Welcome to the Guestbook!
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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952 entries.
Dear Mr. Coville,
I am writing to convey my deep appreciation for the special magic your books have brought into my life, and now into my kids' lives too. I've always found so much to enjoy in the worlds you create. Over the years, I've really enjoyed many of them, including "Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher," "Fortune's Journey," and your short story collection, "Oddly Enough."
"The Unicorn Chronicles" holds a particularly special place in my heart and home, largely because my grandmother read it to me, creating memories I really cherish. It was actually after she passed away that I decided to start reading the series to my boys, as a way to share that piece of my childhood and her memory with them. Now, I'm reliving those moments in a new way as I read it to them, and it's a truly special experience to share Cara's journey and the world of Luster with them. They are absolutely captivated by the adventure in Luster, and Squidgim has become a particular favorite of theirs. It's wonderful to see them so engaged with your stories, especially during the many memorable and suspenseful moments in the Unicorn Chronicles series. I get a thrill seeing their faces light up as we explore Luster together. You really are an incredible storyteller. And honestly, while I love rereading the books I know with them, I'm also very excited because I haven't read the seventh book yet and that means we get to discover that part of Cara's story all together!
That feeling of discovering a story together for the first time is a big part of why I'm also so looking forward to reading "Goblins in the Castle" to the boys. I very much enjoyed that book myself, and I haven't read its sequel yet either, so we'll all get to discover that next one together too!
Thank you once again for these wonderful stories. They have meant so much to me personally, and it's a real joy to now be making new memories with my boys as we read your books together. I hope your stories have brought as much joy and wonder to your family as they bring to mine.
Wishing you a long and inspired life with a quick mind and nimble fingers!
Sincerely,
Brandon Coley
I am writing to convey my deep appreciation for the special magic your books have brought into my life, and now into my kids' lives too. I've always found so much to enjoy in the worlds you create. Over the years, I've really enjoyed many of them, including "Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher," "Fortune's Journey," and your short story collection, "Oddly Enough."
"The Unicorn Chronicles" holds a particularly special place in my heart and home, largely because my grandmother read it to me, creating memories I really cherish. It was actually after she passed away that I decided to start reading the series to my boys, as a way to share that piece of my childhood and her memory with them. Now, I'm reliving those moments in a new way as I read it to them, and it's a truly special experience to share Cara's journey and the world of Luster with them. They are absolutely captivated by the adventure in Luster, and Squidgim has become a particular favorite of theirs. It's wonderful to see them so engaged with your stories, especially during the many memorable and suspenseful moments in the Unicorn Chronicles series. I get a thrill seeing their faces light up as we explore Luster together. You really are an incredible storyteller. And honestly, while I love rereading the books I know with them, I'm also very excited because I haven't read the seventh book yet and that means we get to discover that part of Cara's story all together!
That feeling of discovering a story together for the first time is a big part of why I'm also so looking forward to reading "Goblins in the Castle" to the boys. I very much enjoyed that book myself, and I haven't read its sequel yet either, so we'll all get to discover that next one together too!
Thank you once again for these wonderful stories. They have meant so much to me personally, and it's a real joy to now be making new memories with my boys as we read your books together. I hope your stories have brought as much joy and wonder to your family as they bring to mine.
Wishing you a long and inspired life with a quick mind and nimble fingers!
Sincerely,
Brandon Coley
Reply by Bruce Coville
Brandon -
Many, many thanks for this lovely message. Reading to my own kids when I was a young father was one of the great joys of my life, and knowing that other dads now use my own books in the same way gives me enormous pleasure.
I was especially pleased that you mentioned FORTUNE'S JOURNEY, as that one never got much attention, though I personally think it's a terrific book . . . and the very rare piece of historical fiction from me.
Please give my regards to your boys!
All good wishes,
BC
Many, many thanks for this lovely message. Reading to my own kids when I was a young father was one of the great joys of my life, and knowing that other dads now use my own books in the same way gives me enormous pleasure.
I was especially pleased that you mentioned FORTUNE'S JOURNEY, as that one never got much attention, though I personally think it's a terrific book . . . and the very rare piece of historical fiction from me.
Please give my regards to your boys!
All good wishes,
BC
Bruce,
You were one of my favorite authors when I was younger - thank you for writing so much wonderful speculative fiction for kids! I found Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher especially emotionally resonant (as a quiet, artistic kid I related a lot to Jeremy and often wished that I could have a dragon of my own), but I also enjoyed the other Magic Shop books, My Teacher is An Alien, and several of your "Bruce Coville's Book of..." short story collections.
