Jingle Belle

* Bibliographic information
Dini, P. Jingle Belle. Dark horse Comics, 2005. ISBN: 9781593073824. Art by Numerous Artist (different for each story)


* Plot Summary
This is a collection of short comics featuring Jingle Belle, Santa’s rebellious teenage daughter. Read about her attempt to get fans by creating a holiday cartoon about herself. She also stops in on her witch friend, Polly to give some family advice. Jingle Belle is everywhere in these stories and in one, boyfriends from her past talk about how they once knew her years ago. In another story she gets into quite a bit of trouble when she turns an amusement park known as Santaville into a holiday themed Las Vegas. Very colorful comics that are great for the holiday season.


* Critical Evaluation
Dini’s quirky character of Jingle Belle is sure to make anyone laugh. The writing is simple and the artwork is fun. What if Santa Claus had a daughter? It is a very interesting idea for a comic and that is why it works. It is especially funny when Santa is arguing with Jingle Belle down the chimney at Polly’s house. In another story it shows lots of old men who dated Jingle back when they were young; this means she has been a teen for a long time. Any parent who reads this comic will understand what a nightmare that is and teens will find it hilarious when Santa gets frustrated with Jingle. This is fun comic that will make people smile during the holidays.


* Reader’s Annotation
Nobody has ever hear of Santa Claus’ daughter, Jingle Belle and she just found out. Watch as Jingle tries to create a holiday cartoon to get the world’s attention.


* Information about the author
“Paul Dini a five- time Emmy award- winning writer, producer, and cartoonist” according to amazon.com. He has also written for cartoon television shows such as Tiny Toon Adventures and Batman: The Animated Series. In this graphic novel of Jingle Belle, he has incorporated some of the characters from his other works like Sheriff Ida Red from Mutant, Texas. In his spare time he is an active crypto zoologist, hunter, and wildlife photographer. He was born in New York but him and his wife now live in Lose Angeles.


* Genre
Teen Fiction; Comic, Christmas Season


* Curriculum Ties, if any
N/A


* Booktalking Ideas
1) Talk about the character of Jingle, can you think of another mischievous story line for her?
2) Santa warns jingle that cartoons have changed but she does not listen and is angry when the TV network sets her straight. Do you prefer 3D cartoons or Stop Motion?
3) Jingle makes a big mistake when she re-designs Santaville, think of some ways it could improved in a good way.


* Reading Level/Interest Age
Grade 8 and Up / 13-17 year olds


* Challenge Issues and Defense
N/A


* Why did you include this book in your titles you selected?
I included this comic book because it is the holiday season and what better way to celebrate it than to read a comic about Santa’s rebel daughter. Jingle is a fun character that gets into mischief in the typical over the top teen way portrayed by most cartoons. I think it is good to have some selections in a collection that are just fun like this one; tis the season!