by Brian Gehrlein
To begin, THE BOOK OF RULES was never supposed to happen. It was just a silly book I wrote in 2017 that was never queried and never shared with my agent because I thought it was dead. However, we wanted to find another project to go on submission with so I took a dive into the dusty corners of my Google drive. And there it was. Lifeless and forgotten…THE BOOK OF RULES. Recalling concepts from The Princess Bride, I wondered if it was all dead or just mostly dead. I decided to find out. Through the magic of revision, several amazing critique buddies, and 10,000 volts of figurative electricity, we brought this “dead” story to life. Ta-da! A once thought dead manuscript Frankensteined to a multi-house offer debut book deal. Moral of the story? Keep an open mind and doubt your conclusions—what if your “worst” story is actually your best?!
So far what I’ve observed about the kidlit industry is that it feels like nothing is happening and then everything is happening. And then nothing is happening. And then EVERYTHING IS HAPPENING! Soon art was happening. Soon a monster was happening. Soon Dennis was happening. Yes, Dennis. Because what’s a good name for a monster that eats children who don’t follow the rules? Obviously Dennis.
Throughout the process, Tom Knight confirmed himself to be the kidlit illustration wizard I knew he was. His stuff is amazing and I couldn’t be more pleased to share this book with him! The first time I saw the cover, I remember shouting, “IT’S DENNIS! HE’S PURPLE! MY NAME IS ON A BOOK!” Crazytown. Bonkersville. A rush of blood to the head with two parts sugar and one part imposter syndrome. Because this book was never supposed to happen…and then it was.
THE BOOK OF RULES is a meta, interactive story that playfully introduces the idea of following rules (lest you be eaten) while weaving in a subtle thread of mindfulness. Due to its meta nature, I love that Dennis is eating the book on the cover—a bit of foreshadowing for one of my favorite parts at the end! I also think Tom really captures the playful tone I was going for with the color scheme and design of Dennis. Look how hungry he is! He’s adorably awful. Marvelously monstrous. I can’t wait for him to break out of this cover and munch his way into your hearts…and also eat your children (unless of course, they follow the rules).
From the publisher:
An interactive picture book with dynamic illustrations, in which readers have to follow the rules or risk a run-in with a monster—with a gentle approach to mindfulness along the way.
Beware! This book has rules. You must follow all the rules. If you break the rules . . . Dennis the monster will eat you. And you don’t want to be Dennis-food—do you?
With a laugh-out-loud, interactive style, The Book of Rules invites you to get your sillies out before it’s time to focus and listen to directions. And you better get started, because Dennis can’t wait to eat—or, um—meet you!
THE BOOK OF RULES (FSG/BYR) comes out October 19th and is available for preorder.
Thanks for stopping by, kidlit fam! And thanks for hosting this cover reveal, Tara!
Brian is giving away a picture book manuscript plus query critique to a lucky commenter!
Leave one comment below.
A winner will be randomly selected in two weeks.
Good luck!
Brian Gehrlein is the author of dozens of award-winning children’s books that you haven’t read because they don’t exist yet. If only you had a time machine to fact check this absurd claim. Alas, you do not so you’ll just have to take his word for it. Brian enjoys writing snarky pretend-bios at the end of his posts which you can read at pbspotlight.com. Brian thanks you for reading this post. He thanks you for reading this unhelpful non-bio. He especially thanks you for reading this sentence. It was a really good sentence. However, he does not thank you for reading this sentence. You were not supposed to read that one. It was a secret and you’ve gone and compromised the entire mission. What mission you ask? Well, if you even have to ask then you don’t have a high enough security clearance and probably aren’t that cool. For more snark, follow Brian on Twitter @BrianGehrlein.
Tom Knight grew up on Mersea Island on the Essex coast, where he returned to live after having children of his own. Having grown up on a small farm, Tom spent most of his time using his imagination to create new worlds from the hedgerows and haystacks.
After an enjoyable stint as a graphic designer, Tom is now proud to be using his imagination as a full time career. Drawing on a long and abiding love of imagery from childrens literature, Tom has worked for a diverse range of publishers, including Little Tiger Press, Templar, Simon and Schuster, Scholastic and Macmillan. He has also turned his hand to authoring his own titles and is the author and illustrator for the ‘Good Knight, Bad Knight’ books and ‘Jimmy Finnigan’s Wild Wood Band’.
He does all this from a poorly temperature-controlled studio in the garden, where he is constantly distracted by the greedy birds that hang out by the feeder outside his window.
Learn more at Tom’s website tomknightillustration.co.uk and follow him on Twitter @tombabylon.
219 comments
Comments feed for this article
February 18, 2021 at 10:16 am
Lisa Healy
What if you break a rule of a rule? I can’t wait to read this book!
February 18, 2021 at 10:17 am
readmybook2002
Just think how many ms/books are out there waiting to be revived in some metal cabinet or desk drawer. You have given hope for others to pursue this journey. Thank You
February 18, 2021 at 10:18 am
Maria Bursey
This post has made me want to try CPR on all my dead manuscripts!
