Gingerbread Jimmi Magical Story Book
When you open the first page of J.R. Holbrook’s “Gingerbread Jimmi,” it’s a pleasure to read, “It was Christmas Eve in the magical town of Park City.” Not the “North Pole,” not “Big Town,” not “Anywhere, U.S.A.”, but Park City, Utah. “The major publishing houses wanted me to set the story in ‘Snowville’ but I couldn’t do that,” the author said over breakfast at The Morning Ray. “Park City’s too magical for me.”
A father of four, J.R. Holbrook first created the character of Gingerbread Jimmi for his children in a Christmas song. His self-published book brings the character to life in full-color pages, beautifully illustrated by former Pixar artists Martin Stensaas and Sunny Strasburg.
The artists marry the high-tech edge of today’s animated movies with a dreamy 1950s aura that evokes memories of Christmas past. A scene from Park City’s Main Street is comfortably familiar along with a view of our town’s twinkling lights at the base of snow-covered mountains.
Children will recognize themselves in this story about Blake, who is very lonely. He longs for a little brother or sister. Without friends to share them with, the many toys in his abundant bedroom seem lifeless. There is nothing to do.
Through magic and a little help from an electric spark, the gingerbread cookie he had baked earlier in the day comes to life. Gingerbread Jimmi becomes the friend Blake has always longed for. The pair venture forth to tangle with a giant snow bear and a mean little gingerbread boy named “Ginger Bad.”
“The character of Ginger Bad represents children who feel hurt from being left out,” Holbrook explained. “Cliques are so damaging. That child will want to rain on everybody’s parade. But if you make him feel part of the love, a change of heart happens.” In friendship, Blake and Ginger Bad find happiness.
A traditional message? “Yes,” says the unabashed author. “Even though human beings grow up, the great stories never do,” he said. Stories with themes about love, friendship, trust, and gratitude provide the most treasured messages during the holidays. “Gingerbread Jimmi” is one of them.
“Gingerbread Jimmi,” and its accompanying gift CD of J.R. Holbrook’s original Christmas song, is available at Dolly’s Bookstore on Main Street.
Lola Beatlebrox loves to bake gingerbread cookies with her children, Andrew and Amanda. She lives on a 40-acre ranch with her husband, metal sculptor Zafod Beatlebrox.
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Reader Comments:
I bought the Gingerbread Jimmi Storybook and watched the 3 animated movie short at Sundance Film Festival. What an incredible project!
**I also think that the author J.R. Holbrook is so talented! I just cannot believe that he is a Designer and an Actor. He is so funny hosting the Sundance Film Festival After Dark. Watch it.....www.festivalafterdark.blogspot.com
GINGERBREAD JIMMI is a darling story! I am really proud that it is a product of UTAH. John Robert Holbrook has a huge future and I really enjoyed the dedication to his children London, Sahara, Paris and Roman in the book. It made me cry!
Bonnie
Gingerbread Jimmi is the new Mickey Mouse! That is what my children tell me.....and they sure love the book, recipe and Gingerbread Jimmi theme song! Keep up the good work JR Holbrook!
My children would like to suggest that Disney/Pixar do the animated movie for GINGERBREAD JIMMI ! We just watched "UP" and they could not get enough! They immediately wanted a movie version of their favorite book Gingerbread Jimmi and wanted to tell someone......
With love,
Luci, Cody and Brock
You can find more information about John Robert Holbrook (J.R. Holbrook) at www.johnrobertholbrook.com