The Worldwide Society of Scientists: The Otavi Family Mystery

The Worldwide Society of Scientists in

a stem-fi graphic novel by

Jamie Jonathan Ball

The Worldwide Society of Scientists in

T HE

OTAVI FAMILY

MYST ERY

(or the discovery of Rafflesia Humblebee) Ah, Namibia, what a mesmerizing place. The sun sure is strong here, I’m glad I remembered my hat.

Those are some stunning Jacaranda trees, they really match my trousers.

I can’t wait to see my best friend, the famed zoologist* Dr. Chioto Toivo, again.

First, I must get out of this town and into mother nature.

Taxi!

Happy’s

Apples

*

A zoologist, is a scientist who studies animals and their behaviour.

It’s such sad news about the Otavi family. They’ve been missing for days now.

I wonder what could have happened to them.

Excellent, a customer!

He’s not from around here, I wonder where he wants to go...

I hope they find the Otavi family soon.

! sc r e e c h

! sc r e e c h 3

professor Humblebee rides excitedly out into the vast grasslands of the Kunene region, one of the wildest and least populated areas of Namibia.

Incredible umbrella shaped Acacia trees. A favorite food of the local giraffe population I bet...

What brings me out here you ask... Well I’m visiting my colleague, Dr. Chioto, do you know him? I’ll be a guest in his village.

4

Sure, everyone knows Dr. Chioto. He’s having a hard time right now. His giraffe family, the Otavi, are missing.

We’re all worried about them.

untains o m a p i h i j T h e Ot

The Kunene river

re e s t a i c a Ac

Oh no, the Otavi are Dr. Chioto’s life’s work. I’d better see if I can lend a hand.

What a disaster.

Just follow the “missing” posters, you’ll find Dr. Chioto easily enough.

That’ll be 720 Rand* please.

*Two

currencies (money) are used in Namibia the Namibian Dollar and the South African Rand.

5

A short way off the dusty track, along the banks of the Kunene river.

T HE

O T A V I G IR A F F E F A M I LY pl ease co ntact Dr. Chioto Toivo with any informat ion...

6

I sure hope these posters help.

It’s really unlike my Otavi to disappear like this.

Tap Tap

There he is, my dear old friend. He must be worried sick. I hope I can help him in some way.

7

Arriving in Dr. Chioto’s village, professor Humblebee is welcomed by the community.

We, the Himba, have lived in Namibia for hundreds of years. We farm cattle, goats and sheep.

Himba women are famous for rubbing a red paste called “Otjitze” onto our skin and into our hair. This protects us from the sun and insect bites.

We also make beautiful jewelry.

Along with every day items like baskets, pottery and musical instruments, which we either use ourselves or sell on local markets.

I’m worried about the Otavi.

8

We live in huts called “Onganda”. They are a cool place to shelter and relax in the often hot, dusty climate.

Together again professor!

Unfortunately it’s not the best timing. You see my giraffe family, the Otavi, are missing.

Moro! (which means ‘hello’).

So I hear, I’m so sorry Dr. C. We’ll get to the bottom of this mystery, together!

I’m sure we will.

First we should visit the village elders, they claim to have some valuable information for us.

He sure has a funny outfit!

9

The village elders explain what they think may have happened to the poor Otavi family.

North

West

Africa

East

Namibia is here.

South

poachers,

how terrible!

What a ghastly shock, I do hope they’re okay.

poaching is the illegal hunting or capturing of wild animals. *

Sadly, poaching* is a very serious problem all over the African continent. It is illegal, it is terribly wrong and we won’t stand for it!!

You had better set out right away, we fear you don’t have much time.

Be alert and be wary.

Be safe out there you two.

Look after one another.

Don’t worry, we always do!

So long friends, and fear not!

As true as my scarf is blue, we are going to find the Otavi again.

11

I must say professor, I’m not sure where to start looking.

This is a huge country with an exceptional amount of bio-diverse* regions.

Let’s just begin exploring it all and I’m sure something of interest will come along.

