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I’m always eager to read your comments about my books and stories, so please feel free to pitch in. Here are a few things for you to know:
1) I answer the messages here personally.
2) No message shows up here until I actually answer it to prevent spam and other inappropriate postings. So there will sometimes be a delay before your message posts, especially if I am traveling.
3) Teachers, a gentle request: Please do not have multiple children send me variants of the same message. A group email is much easier to respond to and not such a drain on my time. My thanks in advance for being alert to this.
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968 entries.
Dear Mr. Coville,
Our third grade class really enjoyed reading Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher. We liked how you created a fun, mythical dragon story. Our class enjoyed the mystery of the magic shop and all of the excitement of Jeremy’s discovery of the dragon egg.
We liked Jeremy’s and Tiamat’s crazy world of feelings. We enjoyed it when Jeremy sent notes to Tiamat in his head. We thought that it was exciting and funny when Tiamat sang, “Fire, fire,” to Jeremy during the dinner scene.
It was so cool when Jeremy took night flights with Tiamat. Those are some reasons why we think Jeremy Thatcher is the best!
Now, we have two questions for you:
What is your favorite book that you wrote?
How did you get the idea for the magic shop series?
Sincerely,
Your readers in Ms. B’s 3rd grade class
Our third grade class really enjoyed reading Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher. We liked how you created a fun, mythical dragon story. Our class enjoyed the mystery of the magic shop and all of the excitement of Jeremy’s discovery of the dragon egg.
We liked Jeremy’s and Tiamat’s crazy world of feelings. We enjoyed it when Jeremy sent notes to Tiamat in his head. We thought that it was exciting and funny when Tiamat sang, “Fire, fire,” to Jeremy during the dinner scene.
It was so cool when Jeremy took night flights with Tiamat. Those are some reasons why we think Jeremy Thatcher is the best!
Now, we have two questions for you:
What is your favorite book that you wrote?
How did you get the idea for the magic shop series?
Sincerely,
Your readers in Ms. B’s 3rd grade class
Reply by Bruce Coville
Ahoy, Ms. B's Class -
Thanks for this lovely message. I'm delighted that you so thoroughly enjoyed JEREMY THATCHER, DRAGON HATCHER! Your reasons for liking the book match some of my own favorite parts of it. I had a blast writing the dinner scene.
As to Jeremy's night flights with Tiamat, here's a bit of a secret: The first version of the book I sent to my editor didn't contain that. I hadn't figured out how Jeremy could deal with a bigger Tiamat, and so have him returning her to the Magic Shop when she was only about the size of a dog. My editor wasn't having that! She wrote back and said that I had ended the story too soon!
She was absolutely right, of course, and I wrote a lot of new material after I got that letter. So the book absolutely benefitted from having a really good editor who encouraged me to make it better!
As to your questions:
1) I don't like to name a favorite book, as it would be like trying to say which of my children I love the most. But I can tell you that JEREMY is close to the top of the list.
2) The idea for the Magic Shop series grew from the fact that when I was a kid, I always hoped I could find a shop that sold real magic. When that never happened, I gave Magic Shop to myself by deciding to write about it!
Thanks again for your great message. I hope you all have fabulous school year!
BC
Thanks for this lovely message. I'm delighted that you so thoroughly enjoyed JEREMY THATCHER, DRAGON HATCHER! Your reasons for liking the book match some of my own favorite parts of it. I had a blast writing the dinner scene.
As to Jeremy's night flights with Tiamat, here's a bit of a secret: The first version of the book I sent to my editor didn't contain that. I hadn't figured out how Jeremy could deal with a bigger Tiamat, and so have him returning her to the Magic Shop when she was only about the size of a dog. My editor wasn't having that! She wrote back and said that I had ended the story too soon!
She was absolutely right, of course, and I wrote a lot of new material after I got that letter. So the book absolutely benefitted from having a really good editor who encouraged me to make it better!
As to your questions:
1) I don't like to name a favorite book, as it would be like trying to say which of my children I love the most. But I can tell you that JEREMY is close to the top of the list.
2) The idea for the Magic Shop series grew from the fact that when I was a kid, I always hoped I could find a shop that sold real magic. When that never happened, I gave Magic Shop to myself by deciding to write about it!
Thanks again for your great message. I hope you all have fabulous school year!
