Coney Island Awakes: A Phoenix Arises

“This incredible artsy graphic fairytale is sure to be reread again and again at bedtime. Thirty three loose and playful drawings of 21st Century Coney Island depict the famed playground of NYC during the unprecedented Covid Quarantine when the rides went silent and the beach seemed deserted. In the fog and the mist of both Covid and seafoam, Artist/Author Janet Morgan begins to hear the voice of a lonely landmarked Parachute Jump wanting to chat and tell a story , the story of a Phoenix arising. The Phoenix is both the name of Coney Island’s newest rollercoaster as well as the neighborhood’s latest reincarnation as a summertime destination. Once the old and newest rides reopen the laughs and screams return.”

- Dick Zigun, Founder, Coney Island USA

Coney Island is on the south shore of Brooklyn. It’s a place where city folk touch the ocean and feel the vastness of the sky. It has a wild and crazy history. Entire amusement parks burned to the ground and then were built anew. They rose like the mythical bird the Phoenix - being reborn out of the ashes again and again. Through colossal destruction and construction, times of difficulty and times of joy, Coney has always been full of life. Untold amounts of money, skill and artistry poured into making people gasp, scream and sigh. From the giant Elephant Hotel to Dreamland’s blinding lights, it has recreated itself again and again. This is the tale of one such rebirth.

In March of 2020 the Covid 19 quarantine in Brooklyn was extreme. For people without cars and wary of public transportation life was very limited. In August we finally started riding the subway again and going down to a quiet Coney Island was a real treat. All the rides sat silent for a whole year. The collection of fisherman, homeless people and locals felt like an odd post-apocalyptic community. Everyone was very chatty when we were drawing and I heard a lot of stories. And not only people told stories…. During its year of sleep, Coney Island nourished us. Then it rose again.

“In this warmhearted and imaginative tale, Janet Morgan shares her experience of Coney Island during the Covid-19 pandemic. Beautifully illustrated, Coney Island Awakes is a story of birth and renewal, and gives voice to the People’s Playground’s most iconic landmarks—old and new”. - Lisa Schaefer, Curator at the Coney Island Museum.

“Congrats to all the readers who discover this wonderful book and get to share in the magic that is Coney Island.” - Dennis Vourderis, co-owner Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park

“Janet Morgan captures the vibrant flowing dance of the universe no matter the subject she paints . Divinity can be felt in every stroke ....all comes alive with emotion ,and beauty in all its forms entrances the viewer. “ - Jehan Kamal, artist, dancer, singer, writer extraordinaire.



“Coney Island: the landmarks, the sea, the place, trusts Morgan and speaks to her. She shares this with the reader in word and image.” - Marie Roberts, Banner Painter Coney Island USA