Keynotes:
Themes & Setting

Keynotes:
The Overarching Themes

These themes are carried through the original story (tangible book) and in subsequent stories in the series whether tangible books or through tech inspired apps.  This series is a fictional series that is influenced by non-fiction people or events in history to draw awareness to the real potential for peace, wisdom and friendship.

• provides a fun & interactive way to learn about different heroes, heroines, leaders, religious figures, philosophers, and so on, throughout history by  focusing on the common theme of peace portrayed through the symbolism of the olive in history.
  
  
• Encourages readers to recognize real-life examples of potential friendships or peace as they follow the main characters throughout their time-travel journey learning they are better as friends than as enemies.
  
  
• Promotes awareness of cultures through recipes that include various Mediterranean olives, fashion and architecture.
  
  

The Setting:
The Olive Tree

The story begins with an apocalypse-style storm that seems to never want to end.  Its magnitude and duration displace one of the main characters EarlyBird who is washed up on shore on a deserted island in the Mediterranean sea.   Bird arrives alone and without any of any perceived valuables that were packed in the emergency get-away raft (see storyboard below).

The island has very little food and security, except for The Olive Tree, which is discovered after days of being stranded.  Little does EarlyBird know, that The Olive Tree has an existing tenant - NightOwl.  This is unknown because they are on opposite sleeping schedules.  Their personalities, behaviours, vulnerabilities and life experiences are as different as night and day.  But, they recognize that they can be better as friends than enemies to keep an eye out for each other and protect their Olive Tree home.

The core of their home is the mystical hollow which is revealed to to EarlyBird at the story*s major conflict.  This will be discussed further but it allows the duo to travel through time to explore cultural luncheons throughout history.

Understanding the Characters:
NightOwl & EarlyBird

 NightOwl (N-O)

• Original tenant of The Olive Tree and native to the island; NightOwl knows the uniqueness of the tree
• Is wiser and older and more masculine energy as protective, offers security, guards the tree, logical
• Is always referred to as NightOwl without pronouns
• has a personality that is stable, somewhat sour and sarcastic, sees the EB as someone to help instead
• has hobbies that include night prowling, supervising EarlyBird while he sleeps, encourages wisdom building conversations, and hopes to empower enlightenment.
• N-O recognizes that EarlyBird is a rare, song-bird that is on the extinction species list and wants to help E-B see his potential rather than eat E-B as dinner.
• Is more mature with cultural knowledge and uses herbs to cook because of health benefits
• Is tones of green for body and quoted words.  Green in yoga philosophy is compassion or the heart chakra.
• Wears the olive branch in ear as a lax accessory.

EarlyBird (E-B)

• Arrives to the island as a displaced refugee and cannot apply for immigration because EB has no identification.
• Is younger and chatty and more youthful, bi-gender energy as E-B exhibits a variety of traits as authentic.
• Is always referred to as EarlyBird without pronouns
• has a personality that is highly-reactive, edgy, chirpy and excitable that is generally inquisitive
• has hobbies that include everything on technology but his smart phone, laptop and tech gadets get washed away along with his wallet and anxiety medication.
• Is oblivious of his song-bird talents because of concussion and amnesia from the raft-wreck; can be annoying with repetitive excitement.
• Enjoys the dining experience and articulates gratitude to N-O for help with safety and empowering wisdom
• Is tones of blue for body and quotes words.  Blue in yoga philosophy is communication- the throat chakra.
• Holds the olive branch as a sword but is non-confrontational.

Our authentic approach: 
Connections in communication

Anatomy of a storyboard

NightOwl & EarlyBird:  And Life at the Olive Tree® All Rights Reserved © 2014 - 2017 The GoBe Collective, GoBe Kids GoBe Greetings Inc. and Jason Parete

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The Physical Narrative Story

No. 1:  Action words hold meaning
These words can use unique colours, size or take on a shape to enhance emotion or mood of the page.

No.2:  The Story Plot Narrative
This is the story content that is typical to a children*s story.  The font may be unique to the story and colour may be used to offer further meaning.

No.3:  Character Speak as Quote
There may be direct first-person conversation to another character by denoting the colour (either blue for EarlyBird or green for NightOwl) to reference the character.

No.5: Objects & Imagery
These can be subtle or obvious in their placement or arrangement with other objects on the page to offer insight or enhance the story message.  An example throughout are the gold bricks and fragments of graffiti walls, both evidence of past civilization that no longer serve relevance.

Empathetic Communication clues

 No.4:  Environmental Communication
The environment offers innate communication to the main characters displayed as similar tone to the environment so that it is aesthetically subtle and colour similarity suggests where in the environment the messages belong.

No.6: Character Internal Thoughts
The characters offers innate communication to the environment or their intuitive higher self, displayed as similar tone to their body colour. 

