Bolo the Monkey wins our hearts

There was a slight rustle in the branches, and a smooth, pale green mango landed right at my feet.

Percussionist M’bala accompanied the afternoon’s events with raps, taps, rattles and chimes.

“That one is yours!” laughed the musician M’Bala, accompanying the fall with a light tap on his drum. I picked it up, and put it in my purse.

And so the afternoon started. The afternoon of our introduction to Bolo, the monkey.

Books, bananas…and Bolo.

Now, who is Bolo, you may ask? Well, he is the hero of a new Jamaican children’s book, launched recently by local publishers Blue Moon Publishing. Author Jonathan Burke and illustrator Nicholas Martin think very highly of Bolo, as well they should. He has a bit of a rough time getting a certain project off the ground, but… Well, you will have to buy the book and see what happens. Suffice it to say that Bolo is an inspiration to us all.

Two little girls (and a pretty amazing jungle print handbag) on a swing that hung from a lower branch of the mango tree.

Did I mention that the afternoon of the launch was hot? And so humid that the air just dripped, slowly. It was a day for floating, long, cool summer dresses, and there were quite a few of these (apart from myself – I don’t possess any, sadly). There was publisher Tanya Batson-Savage in a long dress in sharpest lime green; friend and co-presenter Scarlett Beharie, swishing in deep purple; and the scheduled MC, Karen Harriott, arrived rather belatedly in white cotton lace and a strawberry hat. Diane Browne (a marvelous children’s and young adults’ author herself) wore a white dress scattered with flowers. You get the picture. And, of course, there was a good sprinkling of children, constantly on the move and generally noisy, who were indulged.

Publisher Tanya Batson-Savage in stunning lime green.

The author, Jonathan Burke, was born in Nigeria of Jamaican and English parents. He came to Jamaica in 1978. This is his first published story. Sitting on a white wooden bench beside his illustrator, Jonathan became emotional at times as he spoke of the inspiration of his own children. Nicholas Martin spoke of Bolo arriving at “turbo speed” – and the intensity of “sleepless nights” as he worked to bring him to life. Yes, there are indeed monkeys in the Caribbean (although not in Jamaica). Nicholas based his depiction of Bolo on the vervet monkey, which I understand was brought from Africa on slave ships and ended up living in Barbados, St. Kitts and Nevis and some other eastern Caribbean islands.

Jonathan and Nicholas get their signing pens out. Among those lining up for their copy to be signed is the distinguished Jamaican poet Mervyn Morris (with the white beard).

AuthorJonathan Burke (left) and illustrator Nicholas Martin. Oh, and did I mention the incredible cupcakes? And the balloons? And the delicious spread of food?

Jonathan Burke already has another (longer) book waiting in the wings. There is the possibility of a television show. And if you have young children, or friends with children – or if you just want to enjoy Bolo’s story for yourself – I suggest you hurry on down to a local bookstore and purchase a copy.

And don’t forget, in Bolo’s words: “Belief in yourself will make you strong.”

You can find Blue Moon Publishing on Facebook and Twitter @Blumoonbooks.

What laughs! Scarlett Beharie throws back her head, as the children compete for a “monkey sounds” competition. I wonder what Bolo would have thought of it.