If anyone can solve the Otavi family mystery, it’s the Worldwide Society of Scientists! *Biodiversity

refers to every living thing on Earth, including plants, bacteria, and animals.

Be careful, it gets rough up ahead.

Thanks for the advice friend, and worry not.

I know this river like the patches on my giraffes.

professor

Humblebee sure is optimistic, a true scientist indeed.

Fascinating species.

Further down the Kunene river.

I truly hope this has nothing to do with poachers. What terrible people they are. I just can’t understand, why anyone would do such a thing to innocent and unsuspecting animals.

Unfortunately Dr. Chioto, it often has to do with the corrupting power of money. people can be pushed to great lengths for it.

Exotic animals fetch a high price in private collections all over the world.

I’m not sure what I would do if I were to meet a poacher... it would certainly be difficult to keep a level head...

Be careful professor.

Don’t lean too far, you’re tipping up the canoe...

...the Kunene’s current is strong here, we wouldn’t want to fall in. This region is famous for its rapids and waterfalls...

14

Captivating, some kind of rare Nymphaeaceae (Water Lily).

If I can stretch... just... hmph... a little... hmphh... further...

15

Disaster strikes.

professor! I did warn you, we’re capsizing.

MAN OVERBOARD!!!

Fear not, I’ll save you my friend! Glug...

sp

L

! a s h!

! ! ! h s spLa What the... gurgle...

glug

gurg

le

le b b bu 17

A few seconds later...

prof-glug-essor!

We... gurgle... must... glug... get to the... splurt... water’s edge!!

We’re in T ERRIBL E DANGER... glug glug... a merciless... splutter... waterfall up ahead...

18

wh o

! o s h!

Gosh the river sure is... gurgle... moving fast... glug... I might as well... gurgle... make the most of this situation...

Glug...My my, this is rather interesting... gurgle... oh bother there goes my hat...

Roaarrr!!!

iiing o D

We certainly seem to need a miracle...

D

Urm...I hate to say it, but I believe this is good bye. It’s all my fault.

I’m so sorry, I don’t think we’ll ever complete your missing giraffe mission. So long...

ng i i i i i o

Hang in there professor, it’s a long way down.

I’ve got you, but this branch won’t hold for long!!

R o a

a r r r r r

Saved by the scarf! There’s a tunnel here. I think it’s our only chance to survive!!

20

That was a close call.

Hopefully this tunnel leads somewhere.

phew, I need a rest.

These pots look like they came from my village, and some are even smashed!

This doesn’t seem right... we must investigate further.

*

A spore is the single-celled baby of a larger ‘mother’ plant.

I hope so.

Otherwise we really will be in deep trouble!

What a strange vibe this place has.The peculiar light in this cave appears to come from the green spores* that are everywhere. Fascinating.

21

A whole network of tunnels beneath the Kunene.

Hurry, the trail of pottery leads this way.

Do come along, professor.

I’ve never seen anything like it.

I don’t like what I’m seeing.

Hmphhhh.

I can’t watch...

22

Respect the plant-pot !!!

You can do it Dr. C! There are more pieces of pottery down here.

Bioluminescent*

spores, incredible.

*

Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light by a living organism.

A plant that produces its own energy.

Sensational!

We must hustle, I’ve got a bad feeling about this.

Gosh what an awful noise!

It sounds like my Otavi!

They are in trouble!! We must proceed with caution!!!

poachers!

Spec-tacular, spooores...

All we have to do is wait for the digital payment.

Then we can smuggle these smelly creatures across the border.

All packed up in crates, ready to be shipped off to a private collector.

The perfect crime.

Easy as poaching... an egg! Ha ha ha!

24

25

As sworn protectors of the Otavi family. In the name of all that is good and fair in the world, we must act fast.

Be very, very silent. perhaps we can take the poachers by surprise.

Spoooooores.

Glowing. Energy.

Greeeeeeen.

Szpooooress-zzz.