February 18, 2021 at 10:19 am
lmconnors
So creative! This book looks delightful.
February 18, 2021 at 10:19 am
tabithasimswrites
This book sounds amazing and is coming out just in time for Halloween! I know what my youngest is getting in her treat bag!
February 18, 2021 at 10:21 am
Artsybarncat
Wow! Congrats! Your book looks amazing and I’d love a chance for a review!
February 18, 2021 at 10:21 am
dinahodara
Brian, congratulations on your debut and success with Picture Book Spotlight. Your author pic is great – love your sense of humor! Looking forward to reading your debut and all the books mentioned in your bio. 😉
February 18, 2021 at 10:24 am
rozanark
Brian is one of the funniest, kindest and most generous writers! Such a monster of a gift to the writing community.
February 18, 2021 at 10:24 am
Jennifer
Looks like such a fun story! 💜📚
February 18, 2021 at 10:25 am
janwrite
It’s very important for kids to learn to follow the rules!
February 18, 2021 at 10:25 am
Laurie Carmody
This looks hilarious and I cannot wait to read it! Congratulations, Brian!
February 18, 2021 at 10:26 am
Shelley Isaacson
Follow the rules or be eaten? It’s a touch choice! Looking forward to adding this to my metafiction picturebook collection!
February 18, 2021 at 10:26 am
marsha weiner
rules…. what rules????
February 18, 2021 at 10:26 am
Becky Falkum
That bio…😂
Thanks for this post. Can’t wait to read this one with my preschooler!
February 18, 2021 at 10:26 am
Sallye O'Rourke
This book looks adorable! So does Dennis!
February 18, 2021 at 10:31 am
Writer on the run
Had so much fun reading this blog! Thanks for the pick me up.
February 18, 2021 at 10:34 am
kiwijenny
I would love this book for my class of silly four year olds. They would love to meat Dennis…I mean eat , oops meet . I guess I need this book too.
February 18, 2021 at 10:34 am
Linda Staszak
I absolutely can’t wait to get my hands on this book! I think I might have some award-winning books as well! Thanks for an inspiring post!
February 18, 2021 at 10:35 am
Kari Gonzalez
Congratulations on your upcoming release! The cover art is superb, and I can’t wait to find out all about Dennis with my rule-breaking daughter!
February 18, 2021 at 10:35 am
Bethanny Parker
This sounds like a fun story. Congrats!
February 18, 2021 at 10:35 am
Joyce Uglow
Whoa! There are rules? Why didn’t someone tell me there are rules? I must read The Book of Rules!
February 18, 2021 at 10:35 am
Kerstin Fletcher
I appreciate your honest and humorous writing style!
February 18, 2021 at 10:36 am
Kristen Indahl
This book sounds like great fun, can’t wait to read it. Also love the bio!
February 18, 2021 at 10:37 am
Kris Tarantino
Hilarious! Love your humor. I write humor with quirky characters too.
February 18, 2021 at 10:37 am
Jeannie Santucci
Brian that “bio” was hilarious. The most fun one I’ve ever read.
And by the way I did a fact check about your claim. (I’m actually lucky enough to own a time machine. ) and I was happily surprised that you have written many, many award winning picture books in the future. Good for you!
February 18, 2021 at 10:38 am
Cathy L. Murphy
Your humor is delightful, Brian! I live with and come from a long line of snarky people, so undoubtedly I’ll love your debut.
February 18, 2021 at 10:39 am
Joanne Roberts
This looks absolutely amazing!….and an awful lot like my book in revisions. But as they say, your story can only be told by you, so fingers crossed. But serious congratulations to this encouraging success story—no impostor syndrome needed. You done good. Truly can’t wait to read it.
February 18, 2021 at 10:41 am
Jessica Swaim
What fun! I cant wait to meet Dennis.
Congratulations, Brian!
February 18, 2021 at 10:43 am
marsue77
I am so excited about this book. I can’t wait to gobble it up. Or will I get gobbled?
February 18, 2021 at 10:45 am
Corlie Aldrich
Brian! I can’t wait to read your book, it sounds terrific! I loved reading your bio; it put a smile on face : ).
February 18, 2021 at 10:46 am
David McMullin
Congratulations. This looks wonderful!
February 18, 2021 at 10:46 am
Judy Bryan
Can’t wait to meet Dennis! Congratulations, Brian!!
February 18, 2021 at 10:47 am
Barbara Senenman
This sounds like a fun read! (Your bio certainly was.)
February 18, 2021 at 10:49 am
andreesantini
Congrats, what a fun idea.
February 18, 2021 at 10:52 am
Kimberly
Congratulations ! Can’t wait to read your book!
February 18, 2021 at 10:53 am
kimpfenn
This sounds like so much fun! Looking forward to reading this! Congratulations Brian and Tom!
