“Dad, where did the Jazz Bear come from?”
This question, coming from his young son, puzzled Aron Simkins, a local Jazz fan.
“I was just as interested in knowing as he was and it was at that moment I decided to create something,” Simkins said.
This question propelled Simkins on a path that culminated in a children’s book, “Dream Big: The Journey of the Jazz Bear.” The book discusses the Jazz Bear’s story and his journey in overcoming life’s obstacles to fulfill his dream.
The book contains 32 pages of entertaining text and animation. The plot focuses on the courage and determination this bear had in order to accomplish his dream. [media-credit name= “Utah Jazz” align=”alignright” width=”300″]
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Simkins’ favorite part of writing this book was the fact he had to come up with the story himself.
“All of it came out of my mind,” Simkins said. “I know the Jazz Bear and so I asked him. I asked around in the Jazz organization, but no one really knew anything about his story.”
The book now has the backing of the NBA, the Millers, the owning family of the Jazz, as well as the Jazz Bear. Simkins hopes the story will appeal to Jazz fans of all ages.
“The Jazz Bear has a range of fans and this book appeals to both,” Simkins said. “The bear has a way of bringing out the child in all of us.”
Marketing Publicist Josh Johnson and the Cedar Fort publishing company published the book and feel confident the book will appeal to Jazz fans both young and old.
“This is a unique subject matter, which is sure to stand out,” Johnson said. “The Jazz Bear has been one of the most popular mascots in the NBA and he has so many passionate fans.”
Simkins loves going to the Utah Jazz games and taking his family with him. When his son goes with him, Simkins finds him scouring the stadium all game long trying to see the Jazz Bear. He is excited now to be able to let his son, and everybody else, know this bear’s inspiring story.
“It’s a great collectible for Jazz fans of all ages,” Simkins said. “It’s a collectible for fans of books in general.”
The book will officially be released in all major book retail outlets along with all Fanzz stores on Sept. 11 for $15.99.
A release party for the public will be held Sept. 8 at the Fanzz store in Fashion Place Mall from 12 to 2 p.m. Aron Simkins and the Jazz Bear will also be in attendance.
