Ahoy me mateys!  To keep all ye media savvy scalawags amused, we bring ye a tale of tragedy and woe and piratey drama.  It's called Long John (after meself a' course!).

This here be a picturized screenplay explainin' how I came to be called Long John, and how Talk Like a Pirate Day came to be.  Just in case any of ye be interested.  Arrrrr ye?

Dan Bar-el is the author of two satirical chapter books – Things Are Looking Up, Jack and Things Are Looking Grimm, Jill and two funny picture books entitled Alphabetter and Such a Prince.

He travels extensively across Canada visiting schools and libraries both as an author and as a storyteller. Dan trained and worked professionally as an actor, has written for theatre, and has written and performed comedy across Canada. He has many years experience working as a school-age childcare provider, a licensed early childhood educator and currently facilitates a unique storytelling program that he brings to preschools and daycares.

While relaxing at home, nothing amuses Dan more that speaking as a pirate to his family, his cat or anyone else willing to put up with his nonsense. Everyday is Talk Like a Pirate Day for this guy.

Learn more about Dan on his official website.

Alex van Houwelingen was born and raised in South Africa. After drawing his years through school, he decided to study Graphic Design at the University of Pretoria, from which he graduated in 2006.

After that he pursued a career in illustration, because he enjoyed drawing much more than designing logos and brochures. He enjoys doing any kind of illustration, from cartoons to comic strips and from book-illustration to character development.

Alex likes to see the funny things in normal life and most of all enjoys drawing old people. He can not concentrate on things without having a pen or pencil in his hand – busy drawing. Alex also enjoys writing little stories and sometimes he tries to
write comedy-plays.

You can learn more about Alex on his official website and gallery.