BC
Over 30 years ago I had to repeat second grade. This was largely because my reading ability was almost non-existent, causing considerable embarrassment and shame. Then a friend introduced me to "Into the Land of the Unicorns." I didn't quite follow the story at first, but we obsessed over the book together all year. I read it so often my copy was shredded from use. Your book made reading a fun and approachable task, and I went from being the poorest reader to one of the most avid readers in my class. Reading is still a favorite pastime, and I think of your book often. I am forever grateful!
Dear Mr. Coville.
I was an avid reader of yours in my childhood. Your books delighted and challenged me as a young reader and though there were fantastical elements to them, the characters felt real and authentic. I still carry the lines "Because I don't like your face." And, "Send teachers." In my heart after all these years as as inspiration to great writing.
I haven't wanted to write prior for reasons that are far too complicated to mention. But I am writing today to thank you for being that inspiration because I signed my first contract as an author in middle grade.
I just wanted to thank you for being the author for a young boy who read the A.I. Gang on the grass in Bible retreat, who wished for his own pet dragon on his empty bunk bed, who wanted to go to camp Haunted Hills and most importantly wanted to go on a grand adventure across the stars to learn that we are all we have.
So thank you very much.
I was an avid reader of yours in my childhood. Your books delighted and challenged me as a young reader and though there were fantastical elements to them, the characters felt real and authentic. I still carry the lines "Because I don't like your face." And, "Send teachers." In my heart after all these years as as inspiration to great writing.
I haven't wanted to write prior for reasons that are far too complicated to mention. But I am writing today to thank you for being that inspiration because I signed my first contract as an author in middle grade.
I just wanted to thank you for being the author for a young boy who read the A.I. Gang on the grass in Bible retreat, who wished for his own pet dragon on his empty bunk bed, who wanted to go to camp Haunted Hills and most importantly wanted to go on a grand adventure across the stars to learn that we are all we have.
So thank you very much.
Reply by Bruce Coville
Michael -
WOW! I am so excited for you for having sold your first middle grade book ... I hope it will be the first of many!
I truly appreciate knowing how much my books meant to you when you were growing up. It's clear that you were exactly the kind of kid that I was writing for, and I'm delighted that you are picking up the torch. I am a writer myself because of the authors that enchanted me when I was a kid.
The best of luck with the book . . . and with the many that I hope will follow.
BC
WOW! I am so excited for you for having sold your first middle grade book ... I hope it will be the first of many!
I truly appreciate knowing how much my books meant to you when you were growing up. It's clear that you were exactly the kind of kid that I was writing for, and I'm delighted that you are picking up the torch. I am a writer myself because of the authors that enchanted me when I was a kid.
The best of luck with the book . . . and with the many that I hope will follow.
BC
I just want to thank you for being the voice of my childhood. I have since read your stories to my own children and have gifted your books to many special children in my life. I always recommend Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher to parents looking to spark their child's imagination.
Reply by Bruce Coville
Many thanks for this, Samara! One of the better things about being as old as I am now is becoming a "two-generation writer" Knowing my first readers are now sharing my books with their children is one of the best validations possible!
What age or reading level is appropriate for Aliens?
CV#309*
CV#309*
Reply by Bruce Coville
That's a tricky question, as reading skills differ vastly from child to child. MY TEACHER IS AN ALIEN should be easy reading for a 4th grader reading on level. It is part of the 5th grade curriculum for the American Reading Companies reading program.
All best,
BC
All best,
BC
Hi there! I'm a 30-year old trans girl who grew up seeking out any fantasy novels she could find, and I think Skull of Truth was the first book I ever read to openly feature a gay man as more than a quick aside or sly gag. I always thought it was really neat how you worked a discussion about queerness into your story's themes about honesty and loyalty. The Magic Shop series has probably influenced my own writing a lot more than I realize. Was the uncle's coming out always planned as part of the story, or did it develop organically when you were looking for ways the skull's power could cause mischief?
Reply by Bruce Coville
That's a great question. I approach different books in different ways - sometimes with a full outline, sometimes with just a concept and a vague idea of where I'm going. The Uncle Bennie strand of the story rose organically when I was working on the dinner/disaster scene.
It was groundbreaking for the reason you mention, but also because it did not dominate the story. There were a few books with gay characters, but they were "problem novels" where the whole book was structured around the issue. To the best of my knowledge this was the first MG novel where the gay character was essential to the story, but was not the central issue of the book, just a part of the matrix of Charlie's life.
BC
It was groundbreaking for the reason you mention, but also because it did not dominate the story. There were a few books with gay characters, but they were "problem novels" where the whole book was structured around the issue. To the best of my knowledge this was the first MG novel where the gay character was essential to the story, but was not the central issue of the book, just a part of the matrix of Charlie's life.
