Bradfield Elementary custodian and crossing guard Sam Flores Sr. was beloved by generations of students, who remember the example he set through his kindness and dedication.
Now, Flores’ son is continuing to inspire children with the publication of his first book, which tells the story of a pony who discovers that his uniqueness is the source of his greatest strength.
Jonathan Martinez Flores remembered that his dad would call him “Jonny books” when he was growing up in the Park Cities.
“I think I always loved stories as a kid. I remember even in middle school making up stories,” he said. “I think that’s why film and TV drew me in.”
Jonathan’s book, The Adventures of Tony the Pony, takes inspiration from his own experience of growing up in the Park Cities, traveling to New York, making friends, and learning new things. The Flores family had a unique journey into the Park Cities Bubble, one that was made possible by Sam Sr.’s work at Bradfield.
Jonathan explained that he developed the character of Tony the pony by telling stories to children while babysitting. He compared Tony to Amelia Bedelia, the title character in a series of children’s books about a maid who is comically out of place, but who has a special talent that always saves the day.
“There was kind of a running trope of there’s this pony who’s an amazing pony,” Jonathan explained. “But he would do these other jobs because he didn’t really know who he was, what he was supposed to do as a pony.”
Jonathan, who is now an actor and comedian living in New York, said he never expected to be a published author.
He called watching his self-published book come together “magical.” He credited a friend at Penguin Books and the contributions of illustrator David Chang, a calligrapher by trade who hadn’t illustrated a book before working on The Adventures of Tony the Pony, for helping make his vision a reality.
Jonathan is thankful for the support and generosity of the Park Cities community as well, and remarked that he couldn’t have asked for a better upbringing.
Jonathan, his mother, Hilda, and brothers Sam and Joshua were on hand recently for the Bradfield centennial festivities. A bench, dubbed “Sam’s corner” in honor of Sam Flores Sr., remains in one corner of the school’s newly turfed field.
Jonathan said he wrote the book to bring joy to children and encouraged other aspiring writers to not be hesitant to ask for help.
“Don’t be afraid to follow an idea,” he added. “Your viewpoint, your voice is to be shared.”
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