No.7:  Character Emotions & Colour
When the main characters feel at peace with other characters or are at peace with the environment, their body colours become highlighted in a neon-tone as well as translucent peace-sign symbols.

The Relationships Presented

Time-Travel Relationship
The relationship between the 3D environment (real-time photography image) and the 2D characters (graphic design illustrations)  challenge time and space which is our way of conveying an aesthetic incontinence.  The interactive potential of asking the reader to participate in the story or seeking technology as a supplement adds greater dimension to challenge time and space - which enriches authenticity.

Character-Peace Connections
When the main characters feel at peace with other characters or are at peace with the environment, their body colours become highlighted in a neon-tone as well as translucent peace-sign symbols.  The environment will also convey the peace-sign symbols as a mirror reflection of understanding communication of the character.

Co-creating authenticity
There are three main areas where the reader can actively participate in choosing which of the options they want the story to go, which will influence the outcome.

1. The Conflict - there are a variety of options that become the impeding threat.  This in turn, forces NightOwl to swoop EarlyBird into the time-travel hollow of The Olive Tree (An illusion, a ghost, a tornado, a dinosaur, a dragon, an alien, etc)
2. The Cultural Luncheon - The time travel brings the duo to enjoy lunch in some part of the Mediterranean at some era in history with a unique olive dish.   Various options would be available through tech apps or through a book series.
3. The Creative Settlement - EarlyBird is embarassed to have forgotten a wallet to pay for lunch.  But everyone laughs in shock including the luncheon server because money and credit is no longer the method of payment.  To settle tabs, one must pay by a creative offering (ie.  a song, a painting, a dance performance, a poem, a guitar acoustic, an improv, a sculpture, etc)

The Plot - Their Story

• There is an enormous never-seeming-to-end storm that is filled with many individual weather events such as thunderstorms, blizzards, tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, fog and so on making it apocalypse-style.  (2 pages)
  

• EarlyBird is alone in the Mediterranean Sea as the story opens and is washed up on shore on his raft loosing all material possessions such as his electronics, smartphone, tablet, wallet, watch and medication (1 page)

• EarlyBird is scared, alone, exhausted but grateful to be alive as there is a new understanding of self (1 page)

• The search begins for food & shelter within this new environment which is very scarce because of the storm and nuances of reckless civilization preceding EarlyBird*s arrival (1 page)

 

• EarlyBird discovers The Olive Tree as a saviour for security, food and sense of routines to call his home (1 page
  

Interactivity:
Creating authenticity for this reading session

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Naming the Mediterranean Island

Geared for ages 7-11.  Choosing 3 syllables from different parts of languages that border the Mediterranean.  It would show the letter combination along with the influence of where that sound originates.  When the three unique parts come together, it will create an authentic combo that can be unique to this reading of the story, today. 

Ways to express this:  (1) as small cards in envelopes on that intro page that prompts the reader to invent the name; (2) the app would perform a slot-like dramatic rolling once it is cued to assist in generating a unique name for today with option to phonetically pronounce it.

 Choose the apocalypse-style weather

Geared for ages 6-9.  Readers have an opportunity to learn about various weather elements and their effects on people and the environment.  It also shows that regardless the severity, EarlyBird makes it to safety alive.  While the reader plays God in crafting the weather, they are participating with the  reality of a world constantly experiencing new phenomena.  Eco-conscious conversations can start.

Ways to express this:  (1) as small cards in envelopes on that intro page that prompts the reader to invent the name; (2) the app would perform a slot-like dramatic rolling once it is cued to assist in generating a unique name for today with option to phonetically pronounce it.

• We learn more about NightOwl*s character traits and lifestyle through relationship with the environment & the Olive Tree home (1 page)
  

 

• We learn more about EarlyBird*s insecurities and fears through relationship with the environment & the Olive Tree home during the day time (1 page)

 

• We learn more about NightOwl*s insecurities and fears through relationship with the environment & the Olive Tree home (1 page)

 

• They discover that they are roomates on the same Olive Tree and move through feelings of protectionism, claiming fame, establishing or exerting strength over perceived rules that could settle the feud (1 page)

 

• They recognize they have more in common than they have differences.  They explore and negotiate the terms to the rental agreement that work for them and ditch the parts they do not understand or that they do not like.  Maybe show a rental agreement and the common elements of the condo as amenities such as the hammock, the terrazzo, the thickest branch perch for the owl and the next thickest for the bird and so on.  (2 pages)

 

• They enjoy their day to day safely and help each other with cleaning chores and preparing for meals.   What they realize they both really enjoy the most, is each other*s company for their main meal event - that is the time that Owl & Bird are both awake and eat.  For Bird, it is the last meal of the day before bedtime, and for Owl its the first meal of the day.
  