BC
I noticed in a reply to an entry to mentioned two series that crashed and burned in their final volume and I am curious to know the names of those series. I have been disappointed in a series last volume as well….too many times.
This is not a question but a thank you. I am a 42 year old man who has had a lifelong love of reading. I can trace this directly back to Jeremy Thatcher Dragon Hatcher. Today I was scrolling the Dungeon Crawler Carl book subreddit and ran across a comment that mentioned JTDH and that led me to thinking about how your books ( I read every book of yours I could get my grubby little hands on) spawned my passion for fantasy books. This brought me here. My nephew and nieces are all under 4 but they will have bookcases filled with your books soon. In the meantime I think I will have a reread.
I sincerely thank you,
Will
I sincerely thank you,
Will
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hey, Will -
Many thanks for this delightful message. Nothing sweeter for an author than knowing that a book was not only appreciated, but also remembered. That is the greatest accolade you can ask for.
I hope the nephew and nieces will find the same pleasure in the books that you did!
All best,
BC
Many thanks for this delightful message. Nothing sweeter for an author than knowing that a book was not only appreciated, but also remembered. That is the greatest accolade you can ask for.
I hope the nephew and nieces will find the same pleasure in the books that you did!
All best,
BC
Dear Mr. Coville,
Happy New Year! I haven't seen a guestbook format in a very, very long time but I'm happy I get to even in a small way communicate with you.
Growing up in the late 90s/early 2000s had me spending a lot of time in the library, since I was very introverted and already keenly aware of being "weird" (though not completely since words like "neurodivergent" or "queer" hadn't entered my vocabulary) I ended up reading a lot. I loved fantasy worlds in particular and was drawn towards your Magic Shop books! Jennifer Murdley's Toad meant a lot to me in particular, being the "ugly" girl that one day hoped something would just magically snap into place and make me "beautiful".
I still think about Mr. Elives' words of "most mirrors are mere errors" and the scene of Jennifer looking into the magic mirror. How effectively you portrayed the perspective of a girl dealing with bullying and unrealistic beauty standards stays with me, especially in terms of her self-esteem. It's not often that I saw stories like that where the magical solution wasn't the best and even caused trouble for Jennifer, but instead finding happiness and love within herself for who she is.
So, in all that, I just wanted to say thank you for being a part of some lovely memories I had with reading as a young weird (and obliviously closeted) kid. Hope you have safe travels, dry socks, and a warm bed wherever you go.
Happy New Year! I haven't seen a guestbook format in a very, very long time but I'm happy I get to even in a small way communicate with you.
Growing up in the late 90s/early 2000s had me spending a lot of time in the library, since I was very introverted and already keenly aware of being "weird" (though not completely since words like "neurodivergent" or "queer" hadn't entered my vocabulary) I ended up reading a lot. I loved fantasy worlds in particular and was drawn towards your Magic Shop books! Jennifer Murdley's Toad meant a lot to me in particular, being the "ugly" girl that one day hoped something would just magically snap into place and make me "beautiful".
I still think about Mr. Elives' words of "most mirrors are mere errors" and the scene of Jennifer looking into the magic mirror. How effectively you portrayed the perspective of a girl dealing with bullying and unrealistic beauty standards stays with me, especially in terms of her self-esteem. It's not often that I saw stories like that where the magical solution wasn't the best and even caused trouble for Jennifer, but instead finding happiness and love within herself for who she is.
So, in all that, I just wanted to say thank you for being a part of some lovely memories I had with reading as a young weird (and obliviously closeted) kid. Hope you have safe travels, dry socks, and a warm bed wherever you go.
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Monica -
Many thanks for this lovely message. JENNIFER MURDLEY was a difficult book to write, precisely for the reason you mention - I absolutely could not give her the happy ending of getting what she wanted. That the book spoke to you so clearly and meant so much to you . . . means a lot to me!
I think the greatest accolade a writer can get - beyond sales, beyond good reviews - is knowing that a book touched reader's life, and is remembered long after it was first read. So many thanks for that!
All good wishes,
Bruce
Many thanks for this lovely message. JENNIFER MURDLEY was a difficult book to write, precisely for the reason you mention - I absolutely could not give her the happy ending of getting what she wanted. That the book spoke to you so clearly and meant so much to you . . . means a lot to me!
I think the greatest accolade a writer can get - beyond sales, beyond good reviews - is knowing that a book touched reader's life, and is remembered long after it was first read. So many thanks for that!
