Baby Don't Smoke: A Graphic Novel - Softcover
The findings against cigarette use haven't been new or remarkable for years. What is remarkable is the continued allure of smoking despite its obvious dangers. "I attribute this in many ways to the prolonged, clever (insert 'devious') marketing of the cigarette companies,” says author Everett Jaime, an Hispanic American. Baby Don't Smoke, his short graphic novel, is directed to young parents and pregnant teens, and their social network of friends and family. It boldly points a finger at the cigarette companies as an unnecessary and greedy empire.
"Baby Don't Smoke” is an exciting, information-rich and colorful graphic novel of a teenage Latino girl named Maria who lives in East Los Angeles with her mother, boyfriend and their newborn. She is lead through a series of dramatic encounters with sinister and friendly characters which climax in a surprise ending, leaving her with the resolve to quit smoking forever.
Since badgering and many forms of education about the obvious health concerns caused by smoking haven't eliminated the problem, Baby Don't Smoke takes a different approach. It encourages teens to rebel! In this case, against the cigarette companies who entice them into addiction and ill-health, and thus contribute to the illness of their infants and children. "We give people a pre-packaged, cool, rebellious identity when they can't create one for themselves,” scoffs Doris, the novel's seductive and brilliant villainess who controls Tobacco Empire. When protagonist Maria, a pregnant teen, responds with sarcasm, "You must be very proud,” Doris counters menacingly, "I'm not proud, I'm rich.”
"Baby Don't Smoke" presents hard evidence of the dangers of smoking in an imaginative, edgy, & readable format. Contemporary illustrations by Eliot R. Brown, an artist for Marvel Comics and others, skillfully drives home the message. The approach is perfectly suited to its target market-lower-income, ethnic teens & pre-teens-without ever patronizing them.
The book will appeal to library markets, especially high schools and junior highs, and to health educators, as well as Planned Parenthood and other agencies concerned with teen pregnancy and health. In bookstores, it should attract parents & friends of young smokers who will buy it to leave around for their loved ones to spot.
"Baby Don't Smoke” is an exciting, information-rich and colorful graphic novel of a teenage Latino girl named Maria who lives in East Los Angeles with her mother, boyfriend and their newborn. She is lead through a series of dramatic encounters with sinister and friendly characters which climax in a surprise ending, leaving her with the resolve to quit smoking forever.
Since badgering and many forms of education about the obvious health concerns caused by smoking haven't eliminated the problem, Baby Don't Smoke takes a different approach. It encourages teens to rebel! In this case, against the cigarette companies who entice them into addiction and ill-health, and thus contribute to the illness of their infants and children. "We give people a pre-packaged, cool, rebellious identity when they can't create one for themselves,” scoffs Doris, the novel's seductive and brilliant villainess who controls Tobacco Empire. When protagonist Maria, a pregnant teen, responds with sarcasm, "You must be very proud,” Doris counters menacingly, "I'm not proud, I'm rich.”
"Baby Don't Smoke" presents hard evidence of the dangers of smoking in an imaginative, edgy, & readable format. Contemporary illustrations by Eliot R. Brown, an artist for Marvel Comics and others, skillfully drives home the message. The approach is perfectly suited to its target market-lower-income, ethnic teens & pre-teens-without ever patronizing them.
The book will appeal to library markets, especially high schools and junior highs, and to health educators, as well as Planned Parenthood and other agencies concerned with teen pregnancy and health. In bookstores, it should attract parents & friends of young smokers who will buy it to leave around for their loved ones to spot.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author:
Mexican American writer, musician, painter & entrepreneur, grew up in San Jose, CA, now lives in London with his wife. He wrote his first "book” at age 8. In college, using an old photocopier, he created booklets from his drawings & random musings. He's started 2 businesses, toured Europe with a blues band, composed & recorded on 11 albums of rock music, performed at Renaissance Festivals, & acted in 6 theatre productions. His painting & photography work is currently exhibited in London. Baby Don't Smoke reflects his quirky & compassionate dedication to kids & teens. See: www.everettjaime.com
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.:
From a dream sequence:
SIGN ABOVE DOUBLE DOORS READS: 'NICANTEEN'
FATHER PULLS MARIA'S CHAIR UP TO A TABLE
FATHER: Here we are. The food's not bad, but stay away from the drinks. I'll be right back. I have to check on something.
CLOSE UP OF TABLE, MENU ON IT'S SIDE PLACED BETWEEN SALT AND SUGAR SHAKERS, A SEPARATE LEATHERBOUND DRINKS MENU READS: 'TOXICTAILS'
CLOSE UP OF DRINKS MENU HELD OPEN IN MARIA'S HANDS.
