Marcel Toussaint
A story about food, trust, and hope in Haiti
by Marcel Toussaint
Set in the town of Ouanaminthe, Haiti, Ti Marie and the Little Pepper Plant follows a curious 8-year-old girl who discovers the power of planting.
With guidance from her teacher and support from her family, Ti Marie learns how to grow a pepper plant using simple, natural methods. Along the way, she shows her parents—and her community—that agriculture is not something to be ashamed of, but a noble and important profession.
Written to inspire young readers, this beautifully told story introduces children to environmental care, responsibility, and the idea that even small hands can help build a food-secure future for Haiti.
Perfect for ages 6–8, classrooms, and families, this book reminds us that when children plant, hope grows too.
*100% of any profit goes to the Haitian Orphans Wish Organization*
Ti Marie and Her Little Pepper Plant (Creole version, see below) is a heartwarming children’s story set in Haiti that celebrates curiosity, learning, and the power of agriculture.
Ti Marie is an 8-year-old girl who discovers that planting is more than working the soil—it is science, responsibility, and hope. Guided by her teacher, Teacher Agro, and supported by her family, Ti Marie learns to care for a small pepper plant using natural resources such as rainwater and compost. Along the way, she gains confidence, patience, and pride in helping her family and community.
Marcel wrote this story to encourage children to embrace agriculture, education, and hope for a brighter future.
Marcel Toussaint is the author of Ti Marie and Her Ti Pepper Plant, his first children’s book. Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and raised in the United States, Marcel has remained deeply committed to serving the Haitian community. In 2003, he founded Haitian Orphans Wish (H.O.W.), a nonprofit dedicated to feeding, educating, and empowering vulnerable children in Haiti, including providing free technical training through its Sewing School program. After a 28-year career as a Mechanical Engineer at Leviton Manufacturing, Marcel now devotes his time to community service, gardening, and the arts. Through this book, he hopes to inspire children to embrace agriculture, education, and hope for Haiti’s future.