Baby Don't Smoke

The findings against cigarette use haven't been new or remarkable for years. What is remarkable is the continued allure of smoking despite its obvious dangers. "I attribute this in many ways to the prolonged, clever (insert 'devious') marketing of the cigarette companies," says author Everett Jaime, an Hispanic American. Baby Don't Smoke, his short graphic novel, is directed to young parents and pregnant teens, and their social network of friends and family. It boldly points a finger at the cigarette companies as an unnecessary and greedy empire.

"Baby Don't Smoke" is an exciting, information-rich and colourful graphic novel of a teenage Latino girl named Maria who lives in East Los Angeles with her mother, boyfriend and their new-born. She is lead through a series of dramatic encounters with sinister and friendly characters which climax in a surprise ending, leaving her with the resolve to quit smoking forever.

Since badgering and many forms of education about the obvious health concerns caused by smoking haven't eliminated the problem, Baby Don't Smoke takes a different approach. It encourages teens to rebel! In this case, against the cigarette companies who entice them into addiction and ill-health, and thus contribute to the illness of their infants and children. "We give people a pre-packaged, cool, rebellious identity when they can't create one for themselves," scoffs Doris, the novel's seductive and brilliant villainess who controls Tobacco Empire. When protagonist Maria, a pregnant teen, responds with sarcasm, "You must be very proud," Doris counters menacingly, "I'm not proud, I'm rich."

"Baby Don't Smoke" presents hard evidence of the dangers of smoking in an imaginative, edgy and readable format. Contemporary illustrations by Eliot R. Brown, an artist for Marvel Comics and others, skilfully drives home the message. The approach is perfectly suited to its target market-lower-income, ethnic teens and pre-teens-without ever patronizing them.

The book will appeal to library markets, especially high schools and junior highs and to health educators, as well as Planned Parenthood and other agencies concerned with teen pregnancy and health. In bookstores, it should attract parents and friends of young smokers who will buy it to leave around for their loved ones to spot.