Toxictails
Our exotic drinks are made from a selection of over 4,000 toxic chemicals, around 50 of which cause cancer. All of these can be found in the average cigarette.
Top Sellers
Acetone - Nail polish remover
Ammonia - Toilet cleaner
Arsenic - Rat poison
Carbon Monoxide - Car exhaust
DDT - Insect killer
Formaldehyde - Preservative for dead bodies
Hydrogen Cyanide - Gas chamber poison
Methanol - Rocket fuel
Titanium - metal used to make airplanes
Warning: Consumption in cigarette form limits your ability to smell and taste the delicious food available from our kitchen.
MARIA LOOKS UP QUIZZICALLY FROM MENU
MARIA: What's that horrible smell?
ASKEWED SHOT OF EXCESSIVELY THIN WAITER'S FACE. SALLOW SKIN, SUNKEN FEATURES AND JAUNDICED EYES, HIS SMILE REVEALING GROTESQUE TEETH.
WAITER: Would you like to start with a drink?
MARIA BOLTS AWAY FROM THE TABLE, GUARDING HER FACE FROM THE SMELL OF HIM.
MARIA: I um...no thanks...I was just waiting for someone.
WIDER ANGLE OF WAITER REVEALS A WILTED FLOWER ON HIS LAPEL. HE IS LOOKING DISAPPOINTED.
WAITER: Are you sure?
MARIA TURNS AWAY, HEADED FOR DOOR, LEAVING WAITER STANDING AT TABLE IN CAR SALESMAN POSE
WAITER: Helps you stay thin.
LONG SHOT OF WAITER STANDING IN DOORWAY WAVING AT THE END OF HALLWAY
WAITER:
Come again soon!
SIGN ABOVE DOUBLE DOORS READS: 'NICANTEEN'
FATHER PULLS MARIA'S CHAIR UP TO A TABLE
FATHER: Here we are. The food's not bad, but stay away from the drinks. I'll be right back. I have to check on something.
CLOSE UP OF TABLE, MENU ON IT'S SIDE PLACED BETWEEN SALT AND SUGAR SHAKERS, A SEPARATE LEATHERBOUND DRINKS MENU READS: 'TOXICTAILS'
CLOSE UP OF DRINKS MENU HELD OPEN IN MARIA'S HANDS.
Toxictails
Our exotic drinks are made from a selection of over 4,000 toxic chemicals, around 50 of which cause cancer. All of these can be found in the average cigarette.
Top Sellers
Acetone - Nail polish remover
Ammonia - Toilet cleaner
Arsenic - Rat poison
Carbon Monoxide - Car exhaust
DDT - Insect killer
Formaldehyde - Preservative for dead bodies
Hydrogen Cyanide - Gas chamber poison
Methanol - Rocket fuel
Titanium - metal used to make airplanes
Warning: Consumption in cigarette form limits your ability to smell and taste the delicious food available from our kitchen.
MARIA LOOKS UP QUIZZICALLY FROM MENU
MARIA: What's that horrible smell?
ASKEWED SHOT OF EXCESSIVELY THIN WAITER'S FACE. SALLOW SKIN, SUNKEN FEATURES AND JAUNDICED EYES, HIS SMILE REVEALING GROTESQUE TEETH.
WAITER: Would you like to start with a drink?
MARIA BOLTS AWAY FROM THE TABLE, GUARDING HER FACE FROM THE SMELL OF HIM.
MARIA: I um...no thanks...I was just waiting for someone.
WIDER ANGLE OF WAITER REVEALS A WILTED FLOWER ON HIS LAPEL. HE IS LOOKING DISAPPOINTED.
WAITER: Are you sure?
MARIA TURNS AWAY, HEADED FOR DOOR, LEAVING WAITER STANDING AT TABLE IN CAR SALESMAN POSE
WAITER: Helps you stay thin.
LONG SHOT OF WAITER STANDING IN DOORWAY WAVING AT THE END OF HALLWAY
WAITER:
Come again soon!
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherKalindi Press
- Publication date2012
- ISBN 10 1935826204
- ISBN 13 9781935826200
- BindingPaperback
- Number of pages40
- IllustratorBrown Eliot R.
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Baby Don't Smoke
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Hohm Press 2012-06-01, Prescott, Ariz.
(2012)
ISBN 10: 1935826204
ISBN 13: 9781935826200
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Book Description paperback. Condition: New. Brown, Eliot R. (illustrator). Language: ENG. Seller Inventory # 9781935826200
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Baby Don't Smoke
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Book Description Paperback. Condition: Brand New. Brown, Eliot R. (illustrator). 01-oct-12 edition. 40 pages. 10.00x6.50x0.25 inches. In Stock. Seller Inventory # __1935826204
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