All good wishes,
Bruce
Dear Mr. Coville,
I hope all is well with you, and I’m happy to say that we’ve met before! According to your signature in my Unicorn Chronicles book (the beautiful hardcover one with the first 2 volumes included), you were at my elementary school in 2007. I’m almost 30 now and I still cherish the memory!
I was thrilled to meet you and hear your presentation! I loved your books and dreamed of becoming an author/illustrator. I haven’t become an author yet, but I am happily living a different dream of being a music lesson teacher!
I wonder if you can guess what instrument a lover of unicorns would play? One of the most magical instruments of all, the harp! But the best part of my job is that I get to spend time with so many wonderful people every day. Some of my students will tell me in great detail about the books they’re reading, which is always a delight!
I gifted your collection “A Glory of Unicorns” to one of my young students earlier this year. I found it at a thrift bookstore and had originally planned to keep it for my own collection. But upon learning that my student was being pressured to grow out of unicorns by her mean nanny, I felt like she needed it much more than I did! I’m so glad I happened to have that book on hand to lift her spirits and reassure her that you don’t have to grow out of unicorns at any age!
I’ve been revisiting books from my childhood and just ordered the box set of The Unicorn Chronicles. I had no idea there were more volumes and I’m looking forward to diving back into it! I also just started reading Jeremy Thatcher again, and only 30 pages in it has already made me smile so much.
Thank you for being an inspiration and sharing so many wonderful stories with the world!
Wishing you all the best,
Caitlin
I hope all is well with you, and I’m happy to say that we’ve met before! According to your signature in my Unicorn Chronicles book (the beautiful hardcover one with the first 2 volumes included), you were at my elementary school in 2007. I’m almost 30 now and I still cherish the memory!
I was thrilled to meet you and hear your presentation! I loved your books and dreamed of becoming an author/illustrator. I haven’t become an author yet, but I am happily living a different dream of being a music lesson teacher!
I wonder if you can guess what instrument a lover of unicorns would play? One of the most magical instruments of all, the harp! But the best part of my job is that I get to spend time with so many wonderful people every day. Some of my students will tell me in great detail about the books they’re reading, which is always a delight!
I gifted your collection “A Glory of Unicorns” to one of my young students earlier this year. I found it at a thrift bookstore and had originally planned to keep it for my own collection. But upon learning that my student was being pressured to grow out of unicorns by her mean nanny, I felt like she needed it much more than I did! I’m so glad I happened to have that book on hand to lift her spirits and reassure her that you don’t have to grow out of unicorns at any age!
I’ve been revisiting books from my childhood and just ordered the box set of The Unicorn Chronicles. I had no idea there were more volumes and I’m looking forward to diving back into it! I also just started reading Jeremy Thatcher again, and only 30 pages in it has already made me smile so much.
Thank you for being an inspiration and sharing so many wonderful stories with the world!
Wishing you all the best,
Caitlin
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Caitlin -
Many thanks for this delightful message! It means a great deal to me to hear from adults who read and loved my books as kids, and still remember them now with such fondness even today.
The harp is indeed one of the most magical of instruments . . . congratulations on that choice!
It also delights me to know that you can return to JEREMY THATCHER and still read it with pleasure. (C. S. Lewis said that a good children's book is one that can be read with equal pleasure by an intelligent adult!)
I loved your reason for giving A GLORY OF UNICORNS to that young student! A perfect counter measure to the nasty nanny!
Thanks for the book order. I hope you noticed the temporary out of stock message (it's in fairly small type, which is annoying but how the inventory program announces it). We have all but book 5 in stock right now, and we should have that one in a couple of weeks. As soon as it arrives I'll sign the books and ship your order.
Best wishes for a wonderful 2026!
BC
Many thanks for this delightful message! It means a great deal to me to hear from adults who read and loved my books as kids, and still remember them now with such fondness even today.
The harp is indeed one of the most magical of instruments . . . congratulations on that choice!
It also delights me to know that you can return to JEREMY THATCHER and still read it with pleasure. (C. S. Lewis said that a good children's book is one that can be read with equal pleasure by an intelligent adult!)
I loved your reason for giving A GLORY OF UNICORNS to that young student! A perfect counter measure to the nasty nanny!
Thanks for the book order. I hope you noticed the temporary out of stock message (it's in fairly small type, which is annoying but how the inventory program announces it). We have all but book 5 in stock right now, and we should have that one in a couple of weeks. As soon as it arrives I'll sign the books and ship your order.
Best wishes for a wonderful 2026!
BC