February 18, 2021 at 10:56 am
Nancy Furstinger
Rules? We don’t follow any stinking rules! This book sounds as hysterical as its backstory–congrats!
February 18, 2021 at 10:58 am
judyrubin13
Thank you, Tom, for sharing your The Book of Rules journey. What a wonderful escape.
February 18, 2021 at 11:00 am
Jill Friestad-Tate
What a fun concept! Your post gives hope for all of the “filed” manuscripts I have on my drive, thanks!
February 18, 2021 at 11:01 am
jbbower
Congratulations Brian! The Book of Rules sounds like a fun, fun, book!!
February 18, 2021 at 11:01 am
Dea Brayden
Brian! Congrats! Your ms and Tom’s illos make quite the pair.
February 18, 2021 at 11:01 am
Jamie Donahoe
This just went on the Must Read list! Cannot wait to meet Dennis
February 18, 2021 at 11:01 am
Thelia Hutchinson
I am looking forward to reading this book. Brain is an inspiration, showing that with hard work and dedication your dreams will come true.
February 18, 2021 at 11:02 am
sallie wolf
Rules were meant to be broken, Yes? But please don’t let Dennis eat me.
Fun post, Brian.
February 18, 2021 at 11:02 am
RobinW
OMG, if This book is as funny as Brian’s bio, I’m in!
February 18, 2021 at 11:05 am
kathalsey
Dennis is delightful, Brian! So happy to see you and the cover. It’s a book!!! Grateful to you for all you do to help the kid lit community too. All good things to you. Maybe your worst story is your best! Great advice.
February 18, 2021 at 11:06 am
CindyC
Thanks Brian! We need to go back to our “dead” folders more often.
February 18, 2021 at 11:09 am
danielledufayet
Looks like a fun book -congrats!
February 18, 2021 at 11:12 am
Bonnie Auslander
I read the sentence that I wasn’t supposed to read, and now you’re reading this one, so we’re even!
February 18, 2021 at 11:16 am
Kathleen B.
Congratulations! I have added The Book of Rules to my get-when-released book list. Your post and bio helped me start the day with a smile!
February 18, 2021 at 11:17 am
Amy Fae
Love Dennis. Love this idea. Can’t wait to read this with my toddler. Congrats, Brian!
February 18, 2021 at 11:19 am
Claire A. B. Freeland
Hilarious! Can’t wait.
February 18, 2021 at 11:19 am
Natalie Lynn Tanner
BRIAN: OH, I AM SO IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK!!! A creative, kid (and MONSTER!)-focused interactive book about mindfulness—SO EXCITED!!! Almost ALL of my fav things ALL IN ONE (if there are dogs and chocolate also involved, you have created WORLD PEACE!!!)!!! I am already IN LOVE with Dennis!!! “He’s adorably awful. Marvelously monstrous”!!! Yes, he has MUNCHED his way into my heart!!! THANK YOU for showing us that even the stories we aren’t sure of deserve to be looked at again; that sometimes a little more love and care will turn a “not-meant-to-be” story into “THE STORY OF OUR DREAMS”!!!
February 18, 2021 at 11:20 am
maureenegan
Love the cover!! And the back story.
February 18, 2021 at 11:23 am
Katie Williams
Congratulations, Brian! The cover is perfect and I’m so excited to see your book come to life. Can’t wait to check it out!
February 18, 2021 at 11:23 am
Nanna
Congrats, Brian!
February 18, 2021 at 11:24 am
Armineh Manookian
Thanks for your encouragement and humor, Brian!
February 18, 2021 at 11:25 am
Susie Sawyer
I LOVE stories like this! Well, stories like THE BOOK OF RULES and stories like yours, about finding buried treasure in your dusty manuscript files!! Congratulations, and here’s to the wonderful bumpy ride we’re on in the publishing industry!
February 18, 2021 at 11:29 am
stiefelchana
I love Dennis & would gladly offer him my children! Congrats!!
February 18, 2021 at 11:30 am
Elyse Trevers
Your book sounds adorable. As I read the piece, I found myself mentally making a list of kids to get it for
February 18, 2021 at 11:30 am
Laurel Ranveig Abell
I WANT THIS BOOK!!! Delicious story of Dennis! Congratulations and Bon Appetit!
February 18, 2021 at 11:30 am
KATHLEEN WILFORD
Now I’m inspired to revisit my junk files. Thanks for sharing your story, and I can’t wait to meet Dennis!
February 18, 2021 at 11:32 am
Sarah Meade
Congratulations, Brian and Tom! I can’t wait to read this. My little ones are going to love it.
February 18, 2021 at 11:34 am
Sue welfringer
Inspired post. Darling concept! Hope you have monster sakes!
February 18, 2021 at 11:35 am
Susan Jobsky
I try to be a rule follower. I’m supposed to follow the rules. Alas, hard as I try to follow every rule, I usually end up breaking more than I follow. I’m usually the one in time out. It’s who I am, a free spirit born to do things her own way. I am a Dennis snack waiting to happen and proud of it! Can’t wait to read this book!