Now that I am an adult, it also means a lot to me to learn that you are bisexual (I am too!) and that you are a vocal ally to the queer community. Thank you for all that you do!
You were one of my favorite authors when I was younger - thank you for writing so much wonderful speculative fiction for kids! I found Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher especially emotionally resonant (as a quiet, artistic kid I related a lot to Jeremy and often wished that I could have a dragon of my own), but I also enjoyed the other Magic Shop books, My Teacher is An Alien, and several of your "Bruce Coville's Book of..." short story collections.
Now that I am an adult, it also means a lot to me to learn that you are bisexual (I am too!) and that you are a vocal ally to the queer community. Thank you for all that you do!
Reply by Bruce Coville
Many thanks for this, Emily.
Editors have sometimes said to me that they would like me to write another book like JEREMY. I always say that if I could, I would. Sometimes a piece of writing comes together in a way beyond what you could have expected. This was one of them.
I'm glad you appreciate my ally-ship!
BC
Editors have sometimes said to me that they would like me to write another book like JEREMY. I always say that if I could, I would. Sometimes a piece of writing comes together in a way beyond what you could have expected. This was one of them.
I'm glad you appreciate my ally-ship!
BC
I wrote to you on 2020 regarding if the series would get an anniversary edition because I was trying to watch all episodes and got to see the 1st edition. I found all the other episodes streaming at a Latin American website, I'm happy that at last I completed the series. Thank you Bruce!
Reply by Bruce Coville
I'm guessing you were talking about the SIXTH GRADE ALIEN series. I'm glad you found a way to watch the second season. It's an amazement to me how something like this can still be found in the world!
Mr. Coville,
I recall discovering your books as early as second grade, when Into The Land of the Unicorns was exactly what my young heart loved reading. Over the years I've enjoyed your Nina Tanleven books, Jennifer Murdley's Toad, Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher, and many many more.
Since The Unicorn Chronicles has always been a favorite, I've enjoyed reading the sequels as you've published them over the years (The Last Hunt came out when I was getting close to finishing my Ph.D 🙂 ) I, too, was disappointed not to have matching copies, and thrilled when I found your new editions of the story. I've ordered my copy and am very much looking forward to a reread, and displaying them proudly on my shelf.
I'm also excited to introduce my nieces to these books - Cara is a heroine I'd love for them to meet and Luster is a magical world I'm sure they'll love.
With much gratitude,
Elizabeth Saltmarsh Wilson
I recall discovering your books as early as second grade, when Into The Land of the Unicorns was exactly what my young heart loved reading. Over the years I've enjoyed your Nina Tanleven books, Jennifer Murdley's Toad, Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher, and many many more.
Since The Unicorn Chronicles has always been a favorite, I've enjoyed reading the sequels as you've published them over the years (The Last Hunt came out when I was getting close to finishing my Ph.D 🙂 ) I, too, was disappointed not to have matching copies, and thrilled when I found your new editions of the story. I've ordered my copy and am very much looking forward to a reread, and displaying them proudly on my shelf.
I'm also excited to introduce my nieces to these books - Cara is a heroine I'd love for them to meet and Luster is a magical world I'm sure they'll love.
With much gratitude,
Elizabeth Saltmarsh Wilson
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Elizabeth -
Many thanks for this lovely message. The Unicorn Chronicles turned out to be a much vaster project than I had envisioned when I first started working on the series. (It seems to have become my Magnum Opus! ;>)
Your enduring love of the series means a great deal to me. I hope your nieces will enjoy the books as much as you have!
All good wishes,
BC
Many thanks for this lovely message. The Unicorn Chronicles turned out to be a much vaster project than I had envisioned when I first started working on the series. (It seems to have become my Magnum Opus! ;>)
Your enduring love of the series means a great deal to me. I hope your nieces will enjoy the books as much as you have!
All good wishes,
BC
Hello, Mr. Coville!
I've been a fan for ages, but have never found your delightful website until today. Though I've read many of your books, the "Aliens Ate My Homework" series will forever be my favorite. I can still picture myself in 3rd grade, finding them on the library shelf, and subsequently checking them out many times. In high school I spent hours recording my own audiobook of the first installment, and just gifted myself a new boxed set this past Christmas. (I wanted to re-read the rest of the series, and was dismayed to discover that NONE of the nearby libraries had them! Some good came of my search, however, as their catalog introduced me to your work with audiobooks, and I enjoyed both an old favorite, "Half Magic," and discovered a new one: "Have Spacesuit, Will Travel." The Full Cast model is such a great idea!) In short, thank you for the part you have played in both infusing my childhood with imagination, and continuing to inspire me now as an adult. I have 2 young boys, and I can't wait to share Rod's adventures-- and many others!-- with them when they are ready.
