Article Last Updated: Tuesday, November 23, 2004 - 5:15:36 PM MST

'Gingerbread Jimmi' in bookstores Nov. 26

Childrens book tells of friendship during the holiday season

By Casey R. Basden

Designer John Robert Holbrook loves his four children London, Sahara, Paris and Roman. They inspired him to write his first children's book, "Gingerbread Jimmi," a story about friendship that takes place during Christmas a time when magical things can happen as Blake, the story's main character, soon discovers.
Simply put, Blake is a lonely child lacking friends, siblings and the joy and happiness any child should feel. A freak accident changes all that when Gingerbread Jimmi comes to life taking Blake on the journey of a lifetime.

Holbrook's adventure with "Gingerbread Jimmi" began in 2000 with the lyrics of a Christmas song. Somehow, the concept began to grow. Four years later, the illustrated children's book is ready to hit the shelves of independent bookstores the day after Thanksgiving.

The story of Gingerbread Jimmi comes to life in the pages of John Robert Holbrooks first illustrated childrens book. Independent bookstores will begin selling Gingerbread Jimmi the day after Thanksgiving.

The author, a resident of Salt Lake, thought it important to have the project developed by Utah talent. After all, "Gingerbread Jimmi" takes place in "the magical town of Park City." So, it was only fitting that Utahns help make the story come to life.

As a result, Paragon Press in Salt Lake was hired for printing while husband and wife Martin Stensaas and Sunny Strasburg of Twin Mind Design where hired as illustrators.

According to Holbrook, "In my mind, I knew the exact look I was going for I know Sunny's Mom who is a radio talk show host. She mentioned her daughter and husband were illustrators. She showed me the Web site and I was like 'that's it.'"

The two, after learning of the story, were eager to take part. Strasburg says, "I felt he had a really strong project with a traditional theme and it really resonated with me."

To begin, the team of illustrators started off with a tight pencil drawing, which was scanned into the computer. Color and special effects were then added to create images reminiscent of what might be found in older books, yet taking on a modern twist.

Although Holbrook took an active role in the decision-making process, Stensaas says, "He really got out of our way so we could do what we all envisioned." Holbrook counters, "When you surround yourself with an impeccable set of people with the same work ethic, magic happens."

On average, between 60 and 70 hours were spent creating each illustration. Special attention was paid to details everything from the tape on the Christmas presents to the pine needles on the trees.

Since the book's completion, 3,000 first editions will be available for $19.95. Holbrook, Stensaas and Strasburg will begin book signings the day after Thanksgiving when the publication is first available for purchase. The first site is Park City's Dolly's Bookstore.

Holbrook says several entities have expressed interest in "Gingerbread Jimmi." Once the initial marketing push is complete, he would like to have a publishing house distribute the book.

But, that does not mean he is willing to give up all rights to the material. Holbrook says, "My mantra has always been I never compromise my artistic creativity. I might make slight alterations, but if it altered the story in any way it would be an emphatic 'no.'"

In the meantime, Holbrook is doing everything possible to promote the release of "Gingerbread Jimmi." Beginning in January, Stensaas and Strasburg will begin working on a three-minute trailer to shop around to studios such as MGM, Sony and Warner Bros. for an animated television program or movie. Apparently, interest has already been generated.

"My motto is 'no regrets.' I want to make sure I'm not in my rocking chair at 90 saying 'I should have done this or I should have done that," says Holbrook.

So far, things appear to be going as planned for the author and his latest project. Although nothing has been solidified, Holbrook would like to build a "Gingerbread Jimmi" theme park in Park City along with a candy store on Main Street.

For now, however, the author is focusing on the task at hand spreading the word about his first book. Holbrook says, "I want this book loved to death. You know the toys that are loved to death. I want this book loved to death. I want the pages worn thin," says Holbrook, who adds, "As much as we love the illustrations, it's the message and the illustrations that will carry this thing through."

"Gingerbread Jimmi" will be available Friday, Nov. 26 at 150 independent bookstores nationwide or at www.gingerbreadjimmi.com.

"Gingerbread Jimmi" book signings

Nov. 26, 2-6 p.m.

Dolly's Bookstore

510 Main Street in Park City

Nov. 27, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

The King's English

1511 S. 1500 East in Salt Lake City

Dec. 10, 7-8:30 p.m.

Golden Braid Books

151 S. 500 East in Salt Lake City