February 18, 2021 at 11:36 am
Catherine Brewer
Congratulations! I love metafiction picture books. Thanks for sharing!
February 18, 2021 at 11:36 am
Ellie Langford.
This story and humorous cover so fits Brian’s personality. Great cover! Congratulations for not always following the rules, Brian!
February 18, 2021 at 11:37 am
Fern Glazer
Congratulations on your overnight success! I plan to break the rules just so I have a chance to meet Dennis.
February 18, 2021 at 11:39 am
Jo Martin
Looks like such a fun book!!
February 18, 2021 at 11:39 am
Alicia Z. Klepeis
Loved this post — makes me want to dust off several manuscripts that I have put aside for a long time. Thanks for the inspiration!
February 18, 2021 at 11:45 am
Natasha Garnett
All snarkiness and monstrousness aside, congratulations to Brian and Tom.
February 18, 2021 at 11:54 am
Cathy Ballou Mealey
Purple people eater – love it!
February 18, 2021 at 11:56 am
paulaobering
Congratulations! Can’t wait to read it!
February 18, 2021 at 11:56 am
chelseatornetto
Yay! This sounds so fun! Pretty proud to be your agent sibling!
February 18, 2021 at 11:57 am
Marilyn Wolpin
Brian, I do enjoy your humor AND your encouragement about books we may consider dead. Now where did I throw out the last 10 manuscripts? Thanks for your post and I look forward to reading about Dennis.
February 18, 2021 at 12:09 pm
Catherine J Lee
I can’t wait to read this one!…erhrm… to my kids… who am I kidding? I can’t wait to read it to me! I love picture books that break the 4th wall!
February 18, 2021 at 12:13 pm
Sarah Tobias
Tee hee hee. Humor. Manners. A monster named Dennis. Love it!
February 18, 2021 at 12:14 pm
Penelope McNally
Yay Brian congratulations! This book looks and sounds so terrific, I can’t wait to read it. And thanks for the reminder to revive those lonely manuscripts just sitting and waiting in goggle drive 🙂
February 18, 2021 at 12:16 pm
Gretchen McLellan
I am doing double-flips* that the never-supposed-to happen did, because the world needs your voice, and I have some little rule breakers who need your book! Not to cure them necessarily, but so I can hear them giggle. Congratulations!
*No author was harmed responding to this cover reveal
February 18, 2021 at 12:18 pm
debobrienbookscom
The title alone is begging kids to want to read it. Add that awesome cover and, bingo, you have a winner. Congratulations, Brian.
February 18, 2021 at 12:19 pm
kskeesling
Brian and Tom and…Denis, congratulations on the book! So excited to read it!
February 18, 2021 at 12:21 pm
Jennifer
Both your book and you sound creative and hilarious! I would love the chance to get your feedback.
February 18, 2021 at 12:23 pm
nancykkkkk
I’m definitely going to dust off a few of my manuscripts that need some resurrection through revision. Thanks
February 18, 2021 at 12:30 pm
Dawn Prochovnic
Wow! This sounds like so much fun! (And quite an inspiring story about the forgotten mss’s in our files)
February 18, 2021 at 12:32 pm
Kassy Keppol
Dennis is the name of the skeleton who rides in my daughters car. She is going to love this.
February 18, 2021 at 12:32 pm
Melisa Wrex
Love to follow Brian on Twitter and subscribe to the blog as well! Now, I’ll have to follow Tom too. Thanks for the cover reveal and the giveaway opportunity Tara, Brian and Dennis.
February 18, 2021 at 12:35 pm
adavis6385
Woohooo! So glad this dead manuscript was revived! Congrats to you both! Can’t wait to read!!
February 18, 2021 at 12:39 pm
Neesa Bally
Congrats Brian!
Can’t wait to read it!
February 18, 2021 at 12:39 pm
seschipper
Brian, love PBSpotlight and I know I will love ” Book of Rules “! Congratulations! 🙂
Thanks Tara!
February 18, 2021 at 12:40 pm
Christine Galisa
Congratulations Brian and Tom! Looks like the perfect matchup of artist and author…. And SO MUCH FUN! Can’t wait to meet Dennis formally.
February 18, 2021 at 12:46 pm
Hollie Wolverton
This looks like so much fun – can’t wait to read it!
February 18, 2021 at 1:02 pm
Wendy Greenley
Monstrously exciting, Brian! Congratulations to you and Tom and, of course, Dennis! Hooray for comatose but not yet dead manuscripts!
February 18, 2021 at 1:06 pm
authorlaurablog
Congratulations, Brian! I can’t wait to read your book.
February 18, 2021 at 1:12 pm
Teresa Rodrigues
Can’t wait to read this one! Congrats, Brian!
February 18, 2021 at 1:25 pm
Deborah Agranat Sullivan
Ha! Great bio Brian – I promise, I didn’t read the sentence I wasn’t supposed to (I would never want to compromise the mission).
