John D. Cornman Jr. grew up in the woods beside the Mahoning Creek below Deanville, PA. He developed a love and a deep respect for the woods and the water at an early age. John graduated from Redbank Valley High School in 1997 then went on to earn his teaching degree in English from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. Along the way he met and married the love of his life and greatest supporter, Brianne Cornman. Together they had four beautiful children, John D. Cornman III, Gregory Clark Cornman, Adeline Elisabeth Cornman, and Jeanette Dawn Cornman.
Mr. Cornman began his career as a substitute teacher in the Redbank, Clarion, and Knox school districts. He soon found himself teaching troubled youth at Abraxas Youth and Family Services in Marienville, PA. He knew that he had found his calling. He worked every day teaching not only English, but also how to control emotions, build trust, and form relationships. He taught bullies that what they were doing was wrong. He taught the victims of bullying that they were not at fault.
John says that he created Gulp while working at Abraxas. Gulp is the main character of his newly published children’s book, Gulp Finds a Friend. At first, Gulp was just a big, goofy fish that John would draw to show his kids. Soon he began adding dialogue to the cartoons, making comics that his kids really enjoyed. After some encouragement from his family, John decided to try writing a children’s book with Gulp as the main character.
In the book, Gulp is a lonely little fish that was abandoned by his parents. He wasn’t like any other fish. He was laughed at and bullied for being different. Gulp began to eat as much as he could so that he could get big and scary. When you are big and scary, most fish leave you alone. Gulp grew up without any friends or family, so nobody ever taught him how to appropriately deal with his emotions. When Gulp was picked on for being different, he would get mad and hurt any fish that got in his way. Only making a good friend could save him. He needed someone to teach him how to share, care, and be kind.
John has since changed jobs. He still teaches English to at-risk youth, but now he teaches at Taylor Diversion Program in Tionesta, PA. He loves his new job because he is able to take his students into nature every day where they can learn without the impediments of walls and classrooms. He has found that even though his students range in age from 15 to 19, they still enjoy his book and appreciate the messages that it conveys.
John will be having his first ever book signing at The Brick House Bed & Breakfast in Oak Ridge, PA on September 12 and 13. He will be there from 10-4 on Saturday and 12-4 on Sunday. He will be selling books and signing them free of charge. He also has a limited supply of decals for sale as well. After you have bought a copy for yourself, you will be able to take a tour of the Brick House B&B, watch a chainsaw artist, and browse the assorted food and wares of various vendors. Come out and support our local author and other local businesses.
Also, be sure to check out his Face Book page, “Gulp and Bubbles” for original Gulp comics. The book is written for children, but the comics are geared more towards parents. In addition to the comics, this page keeps you up to date on events concerning Gulp and offers giveaways and contests.