What are you talking about professor?!

Stop fooling around, we only have one shot at this rescue mission.

26

What are you doing? Get down on the ground.

Spoooooooooo.

Must. Find. Source. plant. Ssssssssszzz.

Are you under a spore-spell or something? They’ll spot us if we’re not careful... professor!!

Come back here at once.

What’s that? It sounds like footsteps! Nah, it can’t be, I’ve been in this cave too long.

Ooooooooo... the source plant.

Spore source, spore source...

cr unc h cru ch c r u nc n h

27

Oh my good friend. What a mess you’ve gotten yourself into. This is no time for botanical discovery.

Luckily the poachers haven’t seen me!

I need a plan...

What the..?!

An intruder... What in the world is he doing?

Let’s get him!

I knew it, I knew I heard footsteps!!!

He’s a rather snappy dresser I must say.

28

Glowing. Energy.

Green. Energy.

Zzzzzzzz.

Glowing. Energy.

Green. Energy.

The soooouuuurce.

It’s a long shot...

... but it just might work...

This is going to be easier than I thought. This guy is a total zombie, no question.

What is he doing?

He’s looking at that weird plant. Just get him quick before he does anything else creepy.

30

... if I can just get to...

... this side of the cave.

The source of the spores, the source of the energy.

The source of the spores, what a discovery.

31

I sure hope my plan works, it’s our only chance. Thank goodness for this convenient net suspended from the ceiling!

I need to wait until those dastardly poachers are in just the right position... then let gravity do the rest. If this fails we’re all in for it...

Steady Dr. Chioto... steady...

32

Grrrrrr!

Rarrrrrrrrr!!

33

NOW!! The rope is released.

I must be fast as the wild wind.

I’ll save you professor...

... In the name of S-C-I-E-N-C-E !!!

Waaaaahhhhhh!

Where am I ?!

34

s

n

A

p !

Arghhh, what’s happening?!

w

h

o

o s h! !

A net has fallen from the sky!

35

I’m so confused right now...

No time to explain professor, this isn’t over yet!

We need reinforcements. calling

NAM pO

L*

+264 (65 ) 27-3041

poachers,

well I never!

Hello police, it’s Dr. Chioto.

I’ve found the Otavi, and caught their kidnappers.

Can you trace me by satellite? ... Good. See you soon!

* NAMpOL are the Namibian police force.

Let us go, this isn’t fair, blah blah blah.

36

Hello, what are you doing here? Come to think of it, what am I doing here?

Oh professor, have I got a story to tell you...

This certainly is a fascinating species. I’ll name it “Rafflesia Humblebee”, latest discovery of the Worldwide Society of Scientists.

Where are they?

Over there all tied up.

Go get ‘em!

37

I’m so glad to have you back. You’ve had quite the adventure.

As you see, poachers never prosper.

Thank-you both!

You’ve busted a pair of wanted criminals.

Don’t mention it.

It’s all in a day’s work for the Worldwide Society of Scientists.

38

These two are going on trial, and then to prison for a long time.

The law will deal with them!

Grrrr... I don’t like the idea of captivity all of a sudden. This is all your fault!

My fault? How is this my fault?

It’s so your fault.

p NAM OL

39

The next day at the train station.

Safe travels professor! Remember there is always work to be done. After all, the more we understand about our planet’s awesome biodiversity, the better we can nurture it and protect it from harm.

I’m so pleased the Otavi are safe again.

Train

Taxi!

Those scientists, heroes among us!

Too true. Come and visit me soon, Doctor.

I’ll miss you!

In the meantime, I have some new spores to study.

40

Excuse me sir, can you help us with our bags?!

Station

The Worldwide Society of Scientists, what a wonderful idea!

I’m also going to study the sciences.

Dr. Chioto is my hero!

41

Back at the Worldwide Society of Scientists’ headquarters.

The Rafflesia Humblebee spores seem to adapt well to their new environment.

Here they can be studied in the name of science.

