Baby Don't Smoke

Summary

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.

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Excerpts

From a dream sequence:SIGN ABOVE DOUBLE DOORS READS: 'NICANTEEN'FATHER PULLS MARIA'S CHAIR UP TO A TABLEFATHER: 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. ToxictailsOur 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 SellersAcetone - Nail polish removerAmmonia - Toilet cleanerArsenic - Rat poisonCarbon Monoxide - Car exhaustDDT - Insect killerFormaldehyde - Preservative for dead bodiesHydrogen Cyanide - Gas chamber poisonMethanol - Rocket fuelTitanium - metal used to make airplanesWarning: 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!