February 18, 2021 at 1:31 pm
Louise Aamodt
I love the resurrection of a ‘dead’ story. I hope I have the same surprising fate, except over and over again.
February 18, 2021 at 1:33 pm
Jody Jensen Shaffer
Brian, I can’t wait to read this! Congratulations!
February 18, 2021 at 1:34 pm
Joan Swanson
Your new picture book sounds great for the curious😉
February 18, 2021 at 1:42 pm
Juli Jones
Wow, what a great premise! I can’t wait to feast my eyes on it when it comes out. Congratulations on resurrecting your book and seeing it through to publication.
February 18, 2021 at 1:45 pm
Angie
Great cover! Congratulations!
February 18, 2021 at 1:45 pm
marty
Brian, You had me laughing all through this post. Especially your non-bio 🙂 Can’t wait to read this and learn more about Dennis! Congrats; hoping there are many more.
February 18, 2021 at 1:48 pm
Christine Pinto
Sounds fun. I can’t wait to see how interactive illustrations work!
February 18, 2021 at 1:49 pm
Michelle Howell
Congrats! This looks awesome!
February 18, 2021 at 1:49 pm
Ashley Sierra (@AshleySierra06)
Congratulations Brian and Tom! That’s a great cover.
February 18, 2021 at 1:54 pm
Jennifer Blanck
So fun! I’m looking forward to reading it. I appreciate your description of nothing and everything and nothing and everything. Enjoy the everything!
February 18, 2021 at 1:55 pm
Penny Merritt
Looks like a hilarious book! Can’t wait to read it.
February 18, 2021 at 1:55 pm
Stephen S. Martin
Rules are made to be broken and now apparently for eat’n !
February 18, 2021 at 1:57 pm
kathydoherty1
I have to meet Dennis! Great cover!
February 18, 2021 at 1:58 pm
rindabeach
As a retired teacher, this sounds like my kind of book . . Rules and kids breaking them. A monster that eats them. Oh my gosh! This sounds like a fun read!
February 18, 2021 at 2:03 pm
Nadia Salomon
I can’t wait to read this piece that wasn’t supposed to be. These are THE best books ever. So happy for you! CONGRATULATIONS!
February 18, 2021 at 2:16 pm
jacquelineflesher
Love the snarkiness. It’s the best when parents and kids both enjoy a laugh together.
February 18, 2021 at 2:17 pm
Jany Campana
Brian–The Book of Rules looks and sounds like the funniest read ever!!!
February 18, 2021 at 2:19 pm
Jany Campana
Brian–The Book of Rules looks and sounds like the funniest book ever!!!
February 18, 2021 at 2:19 pm
Dana Atnip
Thank you for giving hope to others in regards to a “dead” MS, and to keep trying, revising, and not to give up! Can’t wait to read, “The Book of Rules”!
February 18, 2021 at 2:22 pm
Mia Geiger
Thank you for sharing your book’s journey! Inspiring! Congratulations on your debut book!
February 18, 2021 at 2:24 pm
Aimee Larke
What a great backstory and an amazing cover! I can’t wait to read this one. Congratulations Brian and Tom!!
February 18, 2021 at 2:26 pm
mariearden
Mmmm, a rule breaker book. Munch, munch, munch, it might be good for lunch.
February 18, 2021 at 2:39 pm
Jilanne Hoffmann
My son loves breaking rules. Come to think of it, so does my husband. How did I end up with these two?
February 18, 2021 at 2:42 pm
bbwritesright
This is what I call a BIG IDEA book. So cool and different. Way to go.
February 18, 2021 at 2:44 pm
cmochowski
How fun! I love the idea for this book. Reading and games – like chocolate and peanut butter – two great things in one!
February 18, 2021 at 2:52 pm
pbbeckyk
Congratulations to Brian and Tom! I absolutely love the story of how Dennis was born. It’s as magical as him! Can’t wait to read this book.
February 18, 2021 at 2:57 pm
Karan Greene
There are no bad ideas! Thanks for sharing your book journey!
February 18, 2021 at 2:57 pm
stacey miller
Dennis needs to eat your imposter syndrome, Brian because this book looks amazing! Love the illustrations by Tom Knight too.
February 18, 2021 at 3:02 pm
katherineadlam
I love the premise of this story. Great idea and the artwork looks awesome.
February 18, 2021 at 3:12 pm
lynjekowsky
Loved reading your bio. Looking forward to meeting Dennis.
February 18, 2021 at 3:12 pm
Kim Nolan
Thank you for this inspiring post!
February 18, 2021 at 3:27 pm
Mary Beth Rice
I cannot wait to read this hilarious book!
February 18, 2021 at 3:31 pm
catherine owen
What if I eat the book before I read it? Eeeek. What fun x
February 18, 2021 at 3:37 pm
Marla Yablon
So encouraging! Never through away a manuscript. You never know when it could come back to life!
