I don't want to get too excited because I'm all too familiar with the notion that rejection is a natural part of the creative process...which is hard...because this is very personal to me. I remember talking to Carlos Alazraqui when he came on our show a few months back. He played Deputy Garcia on Reno 911! and he's done character voices for dozens of cartoons...Family Guy, Rocko's Modern Life, Phineas and Ferb AND he was the "Yo quiero Taco Bell" voice of the Taco Bell Chihuahua. Anyways, Carlos told me that it would probably take years to get my idea - The Reusables - off the ground.
So for the past couple of months I've been brainstorming here and there, writing ideas down, bouncing things off my family and friends...but I haven't devoted my full attention to this project. That being said, when George goes through everything I sent him last night, he might come back and tell me that we've still got a long way to go...or he might politely pass on all of it.
Here are my sketches...and please keep in mind that these would be redone by a professional illustrator who will make mine look like kindergarten drawings, which is basically what they are right now. Oh, and please excuse the fact that the ones at the bottom are upside-down...that was an accident.
The series is about a (culturally diverse) group of recyclable products from a recycling plant who form a band and go on tour in a recycling truck, their tour bus, singing songs to kids about different environmental issues. Not only is the series about teaching kids how to be environmentally conscious and socially responsible, but it also promotes using problem solving strategies and team work to overcome obstacles. Think Berenstain Bears, Spongebob, Veggie Tales (minus the religious aspect) and Safety Kids...with a very clear and distinct voice.
Each adventure that the characters go on focus on a specific environmental "buzz" word or term in a way that is both educational and applicable to real world scenarios.
I think it has limitless potential and while I don't have any kids myself...if I did...I would want them to read books for recreational and educational purposes. If I could find a series of books with compelling characters that entertained my kids while spreading an important message...well, I'm pretty sure I'd jump on board. I hope George agrees.
Plus, there's nothing else like this on the market right now. I recently spent a Friday night at Borders and asked the lady working there if she could show me the children's books about environmentalism...she took me straight to the non-fiction section and not only were the books aimed at/geared towards middle school aged chilren (and above) but they weren't very interesting...they were non-fiction...educational...dry. There were no books for the 4-8 year olds. There were no cute stories with cute characters. I'm just saying...
Think about it. Environmentalism is one of the biggest issues in the 21st century. The books (printed on recycled paper, of course) with music/songs and well-developed story lines...I mean, the cross-marketing opportunities would be endless.
I've already written the first book in the series. It's an introduction to the characters and it sets the stage for the future of The Reusables. I'd love for my friends (ie - those reading this right now) to check it out and give me some feedback so leave me your e-mail address in the comments section and I'll send it out to you. Or even better, if you have a small child (or have access to one...or two) then read the story to them and see if they react to it at all. Then let me know what you find out. It will help me write the rest of the series...and I'll make sure to include you in the "special thanks" section!
PS - Just checked the weather in Tahoe this weekend...sunny with a High of 80...lows in the 40's...PERFECTION!!!
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