• This enhanced state has never been experienced by the other until now so it is mutual and acknowledged with gratitude. (1 page)  We learn more about EarlyBird*s character traits and lifestyle through relationship with the environment & the Olive Tree home during the day time (1 page)
  

Interactivity:
Recognizing relationships as kinship, equality & peaceful

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Being their landlord

Geared toward ages 8-11.  This supplementary add-on allows the reader an opportunity to participate as the landlord of The Olive Tree.  The child can learn about cooperation in the relationship and empathy as to the circumstances surrounding helping out the tenant duo.  The landlord would ensure that chores are fair, that the tenants pay rent on time, adjust the rental agreement to include more amenities or less to affect the rent owed each month and so on.

Ways to express this:  (1)  the app would have lists that could be rearranged and with each change, the child would see the effects of what factor they changed.  There could a few app options to choose from or added on such as those suggested above.

Human-friendly challenge cards

Geared for ages 6-11.  Readers choose an action oriented card from many with challenges like:  conversation starters about recalling a time we made the wrong judgment about someone, opportunity to make something right with someone, creating a greeting that tells someone sorry or you*re awesome, visit a homeless shelter with parents and offer something you made for them, reaching out to someone in class you dont talk to to say hello in a new way, and so on.  Challenge levels will depend on time available, how challenging the reader feels that day, and if adults will help them.

Ways to express this:  (1) as small cards in envelopes on that intro page that prompts the reader to invent the name; (2) the app would perform a slot-like dramatic rolling once it is cued to assist in generating a unique challenge based on the criteria factors listed above.

• Life continues as ideal leading up to the conflict of the story.  We see that the duo have enhanced each other*s lives in ways that surprise them and in ways unnatural to the animal order of things (1 page).

• On this day, EarlyBird is arriving back to their home with groceries (some herbs collected, sunflower seeds, lettuce to make a salad) when a predator (see interactivity below) follows EarlyBird back to their home without Bird knowing because Bird is listening to Owl*s cassette tape player walk-bird with headphones on.   (1 page)

• Intuitively NightOwl awoke from sleep earlier than usual, just as the predator was moving closer to making EarlyBird its prey.  Owl swoops Bird with a stroke and instantly, Bird sees the predator, smells the sweat gland hormones of Owl, lets out a screechy squeal, feels the heart pumping at a quickened pace and looks Owl in the eye to show gratitude without saying a word.  They are perfectly mirroring each other*s friendship and trust, and thus, the hollow of the tree opens as if the password was the perfect emotional combination to unlock it for them to pass through safely. (1 page)

• They time-travel for the first time together. NightOwl explains what is happening, where they are going, what options they have and how both must be in synchronized alignment of trust of the other as friends for them to make it to their destination safely - otherwise they will end up being prey at the tree. (1 page)

Interactivity:
Confronting negative emotions (fear, doubt) with trust

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Choosing the predator

Geared toward ages 6-11.  This task is vital to the flow of a typical story plot in order to teach a lesson once the conflict is resolved.  By empowering the reader to choose a conflict situation, it allows them an opportunity to acknowledge their own attitudes toward fear and conflict and hold accountability to seeing the resolution of what can be possible as we play it out in the story rather than allow it to stay stuck  in imagination without conversation about it.

Ways to express this:  (1) as small cards in envelopes on that intro page that prompts the reader to select the predator or arrange them and reader can point; (2) the app would perform a slot-like dramatic rolling once it is cued to assist in generating the predator for this story to explain unique elements surrounding its ugliness or scare-factor for EarlyBird.

• The duo discuss the options of where they can go with their ability to travel through divine time.  NightOwl explains the criteria that must be flowing in order to unleash opportunities afforded by this travel and the unique emotional-passcode to unlock the hollow.  NightOwl asks what olive dish is Bird's favourite ever.  And they travel there.  (1 page)
  

• The server (mama meatball) is waiting along with a table set for two in the setting of that Mediterranean setting in history that made the best olive dish ever.  The culture accentuates the life being lived in that era.  (2 pages)

Interactivity:
Cultural exposure through time-travel luncheons

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The perfect cultural olive dish

Geared toward ages 8-11.  This is a vital component to create either a series or bring the unifying concepts symbolized by the olive together.  There are 22 countries that border the Mediterranean which create a larger mix of options when we add the element of  history.  We're bringing into perspective the lives of those everyday heroes, heroines, religious leaders, philosophers and ancient rulers for their bravery, their internal strength, their fire-power leadership, their selfless compassion and their intuitive connection that we can always aspire to. 

Ways to express this:  (1) as recipe cards in envelopes on that dining page that prompts the reader to select what the duo will be eating.  They can also make the dish and share their experience in words or photos on our social media infrastructure or app that is specialized for this storybook; (2) the app would perform a slot-like dramatic rolling once it is cued to assist in generating unique dining location and time in history, the hero who is the server, what they will eat, the specific olives of the region, and what the original hero's story was that used the olive as reference.  (3) The high degree of unique specifics explained in point (2) can be translated into distinct storybooks within the series after the format and formula of this first book is established.