February 18, 2021 at 3:40 pm
Hank Dallago
I love the snarky in your story, and for some weird reason that I don’t even know, that’s in your bio. Maybe because they are both so unique and – um – weird. Look forward to reading your almost dead but not completely dead story.
February 18, 2021 at 3:42 pm
Linda Vander Heyden
Thank you for making me laugh today! Still smiling! Looking forward to reading this one!
February 18, 2021 at 3:44 pm
Judy Sobanski
I love the story of how this book came to be. Never give up on any story! Can’t wait to read all about Dennis! Congrats!
February 18, 2021 at 3:48 pm
lillyarts
Brilliant idea and awesome cover!!
February 18, 2021 at 3:55 pm
Shirley Fadden
What a fun cover! Can’t wait to read your book! I’ll try not to eat it!
February 18, 2021 at 4:05 pm
srkckass
Congratulations! I’m really excited about this book and can’t wait to read it to my kids. Great job!
February 18, 2021 at 4:08 pm
kltwrites
I would love to be sent a copy of this awesome book!
February 18, 2021 at 4:13 pm
Roberta abussi
Congratulations!!! And thank you for this hopeful post!
February 18, 2021 at 4:13 pm
heathercmorris
Love the cover, love the premise, love the bio! Will forever be a PBSpotlight fan! Excited for you, Brian and Tom.
February 18, 2021 at 4:19 pm
Abby Wooldridge
What a cool story! Thanks so much for sharing and for giving us all hope that our dead manuscripts may have life yet. Congratulations on your debut, as well as on those other award-winning books that have yet to be written! I enjoyed the snark! 🙂
February 18, 2021 at 4:28 pm
crdram12
Best bio ever. Congrats!
February 18, 2021 at 4:37 pm
dedradavis03
This book looks hilarious and if it is anything like your blog posts, I know it will be! Congratulations!
February 18, 2021 at 4:38 pm
Nancy Ferguson
What a delightful interview! Brian made me laugh! Thank you.
February 18, 2021 at 4:41 pm
janetfrencksheets
Wow, what an eye-catching cover! Children are going to grab that book.
February 18, 2021 at 4:45 pm
Jessica Haster
I have been eagerly awaiting this book!!
February 18, 2021 at 4:52 pm
Tara Cerven
Love your bio here, Brian 🤣
February 18, 2021 at 4:56 pm
Sheri Radovich
Great and happy for those who have successfully resurrected an old manuscript and made it to the publication goal. Thanks for sharing.
February 18, 2021 at 4:59 pm
Michele Rietz
First of all, LOVE your non-bio! 🙂
Second, can’t wait to read this book with my grands. (I hope they obey the rules!;)
Congrats on reviving your manuscript!!
February 18, 2021 at 5:05 pm
Sherry Smith
Brian, your story looks hilarious. I wonder if my friend Dennis would dare to purchase your book for his grandchildren.
February 18, 2021 at 5:13 pm
rosecappelli
Looking forward to this book, Brian! Congratulations! And it goes to show you – never throw away an idea. You just never know what’s lurking inside it. Many thanks.
February 18, 2021 at 5:22 pm
Mary Jane Lange
Fantastic!!!
February 18, 2021 at 5:27 pm
Sheri
Dear Brian
Somehow an unhelpful non-bio tells me more about you than many a helpful one I have read. It seems to introduce us because you address your reader so directly. And not without some cheeky familiarity. I look forward to seeing all your award-winning future classics on bookshelves everywhere.
February 18, 2021 at 5:47 pm
jensubra
If your book is anything like your non-bio, I’m sure I’ll enjoy it! And thanks for the encouragement that maybe my bad idea might become my best book!
February 18, 2021 at 6:17 pm
Chelle Martin
Thanks for your post.
February 18, 2021 at 6:18 pm
Shannon Fossett
Love hearing how long lost ideas can be a book hiding in disguise! Looking forward to reading your book!
February 18, 2021 at 6:30 pm
Sandy McGraw
I know Brian and this book is as zany as he is. You are going to love it!
February 18, 2021 at 6:39 pm
Aly Kenna
Brian and Tom, this book looks awesome. This is definitely a book I want in my collection! Brian, I love your Bio!
February 18, 2021 at 6:41 pm
Aly Kenna
This might just inspire me to dig out one of my manuscripts from circa 2013
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
February 18, 2021 at 7:17 pm
Kirsty
This looks like such a fun book! Can’t wait to read it!
February 18, 2021 at 7:39 pm
Sylvia Mary Grech
Congrats! That’s wonderful! I’m back to working on my very first story because it won’t let me go.
February 18, 2021 at 8:16 pm
Rathi
Congrats Brian and Tom! Can’t wait to read the book.
February 18, 2021 at 8:29 pm
Rebecca E Guzinski
This post literally made me laugh out loud especially the part when you described the first time you saw the cover. OMG! Your bio had me rolling with laughter. I especially needed that since I recently wrote a bio and it was terrifying.
February 18, 2021 at 8:38 pm
karenlee
Wow! Such an original approach! Can’t wait to see it–the cover is terrific!