What wonders will they reveal? Can their unique energy be harnessed for a new, sustainable, eco-friendly power source?

Only time and research will tell, but one thing can be certain, they are in safe hands!

42

Epi nava.

(That’s how the Himba say good bye).

About the Worldwide Society of Scientists: The Worldwide Society of Scientists are an ever-growing group of scientific professionals from diverse backgrounds all over the world. They are dedicated to the study and protection of planet Earth, so why not join them on their many exciting adventures? Curious? Down-right quizzical? Then scream their motto loud and proud; “RESpECT THE pLANET” !

Current members of the Worldwide Society of Scientists include (from left-right): •

Lars Johannsson-Singh, Johannsson-Singh explorer and the trusty captain of the o Lulea research vessel.

•

Dr. Afet Kelek, Kelek micro-biologist.

•

Elery Singh, Singh honorary member, child, comic-book enthusiast.

•

Dr. Amita Singh, Singh glaciologist, official expedition record keeper.

•

Dr. Chioto Toivo, Toivo famed Zoologist and sworn protector of the Otavi (a rare family of giraffes).

•

professor Humblebee, Humblebee botanical explorer (quite clumsy).

•

Jen Okinawa, Okinawa engineer extraordinaire and robotics expert.

•

professor Sallie Skylark, Skylark climate and atmospheric scientist.

And, not forgetting:

•

Dino

x-1, rare prehistoric lizard and WSS mascot.

Left: The Worldwide Society of Scientists headquarters.

The Worldwide Society of Scientists official logo.

Coming soon...

The Worldwide Society of Scientists

More science! More gadgets! More Adventure!

Join the Worldwide Society of Scientists (and friends) on their annual holiday high in Northern India. Elery is ecstatic to be spending another summer with her bff Adya, and grandmother Nani Singh, in their remote Himalayan village.

She is, of course accompanied by the usual WSS suspects, all looking forward to some rest, relaxation, and perhaps just a little bit of research.

But when an excursion into the surrounding mountains quickly turns sour.

A race against time ensues to save Nani Singh’s village from early monsoon rains and rapid glacial melt waters. Will the dam hold? Or will the river rage?

Will the village sink, or swim? Read on to find out, and always, respect the planet!

Himalaya Holiday is a lower middle-grade action adventure drawn in a ligneclaire comic book style, encouraging readers to embrace their imaginations as they explore the flatlands, foothills and mountain ranges of Northern India through lavishly detailed and dynamic illustrations. It uses visual storytelling to be accessible and enjoyable to children of diverse cultures and all reading abilities.

About Jamie Jonathan Ball

Jamie is the author / illustrator / creator of the Worldwide Society of Scientists. Jamie is a professional children’s book designer and has worked on over thirty illustrated non-fiction titles which have been published in many languages all over the world. He has made books about politics, physics, the climate, space exploration, classical music, the renaissance, travel, and maps.

Some books have been short-listed for and won awards including the Royal Society of Science Young people’s Book prize, the British School Library Association Award, the British Book Award and the Junior Magazine Design Award.

Jamie’s big dream is that every person in the world takes scientists very seriously when they say we are in the midst of a climate crisis.

Only together can we make the planet a better place.

Learn more about the adventures of the Worldwide Society of Scientists at

www.professorhumblebee.com @professorhumblebee Story, illustrations and characters copyright © 2023 Jamie Jonathan Ball.

The author/illustrator asserts the moral right to be identified as the author/illustrator of the work.

The Worldwide Society of Scientists in

Whilst visiting his best friend and famed zoologist, Dr. Chioto Toivo, professor Humblebee is shocked to learn that the Otavi - a beloved family of giraffes are missing! Twists, turns and tumbles abound on this thrilling adventure into the breathtaking landscapes of northern Namibia. Will our clumsy botanist and his steadfast colleague find the Otavi in time? What other discoveries await in the dank, dark network of caverns beneath the Kunene river?

Read on and respect the planet!

www.professorhumblebee.com @professorhumblebee