jesse

I Called It Hippopotamus, I Think I Thunk a Thought, Sneaky Little Secret and How the Porcupine Got Its Pointy Poke-You-Spines are 4 new children’s picture books by Jesse Edward Thom. They appeal to the young and the young at heart and come complete with a cd audio version of the story and accompanying recorded songs.

In this rhyming picture book, a traveling character speaks with many different animals of the earth, discovering the hidden secret behind their strange and fascinating names. At the same time, another great secret is revealed: what the animals call us humans!
For children aged 3 and up, this light-hearted book explores the nature of “names,” encouraging a direct and compassionate relationship with the world around us.Illustrated by Jessica Gabriel in her unique style of collage and ink, “I Called It Hippopotamus” includes an audio cd featuring full narration (performed by Jesse’s puppet, Chyld Thomas), as well as three original songs (sung by gnomes!!).

This rhyming picture book (for ages 2 and up) features a character who sits in various places, observing her/his own thoughts and humourously commenting on the fact that s/he is doing so. The thoughts themselves are presented visually, through Chloe Ziner’s colourful illustrations, and tell the fantastic story of a cat (the main character’s constant companion) who must use a magical flying boat in order to return home.
The book is accompanied by a full-length cd that includes a narration (by Jesse’s puppet, Chyld Saint-Thomas), the book’s lyrical song (“Rainy Brain”), as well as several instrumental pieces featuring xylophones, glockenspiels, and thumb pianos, all written and performed by Jesse.

The humourous story of a small animal named Q who, feeling dissatisfied with his appearance, seeks to change the way he looks in order to win the attention of the world around him. With the help of Baba Caya, the magical forest spirit, Q is repeatedly transformed, each time taking on the features of some other animal. Each transformation proves hilariously problematic however and, as the tale unfolds, we are offered a clever explanation for the porcupine’s quills, as well as its peculiar name, both underscoring the importance of self-acceptance.
Beautifully illustrated by Carla Dearman, the book is accompanied by an audio cd containing a full narration (performed by Jesse’s puppet, Chyld Thomas), as well as the story’s original theme song, “Hugs for Mr. Porcupine,” sung in part by the children of Myrtle Philip Elementary School in Whistler, British Columbia.

In this rhyming picture book (for ages 3 and up), the author playfully explores the
mysterious secret of life itself. Following “life” as it divides into its various forms, the book’s
central theme is presented in a way that is both humourous and unique, as well as easy to understand.
Wonderfully illustrated by Cori Chaisson-Yule, “Sneaky Little Secret,” comes with an
audio cd that includes a full narration (performed by Jesse’s puppet, Chyld Thomas), and two
pieces of original music: the book’s theme song (sung by gnomes), as well as an instrumental
piece featuring singing bowls.
A student and practitioner of sound healing, Jesse makes use of musical 5ths on the
cd’s third track, titled “Singing Bowls.” These particular musical intervals serve to relax and harmonize the body, and are often used therapeutically to treat autism as well as hyperactivity
and attention deficit disorder.

Jesse and his puppet would love to visit your school, library, or
other facility and offer a fun activity session for kids! Each of his
four "playshops" is approx. 1 hour and includes a game, a reading, a
song (or two or three!), and a craft (all customizable to meet your
needs/time). For more info, including detailed playshop descriptions,
please contact Jesse directly: jesse.thom@gmail.com

THE AUTHOR
Jesse has been hanging out with kids for over a decade as a counselor, teacher, friend, and most importantly, as a student. He has performed words and sounds in schools, festivals, forests, libraries, and concert halls, often making up new songs and stories with whoever is listening.
Recently teaming up with a small, foam skinned gentleman by the name of Chyld Saint-Thomas, Jesse's only goal is to "keep answering when my heart is knocking at the door - hearts are always knocking out a rhythm down there."