enchanting turn when they let their imaginations carry them away to an island filled with magic. The siblings daydream about the amazing things they could do from soaring on clouds to turning into animals. This is sparked by a story their Aunt Za shares about an island where only children can visit and the boy who did not want to leave. The child that stayed was a boy named Bobotwee who decided to make the rules for the island. Upon visiting, the siblings and other children concoct a plan to trick Bobotwee into letting them stay, which involves reaching into their imaginations.

The narrative structure is a charming story-within-a-story format with Noah and Ida being told a story about the island and Bobotwee by a family member. The book revolves around the love of storytelling and the imagination that this can spark. Millicent F. Arrindell and Fred Rohan-Vargas use a technique that shifts from the family gathering into the story as the siblings and other children arrive on the island. This is a fun way of bringing young readers along for the adventure. The magic of Yaki Yim Bamboo is a mix of mystical and imaginative with talking animals (a mongoose and an iguana) that greet them and the children pretending to be animals to trick Bobotwee. The illustrations show the children in costumes and on all fours as they masquerade as animals which creates a playful and childlike solution to the problem. The story ends with a heartfelt message as Bobotwee chooses to help the children, which makes it a feel-good read. The Island of Yaki Yim Bamboo is a delightful tale about familial love, storytelling, imagination, magic, friendship, and adventure.