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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944 entries.
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
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
Dear Mr. Coville,
My sister is almost five years older than I am, and as kids, we didn’t interact much…unless we were fighting. But for some reason, she picked up Goblins in the Castle and read it to me. She made up special voices for each character, and brought your book to life. After that, I did my best to hunt down as many of your books as I could find at my library, and each one I found took me on the best adventures. As I finished reading Goblins in the Castle to my daughters tonight, I just felt so much gratitude to you for sharing your stories and creating such wonderful worlds. Thank you for the work you (and your wife) have put in over the years, and thank you for the happy and tender memories your books have given me. I am looking forward to sharing more of your stories with my kids!
Wishing you the very best,
Karen Heasley
My sister is almost five years older than I am, and as kids, we didn’t interact much…unless we were fighting. But for some reason, she picked up Goblins in the Castle and read it to me. She made up special voices for each character, and brought your book to life. After that, I did my best to hunt down as many of your books as I could find at my library, and each one I found took me on the best adventures. As I finished reading Goblins in the Castle to my daughters tonight, I just felt so much gratitude to you for sharing your stories and creating such wonderful worlds. Thank you for the work you (and your wife) have put in over the years, and thank you for the happy and tender memories your books have given me. I am looking forward to sharing more of your stories with my kids!
Wishing you the very best,
Karen Heasley
Reply by Bruce Coville
Karen - Thank you so much for this lovely message! The fact that GOBLINS created such a link between you and your sister, and you are now sharing that same book with your daughters fills me with delight! Please tell your sister and your daughters that I said "Hello!" and that Igor says "BOP!"
;>
BC
;>
BC
Hello!
I’ve been a huge fan of your books for over twenty years. The magic that I grew up with as a child is still just as amazing and wonderful every time I read your books as an adult. I have the best memories of sitting in my public library reading all of your books. I can’t wait to introduce my daughters to your amazing world of wonder. Thank you for enriching my childhood and my imagination.
I’ve been a huge fan of your books for over twenty years. The magic that I grew up with as a child is still just as amazing and wonderful every time I read your books as an adult. I have the best memories of sitting in my public library reading all of your books. I can’t wait to introduce my daughters to your amazing world of wonder. Thank you for enriching my childhood and my imagination.
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Patricia -
Thanks for this message. One of the best things about being around as long as I have is becoming a "two-generation author." As someone who loved reading to his kids when I was a young father, I love knowing that other parents are now using my own books in the same way!
BC
Thanks for this message. One of the best things about being around as long as I have is becoming a "two-generation author." As someone who loved reading to his kids when I was a young father, I love knowing that other parents are now using my own books in the same way!
BC
I am a huge fan. Your stories give me so much excitement, half the time I can't put them down. My favorite series is The Unicorn Chronicles. When I am reading it, I feel like I'm in Luster. I can't wait to read more of your books. - Julianna
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Julianna -
Thanks for this wonderful message. It thrills me to know that when you're reading the books you feel as if you are IN Luster. That was exactly the kind of experience I was trying to give my readers, as it was my own favorite feeling when I was reading fantasy novels myself!
BC
Thanks for this wonderful message. It thrills me to know that when you're reading the books you feel as if you are IN Luster. That was exactly the kind of experience I was trying to give my readers, as it was my own favorite feeling when I was reading fantasy novels myself!
BC
I wish more authors of this type of content would take the time you did to research and write so well. I am very impressed with your vision and insight.
Reply by Bruce Coville
Thank you - I appreciate the kind words!
BC
BC
Hi! I have been a fan since I was a child, and I remember going to the library with my mom growing up and getting to pick out what to read. I always gravitated towards your books, without even realizing it. I read The Unicorn Chronicles countless times, and this past Christmas my mom got me the full set to have at home. Even at 22, turning 23, I am still delighted getting to read your work. There are more that I have yet to read, and I look forward to getting to read them as well. Blessed to have your work as part of my childhood, and blessed to continue having it in my life as an adult. I cannot wait to pass these books on to my children one day and watch them dive into the stories that I was able to as well. Thank you for being such a genuine person, with an amazing story and writing ability. - Lauren
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Lauren -
Many thanks for this delightful message! Your ongoing love for my books warms my heart!