Social & creative sharing

Geared toward ages 8-11.  This is an empowering supplement that parents can determine privacy parameters with their reader children.  There can be great cultural exchanges made if and when there is a global network of youth developed, where the older youth can serve as mentors to younger youth when they outgrow the age categories of the story's content.

• When it is time to pay, EarlyBird gets incredibly embarrassed because he does not have the money to pay because he did not bring his wallet - to the island.  NightOwl, the other diners, and Mama Meatball all laugh hysterically in joy. (1 page)
  

• They explain that money and credit and debit is a payment from the old civilization- the one that left their gold bricks and fragments of walls throughout the island.  The only way to pay in mutual exchange is through creative expression.  (1 page)

 

• EarlyBird looks utterly confused as everyone is enamored with the bird*s genuine desire to want to pay for his friend and confused about what to do next.  Mama Meatball irks the bird by throwing out a challenge while chewing fruit-flavoured gum saying, "What, the rare hummingbird nearing extinction lost its tongue?"  You were supposed to leave your fears in the time traveling abyss!  Go on there, sugar beak-lips, and give us a sweet-sounding whistle."  NightOwl reassuringly gave EarlyBird an approving nod to go on and trust by saying, "Go on EarlyBird.  Be that music that's within you and share it with us." (1 page)

 

• EarlyBird musters up all the energy of trust he can imagine and with the reassuring supportive love from its friend, NightOwl, the Bird instructs the mind to open the pineal gland's rusty hatch and be the conductor to allow the necessary chords and air-flow and exhale and vibrations to occur in just a way that it will be magical as a way to honour NightOwl for the friendship they have."  (1 page)

 

• And so it was that the most beautiful melodic chords rang through Mama Meatball's spaghetti tangled hair, and swirled stiff those otherwise rambunctious twins she often brings to work, Antonio and Donato.  NightOwl relaxed his wise old eyes with delight, and the spicy Calabrese olives rolled over to each their right side to let the light song flow through their pimento open holes.  There was joy and there was laughter, there were passerby patrons that were swooning at the sound they've never imagined could be so divine.   The rambunctious twins even shed a tear as they were captivated by what was taking place in front of their sauce-splattered faces.  The ("ahhhhhhhhh") (1 page).

 

• "That EarlyBird did give us not only the full payment but an extraordinary tip as the bonus!"  Everyone laughed with glee.  EarlyBird said to NightOwl, "How did you know that i could sing, and I forgot that I could,"  to the Owl's reply, "A true friend doesn't know for sure, but trusts in their friend's dreams and ambitions and love that the truth will come through.  That was all you my friend.  I knew through wisdom that you could sing but wowsa, can you ever!"  It was the first time that EarlyBird saw NightOwl so full of joy that the owl couldn't stop smiling and glowing.  Owl added, "There are some days and some species that make me surrender my knowledge and wisdom so that it will not taint the divine beauty that I will witness.  And that my friend, from you my friend, was all divine magic!"  Thank you and more chuckles and cheers conclude this graduation feast.

Interactivity:
Creative expression in a barter exchange system

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Empowering creative expression

Geared toward ages 8-11.  Readers can draw challenge cards that encourage a variety of creative skills and authentic communications skills be explored.  Depending on the success and the other developed components on the app, this can be a unique sharable item that readers can showcase the expressive pieces they are proud of on a social media platform, or enter them in collaboration for themes or mediums/ or contests as they arise.

Ways to express this:  (1) List a variety of creative options in a task list format with a checkbox or area for date once completed.  This would act as the journal tracking sheet to ensure that all of the creative expression challenges have been explored.   (2) the app would perform a slot-like dramatic rolling once it is cued to assist in generating unique creative challenge based on intensity level, time available to focus on task, the abillity level or the medium to explore.  (3) Social media infrastructure or a password enabled app that comes with the book allows the reader an area to photograph their work as a journal entry with questions investigating emotion, perception, awareness, creative thought process, vulnerabilities, etc. that can be shared in parts or in whole.

Offering payment, authentically

Geared toward ages 6-11.  This task is vital to the flow of a typical story plot in order to teach a lesson once that the main character becomes a hero to himself and for the story.  The owl empower his friend to be that magical voice that is within him.  The wise owl also learns that he too has been wowed by divine beauty in real time.   Encourage the reader to give the sounds a try.  Examples: sing ahhhhh like you are a cranky scientist that just discovered something new, finally; whoaaaaaa from a farmer that just discovered the largest tomato she ever did see that was bigger than a pumpkin; eeeeeeeeeeee from....

The Concept of a Book Series
Tangible Books with e-learning add-ons