Best wishes,
Carolyn
I've been a fan for ages, but have never found your delightful website until today. Though I've read many of your books, the "Aliens Ate My Homework" series will forever be my favorite. I can still picture myself in 3rd grade, finding them on the library shelf, and subsequently checking them out many times. In high school I spent hours recording my own audiobook of the first installment, and just gifted myself a new boxed set this past Christmas. (I wanted to re-read the rest of the series, and was dismayed to discover that NONE of the nearby libraries had them! Some good came of my search, however, as their catalog introduced me to your work with audiobooks, and I enjoyed both an old favorite, "Half Magic," and discovered a new one: "Have Spacesuit, Will Travel." The Full Cast model is such a great idea!) In short, thank you for the part you have played in both infusing my childhood with imagination, and continuing to inspire me now as an adult. I have 2 young boys, and I can't wait to share Rod's adventures-- and many others!-- with them when they are ready.
Best wishes,
Carolyn
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Carolyn -
Many thanks for this. I love hearing from folks like you, who have carried a love for my books into adulthood with them.
Also glad that you enjoyed the Full Cast Audio productions. I somewhat short-circuited my writing career by diverting so much time to audio production, so it's good to know that people are listening. I have a special fondness for HALF MAGIC because (1) I loved it as a kid and (2) it was the only time I got to play the romantic lead!
All best,
BC
Many thanks for this. I love hearing from folks like you, who have carried a love for my books into adulthood with them.
Also glad that you enjoyed the Full Cast Audio productions. I somewhat short-circuited my writing career by diverting so much time to audio production, so it's good to know that people are listening. I have a special fondness for HALF MAGIC because (1) I loved it as a kid and (2) it was the only time I got to play the romantic lead!
All best,
BC
Hi Mr. Coville!
I have super fond memories of the Nina Tanleven series. I went hunting for the books recently, and was so sad to see that there weren't many entries in the series. Have you ever considered bringing the series back?
Thank you so much for writing books that kept the desire to read burning in my mind. I can't wait to share the Nina Tanleven series with my nieces!
- Fiona
I have super fond memories of the Nina Tanleven series. I went hunting for the books recently, and was so sad to see that there weren't many entries in the series. Have you ever considered bringing the series back?
Thank you so much for writing books that kept the desire to read burning in my mind. I can't wait to share the Nina Tanleven series with my nieces!
- Fiona
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Fiona -
What a timely message! I started a fourth Nina Tanleven book about 25 years ago, but was never able to crack the plot, despite having written nearly half of it. Just about a month ago a friend challenged me to finish it, so I dug into my files and found what I had already written. To my happy surprise, it was pretty good. So I have made it a mission to complete the thing and send it out. I don't know if I can get a publisher to bite on a new book for a series that's 30 years old, but I am going to give it a shot! Thanks for confirming that this is a good idea!
BC
What a timely message! I started a fourth Nina Tanleven book about 25 years ago, but was never able to crack the plot, despite having written nearly half of it. Just about a month ago a friend challenged me to finish it, so I dug into my files and found what I had already written. To my happy surprise, it was pretty good. So I have made it a mission to complete the thing and send it out. I don't know if I can get a publisher to bite on a new book for a series that's 30 years old, but I am going to give it a shot! Thanks for confirming that this is a good idea!
BC
Hi Mr. Coville,
This is Mrs. Moore's 5th-grade class from Ypsilanti, Michigan. We just started reading your book, My Teacher is an Alien, and we like it so far. We will ask our librarian to add more of your books to our school library. Thank you for writing books for us!
Mrs. Moore's Students
This is Mrs. Moore's 5th-grade class from Ypsilanti, Michigan. We just started reading your book, My Teacher is an Alien, and we like it so far. We will ask our librarian to add more of your books to our school library. Thank you for writing books for us!
Mrs. Moore's Students
Reply by Bruce Coville
Ahoy Mrs. Moore's 5th Grade!
