This Wednesday evening we attended the launching for Jan Coates’ new Young Adult Novel, “A Hare in the Elephant’s Trunk” at St. Mary’s University in Halifax.
Here’s a bit about the novel. I haven’t read it yet, but I’m definitely looking forward to it.
“The novel was inspired by the real life experiences of a Sudanese boy named Jacob, who, with thousands of others, fled for his life and spent many months walking through deserts and crossing crocodile-infested rivers, only to spend years living in refugee camps. Many of these so-called Lost Boys of the Sudan died from starvation, attacks from wild animals, and war, but many. Like Jacob, survived. Through it all Jacob is guided by the memory of his mother, and her belief in education as the key to escaping the cycle of violence.”
After Jan’s reading, Jacob spoke to the audience. I don’t think as Canadian’s we fully appreciate all that we have in our lives. So much we take for granted.
Music was provided by a group known as Kojo. This definitely helped set the mood for the whole evening. They were terrific.
Royalties from the book will be shared with Jacob’s charity, Wadeng Wings of Hope (www.wadeng.org) which raises funds for children’s education in Southern Sudan. Check out the site, I’m sure you’ll be interested.
Here’s Jan and Jacob signing books. I just know the excitement Jan was feeling. It’s a wonderful feeling to finally have all your hard work pay off. The great people at Woozles were there to sell books and believe me a lot were sold!!!!
Congrats, Jan. I’m so very pleased for you 🙂
Laura Best 
Jan Coates
/ October 15, 2010You’re too kind, Laura! I don’t have any pictures, but hope to get some from Cheryl Chen who represented Fitzhenry & Whiteside at the launch. Did you get the virtual bouquet, chocolates and balloons I sent you?:)
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Laura Best
/ October 15, 2010Yes, the chocolate was to die for!!! No Mars bar though..lol!
I’m so pleased to be able to post this, Jan. Enjoy your time, you deserve it!
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Lynn
/ October 15, 2010I’ve read about this book, maybe heard an interview? hmmm. not sure now, but I think so. Anyway, I hope to pick up a copy of this one as I know it will be a moving story. I also believe one of my daughters will love it so that will probably become part of her Christmas gift. Thanks for posting about this, Laura.
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Laura Best
/ October 15, 2010Lynn, Jan’s from Wolfville so you might want to check out her signing dates. You might get to meet her. She’s sweet.
I’m really looking forward to reading the book!
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Carol Ann Hoel
/ October 16, 2010The description of the story makes me want to read the book. The title is quite intriguing, also. Thank you for sharing.
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Laura Best
/ October 16, 2010I’m really looking forward to reading it, Carol!
Thanks for dropping by!
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Carol J. Garvin
/ October 16, 2010Having Jacob there must have made the launch extra special for Jan. It’s wonderful that you were able to share in the celebration, too! I’ll bet it brought back a few memories of your own. 🙂
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Laura Best
/ October 16, 2010Yes, it was wonderful to meet the real Jacob, and also to know that he is giving back and trying to make a difference.I think he’s a very admirable man. I understand he also does school visits which I think is absolutely wonderful.
Ah yes, lots of memories!
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Cathy
/ October 16, 2010How wonderful to hear about this book and that amazing story of Jacob’s survival. So inspiring.
Yes, we here in Canada take so much for granted, that’s for sure.
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Laura Best
/ October 16, 2010Yes, it certainly is an inspiring story, Cathy.
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joylene
/ October 17, 2010Thank you for sharing this, Laura. Jacob’s story sounds amazing and heart-wrenching. I’m searching for a copy today. I appreciate the intro.
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Laura Best
/ October 17, 2010You’re welcome. Joylene. Jacob’s story is a remarkable one I’m sure. Looking forward to reading it.
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