For all those who love Stellaluna too, I hope you're excited for this new fanmade series! Before I get underway with it, I'd like to introduce some new characters who will show up alongside Stellaluna in her new stories. Most were created by yours truly; but a character from another of Janell Cannon's books will also be appearing! Also, for those of you familiar with the Silverwing books and television show, keep in mind that many of these characters harbor references to them. Here they are:
Solomon: The chief elder of Stellaluna's colony, he is as wise as his very namesake, the Biblical King Solomon. His fur has turned white and grey in his old age, he has developed cataracts, and can usually be seen carrying a walking stick when not in flight. Ideal voice: James Earl Jones.
Jupiter: Another elder, and second-in-command to Solomon. He, however, usually disagrees with everything Solomon says or does, and often sparks loud, heated debates against him or anyone else who sees things differently from how he sees them. Ideal voice: Richard Newman.
Isis: The third elder on the council, and Stellaluna's loving grandmother. Named for an Egyptian goddess of healing, she specializes in treating injuries or other physical discomfort with herbal remedies. Ideal voice: Shirley Millner.
Ezekiel: The final elder, he is the most spiritual, meditative bat in the colony. The younger bats find him a bit odd, but more often than not, he offers them valuable advice, spiritual or otherwise. Ideal voice: Lee Tockar.
Rafiki (aka Rafi): The most athletic of Stellaluna's fellow bat friends, as the vine he wears as a sweatband easily gives away. As his name suggests, he is very loyal and friendly, but can sometimes let his ambitions get the better of him. Ideal voice: Kathleen Barr.
Jasmine: The youngest pup in the colony, who always wears a jasmine flower tucked behind her right ear, hence her name. Shy and sensitive, she often tries to prove that she can do everything her older friends can do, but usually fails and gets laughed at for it (which usually sends her running off crying); but when a chance comes to prove herself, she always shines through. Ideal voice: Chantal Strand.
Francesca: A glamorous young bat slightly older than Stellaluna and Rafi, with long blonde hair. Spoiled, prissy, and a little too proud for her own good, she can often come off as shallow or mean-spirited, as she often mocks Jasmine for being too little. She does, however, have a kinder, caring side, even though she doesn't often let it out. Ideal voice: Melissa Altro.
Bolt: The eldest pup in the colony (a teenager compared to Stellaluna and her friends), with wild, mohawk-style hair. He has a fierce rivalry with Rafi, and is notorious for being rude, reckless, conceited, and overly ambitious; but like all antagonists, he usually gets his comeuppance when he goes too far. In spite of all Bolt's repugnant character traits, Francesca harbors a strong crush on him, and usually swoons whenever he comes her way. Ideal voice: Matt Hill.
Vitani: A sassy female spider who has captured the heart of Stellaluna's close friend and bodyguard, Askari. He often tries to woo her, but doesn't usually get much of a response. If Vitani gives him any response at all, it's usually the cold shoulder, or an insult to injury should Askari make a fool of himself; but she does slowly grow to like him. Ideal voice: Mila Kunis.
And last but not least...
Pinduli: A young striped hyena, from another Janell Cannon story. That's right, folks: we're having a bit of a crossover here! Pinduli lives in the savannah beyond the jungle, but made friends with Stellaluna one evening, when the colony was flying close to the jungle's outskirts - nowadays she occasionally hangs out with Stellaluna and her friends, or joins them on an adventure. She is feisty, precocious, and somewhat self-conscious, and is quick to use her larger size to help her smaller friends, should they be overwhelmed by something they can't handle alone. Ideal voice: Madeleine Peters.
As for the stories themselves, they will be similar to the episodes in children's shows such as Theodore Tugboat, Arthur, and Dragon Tales, and will deal with topics such as bullying, peer pressure, and friendly competition. So be on the lookout, and enjoy!