I'm delighted to know that you are reading - and enjoying! - MY TEACHER IS AN ALIEN. I am highly in favor of your plan to ask your librarian to get more of my books for the library! ;>
I hope you will enjoy the rest of MY TEACHER IS AN ALIEN. I had a lot of fun writing that book!
your friend,
BC
I'm delighted to know that you are reading - and enjoying! - MY TEACHER IS AN ALIEN. I am highly in favor of your plan to ask your librarian to get more of my books for the library! ;>
I hope you will enjoy the rest of MY TEACHER IS AN ALIEN. I had a lot of fun writing that book!
your friend,
BC
Dear Mr. Coville.
I hope this message finds you well. I'm a library worker currently employed by the Chicago Public Library. I want to take this opportunity to reach out to you and express my admiration, appreciation, and gratitude.
When I was a kid in the 90's growing up on the southside of Chicago I simply could not get enough of your books. On the not uncommon occasion that my sisters and I restrained ourselves from name calling, hairpulling, or other activities that children excel at for an extended period of time, my parents would reward our good behavior with trips to the library. I'm a voracious reader now, but back when we first started going to the library I had a hard time reading. Even so, I still loved stories. I'd rush over to the Children's section and make a beeline to the little wooden shelf that held the Library's collection of books on cassette. There, time after time, I'd find the white clamshell case with the bright yellow label and an enormous green monster that was my favorite thing in world; "Bruce Coville's Book of Monsters".
Mr. Coville, I must have checked those tapes out dozens of times over the years. I would listen to you, Joe R. Lansdale, Jane Yolen and every other author in your "living anthology" when it was my turn on the radio on stormy nights when I wanted to dream of Always October. On family vacations to the woods of Wisconsin I'd convince myself that I'd stumble upon Duffy's jacket around every tree. My sisters, on the other hand, might have preferred if we'd spent less time hearing about Bloody Mary, but you and I know there's nothing like a good story with a good monster.
As I got older and reading grew exponentially easier, your books became constant companions. Each new school year I'd find a new homeroom with a new homeroom library. And on those library shelves? There was always another well loved Bruce Coville adventure waiting for me. From The Monster's Ring to My Teacher Flunked the Planet, every Bruce Coville novel I found opened up my imagination to exciting views of a strange and wondrous world. And whenever I'd find one of your "Book Ofs", oh boy, it felt like Christmas, Halloween, and my birthday all rolled into one.
I've been working with Chicago Public Library for almost a year now. In that time I've found life in the Library to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my own. I feel more connected to my community than ever before, and I'm proud of all the chances I've gotten to share the resources and wonders of the Library with my neighbors. One of the benefits of the job I didn't anticipate is the vicarious thrill I get every time I check out one of your books to a brave young reader. Mr. Coville, I am happy to report that your books are still circulating and still inspiring the imaginations of young readers.
As I approach the end of my first year as a Library worker, I've been taking the opportunity to express my gratitude to the people who've made a positive impact on my life. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you Mr. Coville. Thank you for your Monsters, thank you for your Aliens, thank you for your fantastic worlds. Thank you for the hours of joy, wonder, and excitement. It's been a pleasure to grow up reading your books, and I'm so excited to share them with new readers for years to come.
May this message find you and your family in a moment of peace and prosperity,
-MG
I hope this message finds you well. I'm a library worker currently employed by the Chicago Public Library. I want to take this opportunity to reach out to you and express my admiration, appreciation, and gratitude.
When I was a kid in the 90's growing up on the southside of Chicago I simply could not get enough of your books. On the not uncommon occasion that my sisters and I restrained ourselves from name calling, hairpulling, or other activities that children excel at for an extended period of time, my parents would reward our good behavior with trips to the library. I'm a voracious reader now, but back when we first started going to the library I had a hard time reading. Even so, I still loved stories. I'd rush over to the Children's section and make a beeline to the little wooden shelf that held the Library's collection of books on cassette. There, time after time, I'd find the white clamshell case with the bright yellow label and an enormous green monster that was my favorite thing in world; "Bruce Coville's Book of Monsters".
Mr. Coville, I must have checked those tapes out dozens of times over the years. I would listen to you, Joe R. Lansdale, Jane Yolen and every other author in your "living anthology" when it was my turn on the radio on stormy nights when I wanted to dream of Always October. On family vacations to the woods of Wisconsin I'd convince myself that I'd stumble upon Duffy's jacket around every tree. My sisters, on the other hand, might have preferred if we'd spent less time hearing about Bloody Mary, but you and I know there's nothing like a good story with a good monster.
