A reader writes to ask if I've seen Bella Bella by Jonathan London, illustrations by Sean London (don't know if there is a relationship between the author and illustrator). Bella Bella came out in February of 2016. Published by West Winds, here's the synopsis:
From best-selling author Jonathan London comes BELLA BELLA, the heart-pounding sequel to DESOLATION CANYON. In this story for young readers, the same cast of characters―thirteen-year-olds Aaron and Lisa and their fathers, and seventeen-year-old Cassidy and his dad―embark on a sea kayaking trip through the Inside Passage that brings them unexpected and even terrifying adventures. Young readers will eagerly follow Aaron’s adventures in this suspenseful page turner, as he learns to navigate a kayak, discovers another side to a bully, shares a first kiss, encounters the desperate world of human trafficking, and challenges an evil smuggler who threatens the entire group.
Nothing in the synopsis to tell you there's Native content, but the art on the top half of the cover tells us there is (see image to the right). I don't know what to call that image. Is it meant to be a totem pole? What do you think it is?
The
review at Kirkus tells us that the characters begin their trip at a First Nations village (Bella Bella) and that they hope to learn about First Nations tribes. The Kirkus review included a link to their review of
Desolation Canyon, so I took a look at that review. It apparently has Native content, too.
If I get a copy, I'll be back with a review. If you've got a copy, please comment on what you see in it.
Lion Forge, the digital upstart that brings you Punky Brewster comics, will be on hand at NYCC, with the premiere of their animated effort, Deep Sea 7. In addition, MK Reed, Joe Flood, Jonathan London, Carl Reed and Yaya Han will be signing at the booth.
Digital comics publisher Lion Forge Comics is taking a big bite out of the Big Apple at this year’s New York Comic Con. Kicking off NYCC, Lion Forge will host an exclusive premiere screening of its first foray into animation, Deep Sea 7. Back at the Lion Forge booth, fan can meet famous cosplayer Yaya Han as she makes her debut into the pages of a comic book in the upcoming Wonderous II. And the creative minds behind Miami Vice and NYCC-exclusive Bayside Warriors will be on hand to tackle fan questions about two of Lion Forge’s biggest hits.
Lion Forge also is making sure fans feel the Lion Forge love with exclusive swag for NYCC attendees. Featuring Rampage Jackson: Street Soldier, Roboy, and Wonderous II, the bundle includes a T-shirt; a comic print or sketch; a Lion Forge convention bag; and a front-of-the-line pass for Lion Forge meet and greets. Fans can get more details and purchase their favorite swag now available for pre-sale here.
The Lion Forge NYCC talent schedule includes:
o 11:00 a.m.: Meet and greet with Yaya Han at the Lion Forge booth
o 6:00 p.m.: Deep Sea 7 screening hosted by Jonathan London in 1B03
o 11:00 a.m.: Meet and greet with Yaya Han at the Lion Forge booth
o 2:00 p.m.: Signing with the Miami Vice creative team, Jonathan London and Carl Reed, at the Lion Forge booth
o 1:00 p.m.: Signing with the Bayside Warriors creative team, MK Reed and Joe Flood, at the Lion Forge booth
o 12:00 p.m.: Signing with the Bayside Warriors creative team, MK Reed and Joe Flood, at the Lion Forge booth
Froggy Goes to School
By Jonathan London; illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz
For those of the Baby Boomer generation, there was a jingle on the radio that signaled the end of all things summer. It presaged school, schedules, earlier bedtimes and butterflies in the tummy time, as all manner of imaginings emerged before the first day of school. The jingle was sponsored by a clothing store long since defunct, having gone the way of chain stores such as E.J. Korvettes and Alexanders. It’s still on YouTube. The popular, but ominous jingle went:
School bells ring and children sing,
IT’S BACK TO ROBERT HALL AGAIN!
Mother knows for better clothes,
IT’S BACK TO ROBERT HALL AGAIN!
You’ll save more on clothes for school,
SHOP AT ROBERT HALL!
To quote the anvil salesman from “The Music Man”, “Not on your life, girly, girl!” We did not shop at Robert Hall because as do many public and private school students of today, we wore a UNIFORM – that great leveler of individuality and competition in school attire. Come to think of it, does the antsy amphibian, Froggy, wear a uniform to school?
Find out from that famous frog, as he is a GREAT go to read aloud for parents and kids facing their very first day of school or their 3rd!
Can you parents remember sometimes having had dreams preceding the first day of school about being late via missed buses because of alarm clocks that don’t ring? Froggy’s nightmare is a bit more extreme. Though awakening late, he does make the bus, BUT forgets to don school clothes of ANY KIND save undies!! Thank goodness, he wakes up to his father’s bright “Rise and shine,” (my dear mom used the SAME line), to discover his worst fears were a DREAM.
Young readers can fully identify with the green goggle-eyed young frog that is an easy stand in for them and their concerns. Froggy shares them and lives them – first.
Kids will feel a calm settling over their pre-school nervousness as Froggy joins in the school days activities with relish, getting some things right, like his name printed on the desk, while other skills need a bit more work such as paying attention, speaking softly and not falling out of his seat!
Young back-to-schoolers who find themselves drawing comparisons to Froggy, will find similarities and a few relieved, “Hey, I never did that!”
The youngsters are having a fine time with their teacher, Miss Witherspoon, sharing their summer adventures, when Mr. Mugwort, the Croc enters with a glare on his face just as Froggy is singing the song he learned when he was taught to swim. Is Froggy in trouble on his very FIRST day? No way! Mr. Mugwort is a singer of songs too!
Please join Froggy and your young reader in allaying all fears about the first day of school. If Froggy and family can happily navigate the return to school, so can you and your young scholars!
