Bolo Comes to Trench Town

Bolo the Monkey is on the road. Just over a week ago, his travels took him to Trench Town.

And the children were waiting.

The man who created Bolo, author Jonathan Burke, has a gentle demeanor. He easily won over the children at Trench Town Reading Centre, as soon as he stepped in the door. Tanya Batson Savage, the energetic publisher and editor, and Scarlett Beharie of Blue Moon Publishing were there too. And we got straight into the book, no hesitation.

Now, as we should know, Bolo the Monkey is a determined young fellow. When asked what they understood from his story, the children immediately responded, “Don’t give up!” and “Follow your dream!”  Yes, the children of Trench Town Reading Centre are good listeners. They don’t miss a thing.

The children also asked Jonathan questions about writing. How long does it take to write a story? Does he write it down, or use a computer? How does he get his ideas? Jonathan responded that he “writes stories in his head” first, and then writes them down. He encouraged them to start writing themselves. I do hope they will.

There is absolutely no doubt that the children not only listen, but do indeed love to read. One small boy who arrived late immediately commandeered a copy of “Bolo the Monkey” and began to turn the pages. Meanwhile, the others were listening to a second story – the dramatic and disturbing “Primrose and the River Mumma,” from Tanya Batson Savage’s own “Pumpkin Belly and Other Stories.” Read by the author herself, with considerable energy…

I got the distinct impression that they wanted us to stay longer. But we had to leave, after a flurry of group photographs – these are always very popular – and some hugs.

Below are some photos of the fun we had, courtesy of Blue Moon Publishing, and myself.

“Like” BlueMoon Publishing on Facebook and follow @Blumoonbooks on Twitter. It is a 100 per cent Jamaican publisher!

Trench Town Reading Centre is on Facebook at Friends of Trench Town Reading Centre and the website is http://www.trenchtownreadingcentre.com. 

Do read my earlier blog post about Bolo’s launch in July: https://petchary.wordpress.com/2013/07/08/bolo-the-monkey-wins-our-hearts/

Focusing intently… (My photo)

… and more focus. (My photo)

Let’s have a look… These girls discuss Tanya’s book. (My photo)

Tanya Batson Savage adds some drama to the story of the “River Mumma” from her book “Pumpkin Belly and other Stories” while the girl on the left peruses a copy of “Bolo the Monkey.” (My photo)

Jonathan Burke tells Bolo’s story to an attentive young audience. (Photo: Blue Moon Publishing)

Jonathan swamped with children… (Photo: Blue Moon Publishing)

Yes, I’ve got Bolo and I’m not letting him go… This young boy takes possession. (My photo)