As I got older and reading grew exponentially easier, your books became constant companions. Each new school year I'd find a new homeroom with a new homeroom library. And on those library shelves? There was always another well loved Bruce Coville adventure waiting for me. From The Monster's Ring to My Teacher Flunked the Planet, every Bruce Coville novel I found opened up my imagination to exciting views of a strange and wondrous world. And whenever I'd find one of your "Book Ofs", oh boy, it felt like Christmas, Halloween, and my birthday all rolled into one.
I've been working with Chicago Public Library for almost a year now. In that time I've found life in the Library to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my own. I feel more connected to my community than ever before, and I'm proud of all the chances I've gotten to share the resources and wonders of the Library with my neighbors. One of the benefits of the job I didn't anticipate is the vicarious thrill I get every time I check out one of your books to a brave young reader. Mr. Coville, I am happy to report that your books are still circulating and still inspiring the imaginations of young readers.
As I approach the end of my first year as a Library worker, I've been taking the opportunity to express my gratitude to the people who've made a positive impact on my life. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you Mr. Coville. Thank you for your Monsters, thank you for your Aliens, thank you for your fantastic worlds. Thank you for the hours of joy, wonder, and excitement. It's been a pleasure to grow up reading your books, and I'm so excited to share them with new readers for years to come.
May this message find you and your family in a moment of peace and prosperity,
-MG
Hi Bruce!
I used to sign your guest book all the time when I was a kid. I'm obviously not a kid now, but you were always so nice. I still have my hardcover copy of The Last Hunt, which was my prized possession as a child. I just wanted to say, thank you for being so friendly and that your books (and kindness here on your guest book) helped to cultivate creativity in me when it wasn't nurtured or valued in my home at the time. I write as a hobby now, maybe if I finally send a project through to my editor I'll stop by again to gush about it. Take care!
I used to sign your guest book all the time when I was a kid. I'm obviously not a kid now, but you were always so nice. I still have my hardcover copy of The Last Hunt, which was my prized possession as a child. I just wanted to say, thank you for being so friendly and that your books (and kindness here on your guest book) helped to cultivate creativity in me when it wasn't nurtured or valued in my home at the time. I write as a hobby now, maybe if I finally send a project through to my editor I'll stop by again to gush about it. Take care!
Hey Bruce. I am one of your fans of into the land of the unicorns from a long time ago. I was in middle school when I read the first book and I’m 40 this year so it’s been a while. I still love that series and managed to get all the hardcovers for the books, except the first one because I think you told me it never went to hardcover. I lived in Warwick, RI when I signed your guestbook before.
I just saw the rainbow edition of the series but the titles of the books I don’t recognize. If it was explained somewhere I apologize. What is this rainbow edition, besides the colors of the books ?🤔😄
I just saw the rainbow edition of the series but the titles of the books I don’t recognize. If it was explained somewhere I apologize. What is this rainbow edition, besides the colors of the books ?🤔😄
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Amanda -
Nice to hear from you. There was a hardcover edition of the first book, though that is no longer in print.
It was the 4th book that became a real problem because Scholastic never issued it in paperback. So there were only about 17,000 copies of the book in the whole world - the final part of a story that started with a book that had sold over a million copies. It was just crazy not to put it in paperback.
Eventually I got the rights to the entire series back. When I hired a designer to help with republishing them, she suggested we split up the third and fourth books (DARK WHISPERS and THE LAST HUNT) because they were so ridiculously long compared to the first book. So we cut DW in half, and divided LAST HUNT into four parts. This required some rewriting and I added some additional chapters, but the basic story remains as it was told. The Rainbow Edition is that seven volume set. It worked out well because the Rainbow Prison is an important part of the story.
All best,
BC
Nice to hear from you. There was a hardcover edition of the first book, though that is no longer in print.
It was the 4th book that became a real problem because Scholastic never issued it in paperback. So there were only about 17,000 copies of the book in the whole world - the final part of a story that started with a book that had sold over a million copies. It was just crazy not to put it in paperback.
Eventually I got the rights to the entire series back. When I hired a designer to help with republishing them, she suggested we split up the third and fourth books (DARK WHISPERS and THE LAST HUNT) because they were so ridiculously long compared to the first book. So we cut DW in half, and divided LAST HUNT into four parts. This required some rewriting and I added some additional chapters, but the basic story remains as it was told. The Rainbow Edition is that seven volume set. It worked out well because the Rainbow Prison is an important part of the story.
All best,
BC