Congratulations!
February 18, 2021 at 8:47 pm
Heather Stigall
I’m so excited for this book! The cover looks amazing! Congrats!
February 18, 2021 at 9:12 pm
Anna Brooks
I’m really looking forward to the book! (I wish there were a way to see it’s journey back from the dead…)
February 18, 2021 at 9:19 pm
bgonsar
Glad you were able to bring this idea back from the almost-dead!
February 18, 2021 at 9:21 pm
calliebdean
Excited about this book! Thanks for this post, Brian!
February 18, 2021 at 9:28 pm
Eileen Mayo
You have such a hilarious sense of humor in your blog Brian, I can’t wait to read your book! Congrats!!
February 18, 2021 at 10:02 pm
rosihollinbeck
This looks like a really funny book. The monster is so cute. Thanks for the post.
February 18, 2021 at 10:03 pm
Amy Grover
Thank you for this reminder that stories can come back from the dead! 🙂
February 18, 2021 at 10:23 pm
authoraileenstewart
So happy for you, Brian. Can’t wait til you share having author copies in your hand!
February 18, 2021 at 11:19 pm
Susan Twiggs
Brian,
Congratulations on your debut book. It looks fun and funny which obviously you are. Let’s spend time together.
February 18, 2021 at 11:27 pm
Lindsey Hobson
Yay! I’m so excited to finally see the cover! Congrats Brian, Tom, and of course, Dennis 👿
February 18, 2021 at 11:27 pm
Brendan
I wonder how many dead manuscripts might still have life in them! Thanks for the inspiration!
February 18, 2021 at 11:29 pm
tinamcho
This looks hilarious. I think my students would love it!
February 19, 2021 at 2:27 am
viviankirkfield
Well done, Brian and Tom! This book looks like so much fun! And the cover is AWESOME!
February 19, 2021 at 2:38 am
Toni Weeks
Such a great post! Can’t wait to meet Dennis!
February 19, 2021 at 4:09 am
Veronica Bartles
This looks like so much fun!! I can’t wait to read it! 💕
February 19, 2021 at 7:08 am
Catherine
What a fabulous cover! Congratulations on your new book Brian and Tom :o)
February 19, 2021 at 7:47 am
Andrea Mack
Oooh kids are going to LOVE this book! Congratulations! This cover is amazing!
February 19, 2021 at 9:18 am
claudine108
This book looks amazing! I am intrigued! Congratulations!
February 19, 2021 at 10:19 am
nrompella
Best. Bio. Ever. LOL.
February 19, 2021 at 11:27 am
Prairie Garden Girl
So much silliness with the words, illustrations, and bio!
Suzy Leopold
February 19, 2021 at 12:25 pm
jeanjames926
This book looks like a blast. Love the name Dennis for the monster. Congratulations to Brian and Tom.
February 19, 2021 at 12:44 pm
Darcee Freier
Congrats, and btw, I love the snarky bios. Can’t wait to meet Dennis. 🙂
February 19, 2021 at 3:29 pm
Cindy Johnson
So excited to read this book! Congratulations!
February 19, 2021 at 5:10 pm
LenoraBiemans (@BiemansLenora)
I love hearing about your journey, Brian! Congratulations!
February 19, 2021 at 7:59 pm
Abigail Huffman
Looks like such a Fun Book! I will have to get this Book!!!! I volunteer as a Reading Buddy at an Elementary School in my city. I sure have missed my Reading Buddies during these COVID times, but as soon as I get the OK to start back, this book is on my LIST! I am attempting at writing a Children’s Book and hoping to one day make my Dream Come True.
February 19, 2021 at 11:02 pm
TL Fales
This book sounds fun. Can’t wait to read it. Congratulations.
February 19, 2021 at 11:32 pm
pollyrenner
Congrats on your book that was never supposed to be! Way to keep going! This will be so fun to read:>
February 20, 2021 at 12:15 am
Lucretia S.
Monsters devouring rule-breaking readers devouring the book…?! Fabulous premise! Congratulations on your debut, Brian! Looking forward to reading this.
February 20, 2021 at 3:45 am
Suzanne Lewis
Oh, I love a good challenge…and so does my granddaughter! What fun! Congratulations on your first (I’m sure of many) picture book, Brian!
February 20, 2021 at 6:32 am
Krissy
The Book of Rules sounds like a fun story! Congratulations on making diamonds out of coal! Definitely a good lesson to learn about not giving up on our stories !
February 20, 2021 at 10:22 am
yangmommy
Impostor syndrome? Resurrecting a dead ms? Sugar & critiques? Sounds like you’ve had one wild ride with this book! Congrats on its upcoming launch & here’s to the next wild ride!
February 20, 2021 at 12:40 pm
Megan Whitaker
I love dusting off mss hidden in the bowels of my drive! Congrats!
February 20, 2021 at 5:23 pm
Mark Ceilley
What a fun book! I enjoyed reading your interview!
Congratulations!
