Beyond Scenery: The Secret Narratives Hidden in Graphic Novel Landscapes 🌿
Geographic Landscapes as Secondary Narrators
I want to thank you for all the incredible love and support from teachers, librarians, and especially my wonderful readers! It fills my heart with joy to see Marshmallow & Jordan included in the Battle of the Books reading lists - it truly means the world to me!
I've received many lovely messages from readers asking for more adventures with Marshmallow and Jordan. While Marshmallow & Jordan is a standalone book, many delightful everyday experiences in their world would make fantastic web stories!
That's why I'm excited to announce that I'm kicking off a new series of stories set in Marshmallow and Jordan's universe! I have some fun plans for a cute webcomic featuring our beloved Team Marshmallow characters for those who want to dive even deeper into their adventures beyond the book.
The Story of Bali’s Rice Fields
One of my favorite memories of Bali has to be exploring the stunning rice fields and the ancient Subak system. Walking through those lush green terraces, like Tegalalang or Jatiluwih, felt like stepping into a dream - gentle water trickling through the fields, the soft rustle of rice stalks swaying in the breeze, and adorable wild monkeys swinging from tree to tree.
Alongside some of the larger farms, you'll find charming traditional-style homes where weary travelers can take a break and enjoy a refreshing drink. These lovely homes are often decorated with statues of deities and colorful offerings to the gods. The Balinese farmers believe that the goddess Dewi Sri, the rice goddess, blesses their crops.
Around the fields, there are small shrines adorned with fresh canang sari - little baskets filled with flowers and incense offered to their beloved goddess. Before planting or harvesting, the farmers hold ceremonies, say prayers, and sometimes leave a small patch of rice untouched as a humble gift to the goddess and a sign of their appreciation for the land.
Bali’s rice fields are supported by a fascinating ancient irrigation system called "Subak." This system dates back to the 9th century when the early Balinese communities started growing wet rice in the beautiful mountainous areas of Bali. As time went on, these communities discovered that managing water was not only about technical engineering but also about social and spiritual connections.
Instead of relying on strict hierarchies like many other irrigation systems, Subak developed naturally through teamwork in villages. It’s all based on the Balinese philosophy called Tri Hita Karana, which is about keeping harmony between people, nature, and the divine.
It’s not surprising UNESCO recognized this amazing irrigation system as a World Heritage Site!
I love the rice fields in Bali and the beautiful spirit of Tri Hita Karana so much that while I was creating on Jordan's hometown, Ketut, I pictured it as a cute little village surrounded by lush green rice fields. I also infused the essence of Tri Hita Karana in the special friendship between Marshmallow and Jordan.
If you want to find out how the beautiful rice fields of Bali connect with Marshmallow's secret, be sure to check out my graphic novel, Marshmallow & Jordan!
Loving this story and want to read more stories with Marshmallow & Jordan. Be sure to check out the Marshmallow & Jordan Collection! 🐘
Play with Marshmallow time!! 🏀🐘💙
🤣 Marshmallow’s vote: "ALL OF THEM. ELEPHANTS DON’T FOLLOW RULES."
Let’s bring stories to your students!
As a teacher and an author, I can’t tell you how exhilarating it is when a story sparks excitement in the classroom! There’s something truly magical about watching books come to life for students - it’s the heartbeat of why I love what I do.
My author visits are crafted to be flexible and fun, seamlessly fitting into your classroom or library. Whether you aim to inspire young readers, add a sprinkle of storytelling enchantment to your lessons, or simply treat kids to a thrilling author experience, I’m here to help bring that vision to life!
No pressure - just an abundance of exciting possibilities! Let's chat about how we can create some book magic together!
