By: Sara Walsh
In the world of children’s adventure fiction, the most memorable stories often combine imagination with characters young readers can connect to. Author Moon Jones does exactly that in his lively and inventive book Bighead and Cornrow, a story that merges science fiction, humor, and crime-fighting adventure in an unexpected setting: New Orleans, Louisiana.
The center of the story features Bighead and Cornrow, two twelve-year-old undercover police officers from the mysterious fifth dimension. Sent to Earth on a critical mission, the young agents must track down two dangerous criminals while navigating the vibrant streets of New Orleans. Along the way, they are joined by an unforgettable companion, Dr. Smarty-Pants, a talking cat whose quick wit and sharp observations add both humor and insight to the trio’s journey.
The story’s imaginative premise grew from Jones’s work with young people. He wanted to create characters who felt authentic and relatable rather than perfect heroes.
“I work with kids with special needs, and they would always complain about kids in stories like Harry Porter who were either too good or too bad,” Jones explains. “Bighead and Cornrow are two twelve-year-old undercover cops who can relate to kids of all ages without being too judgmental.”
In the world Jones created, the fifth dimension is a place where children often take on responsibilities normally handled by adults. That dynamic gives the young heroes a unique perspective as they face challenges well beyond their years.
The choice of New Orleans as the setting adds a distinct cultural layer to the story. Jones grew up in the city and wanted to capture its spirit, energy, and welcoming atmosphere within the adventure.
“New Orleans is where I grew up and am most familiar with as far as culture,” he says. “People in the city want to make sure you have a good time from the restaurants, to the French Quarter, the Mardi Gras, the Essence Festival, and many more events that make it very unique.”
That lively environment provides a colorful backdrop as Bighead and Cornrow track their targets across the city. From the music and food to the tight-knit neighborhoods where everything is within walking distance, the setting becomes an important part of the story’s rhythm and tone.
Adding to the dynamic is Dr. Smarty-Pants, the team’s talking feline companion. While the character brings humor to the adventure, Jones says the cat also serves as a thoughtful voice within the group.
“Dr. Smarty-Pants reminds me of Yoda and the two robots in Star Wars, where they live for the moment,” Jones says. “He is the voice of sarcasm and reason… he jokes about everything but also analyzes everything.”
Opposing the heroes are two former allies from the fifth dimension: Pretti-boi and Durt. Once partners of Bighead and Cornrow, they have now fallen under the influence of a mysterious figure named Nikoli Philosopher. Together, they are creating strange and dangerous creatures known as MAGA-Bites—beings intended to bring chaos and control to another dimension.
Through these villains, Jones introduces the central conflict that drives the story forward, forcing the young heroes to confront both external threats and the complicated reality that former friends can sometimes become adversaries.
At its heart, however, Bighead and Cornrow is a story about courage, teamwork, and the importance of standing up for one’s community. Jones hopes readers will feel inspired by the young heroes’ determination and the friendship that guides their mission.
“I hope my readers will become enthusiastic about these young heroes who are trying to make a difference in their society and prevent creatures like the MAGA-bites from being created to help rule their world,” he says.
While Bighead and Cornrow introduces readers to an imaginative new universe, Jones is already exploring additional stories. Among the projects he is developing is Buffalo Warriors, set during the final days of the American Civil War and centered on enslaved children who gain extraordinary abilities from a mysterious source. Another upcoming story, The Glimmer of Life, follows a twelve-year-old boy named Oye who travels to America to recover an important object taken from his people.
With Bighead and Cornrow, Moon Jones has created a fast-moving adventure that blends humor, creativity, and heart. Through its mix of science fiction, mystery, and youthful heroes, the book offers readers an imaginative journey that celebrates friendship, responsibility, and the power of young people to make a difference.
Bighead and Cornrow is available now on Amazon.