February 20, 2021 at 5:44 pm
KatyTanis
I may have commented on the wrong post earlier… but i love this concept for a book (not that the other concept wasn’t also great!
February 20, 2021 at 6:47 pm
kirstenpendreigh
YAY Brian!!!
February 20, 2021 at 7:09 pm
Linda Hofke
Congrats on your marvelously monstrous book! The cover looks great.
Follow the rules or be eaten? C’mon, Dennis wouldn’t really go through with that threat, would he? He looks so adorable. I hope the narrator turns out to be someone else and Dennis refuses.
I’m looking forward to reading this one.
February 21, 2021 at 5:38 am
Meaghan Br
I love delving into the hard drive of long lost manuscripts 🙂
February 21, 2021 at 5:21 pm
Laurel Santini
An inspiring post! Way to go, Brian and Tom!
February 21, 2021 at 11:03 pm
RebeccaTheWriter
This looks so awesome, Brian! Congrats! Such an inspirational story, giving hope to all dead manuscripts everywhere! THEY’RE ALIVE!!!!!
February 21, 2021 at 11:41 pm
Jennifer Phillips
Oh my gosh. Definitely want to read this. Looks super fun and engaging. Congrats!
February 22, 2021 at 9:30 am
Christy Wrenn
Brian, I would love a copy of your PB THE BOOK OF RULES to add to our College library for the children’s picture book section. This section supports the new teachers who are in our program of education as they are learning about education and how to introduce books to their students.
Thanks for your consideration,
Christy J. Wrenn, Director of Library Services
Centenary College of Louisiana-Magale Library
2911 Centenary Blvd. PO BOX 41188
Shreveport, LA 71104
February 22, 2021 at 12:22 pm
Melissa Trempe is writing (@melissa_trempe)
So happy for Brian! I can’t wait to read this one! And what a fantastic cover. Congrats!
February 22, 2021 at 1:29 pm
Mimi Bond @itsmimibond
Yay Brian! Interactive books are so fun. As a former preschool teacher, this age loves this type of book. Can’t wait to read! I have a picture book idea with a monster 👹 too! I’m staying open to the story taking its destined shape and form through revisions and critique sessions. Thanks for sharing for the reminder and sharing your author journey!
Excited about the other books you’ll write.
February 22, 2021 at 6:14 pm
Erin McCabe
I will follow ALL the rules for a chance to win this critique!! Thank you for an awesome interview!
February 22, 2021 at 7:02 pm
Katie Brandyberry
Congrats on an amazing cover reveal! This book sounds so fun!
February 22, 2021 at 7:30 pm
Marta Costello
This book sounds/looks great! I can already tell I will be reading it out loud again and again – can’t wait!
February 22, 2021 at 10:27 pm
writeremmcbride
I can’t wait to read it! I know kids will love it, and adults will too! Thank you so much for the interview and the offer to do a critique for a reader. Great post!
February 24, 2021 at 4:20 pm
Meredith Fraser
Hooray for shaking the dust off an old manuscript to give it LIFE!!! Congratulations!
February 24, 2021 at 5:17 pm
Annie Lynn, AnnieBirdd Music, LLC
Looking forward to this! Congratulations!😁
February 25, 2021 at 6:40 pm
TerriMichels
You have to know the rules before you can break the rules! thank you for sharing.
February 25, 2021 at 9:58 pm
Michelle H. Losardo
Brian, THE BOOK OF RULES seems to be just the type of book my students would LOVE! Congratulations!
February 26, 2021 at 11:13 am
chaunceyelephant
Congrats on your first book – so excited for you. Can’t wait to learn about rules and breaking them – sounds like fun!!
February 26, 2021 at 10:16 pm
ingridboydston
Obviously I don’t want to be Dennis fodder so I guess I’ll be ordering your book! Also because I get a chuckle out of every snarky non-bio of yours I stumble upon. AND because I like to think a few of my own stories are only mostly dead.AND I think my kindergartners might love it as much as I think I will. But that’s it. Those are the only reasons why I’ll be ordering this book! 🤣
March 1, 2021 at 5:13 am
Freda Lewkowicz
This truly sounds amazing and so funny! I have to read it. And I need your critique help! Thank you for the opportunity.
March 1, 2021 at 10:36 am
Sondra Z
Thank you, and congratulations, Brian! (Anyone who can casually insert a Princess Bride quote into conversation is a true genius.) You’ve given all those dusty manuscripts in my cabinet hope that they may again see the light of day.
March 2, 2021 at 3:33 pm
allyenz
Adorably awful and marvelously monstrous, this book sounds perfect. I’ve been waiting and waiting for THE BOOK OF RULES to come out and NOW I’m even more anxious to read it, knowing it was once dead and Frankensteined back to life. Also, who doesn’t love a snarky bio?
March 3, 2021 at 9:31 pm
Alicia S. Gagnon
Love this “scary” monster book.
A rule follower… who also begs for forgiveness…when not following the rules.
Peace, Alicia