BC
Many thanks for this delightful message! Your ongoing love for my books warms my heart!
BC
Feb 8, 2024
Dear Bruce Coville,
I’m in 4th grade and in W.I.N reading group we read The Monster’s Ring. It was one of the best books I’ve read and trust me I love to read! Now, I’m planning on reading another one of your books with Mr. Elives Magic Shop. What is your favorite book you wrote? I’ve only read one of your books (The Monster’s Ring ) and it was probably my favorite. Please write back.
Sincerely, Cecilia Allbritton
Dear Bruce Coville,
I’m in 4th grade and in W.I.N reading group we read The Monster’s Ring. It was one of the best books I’ve read and trust me I love to read! Now, I’m planning on reading another one of your books with Mr. Elives Magic Shop. What is your favorite book you wrote? I’ve only read one of your books (The Monster’s Ring ) and it was probably my favorite. Please write back.
Sincerely, Cecilia Allbritton
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi Cecilia -
Thanks for this note. I'm delighted that you loved THE MONSTER'S RING. Here's a little secret about it . . . both Russell and Eddie are based on real kids that I had in my class back when I was a 4th grade teacher myself!
I don't like to name a favorite book - it's a little like saying which of my kids I loved the most! ;> I can tell you that of the MAgic Shop books, I do believe that JEREMY THATCHER, DRAGON HATCHER is the one that will have the longest life!
All good wishes,
BC
Thanks for this note. I'm delighted that you loved THE MONSTER'S RING. Here's a little secret about it . . . both Russell and Eddie are based on real kids that I had in my class back when I was a 4th grade teacher myself!
I don't like to name a favorite book - it's a little like saying which of my kids I loved the most! ;> I can tell you that of the MAgic Shop books, I do believe that JEREMY THATCHER, DRAGON HATCHER is the one that will have the longest life!
All good wishes,
BC
February 7, 2024
Dear Bruce Coville,
I am a huge fan of your books! I am a fourth grade student and we just finished reading one of your books, The Monster’s Ring. It was one of the best books I’ve ever read. I plan on reading more of your books with Mr. Elives! I also have some questions for you.
What is your favorite book that you wrote?
What is your most popular book?
What is your favorite about being an author
How do you find time to write your books?
I have a few more questions for you to answer. What is your favorite color? My favorite color is navy blue. I would like to know if we have the same music interests. What is your favorite song? Mine is called Monster by Skillet.
Dear Bruce Coville,
I am a huge fan of your books! I am a fourth grade student and we just finished reading one of your books, The Monster’s Ring. It was one of the best books I’ve ever read. I plan on reading more of your books with Mr. Elives! I also have some questions for you.
What is your favorite book that you wrote?
What is your most popular book?
What is your favorite about being an author
How do you find time to write your books?
I have a few more questions for you to answer. What is your favorite color? My favorite color is navy blue. I would like to know if we have the same music interests. What is your favorite song? Mine is called Monster by Skillet.
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, and thanks for this lovely note! THE MONSTER'S RING is an important book for me, because it is the one where I first found the Magic Shop to write about. I've had a lot of fun with that place for 5 books now.
I don't like to name a favorite book . . . that's like saying which one of my kids I like best! But I can tell you that my most popular book (at least, based on sales) is MY TEACHER FLUNKED THE PLANET.
My favorite thing about being an author is being able to create characters that people love (or hate!) As far as time, back when I had a regular job, I would get up very early in the morning to write before I went to work. Now writing and speaking in schools are my only job.
My favorite color varies from day to day, but right now it is purple. As to music, I love Broadway musicals and my favorite song is "Finishing the Hat" because it is about the price you pay for being dedicated to your art.
Thanks again for your message. Happy Reading!
BC
I don't like to name a favorite book . . . that's like saying which one of my kids I like best! But I can tell you that my most popular book (at least, based on sales) is MY TEACHER FLUNKED THE PLANET.
My favorite thing about being an author is being able to create characters that people love (or hate!) As far as time, back when I had a regular job, I would get up very early in the morning to write before I went to work. Now writing and speaking in schools are my only job.
My favorite color varies from day to day, but right now it is purple. As to music, I love Broadway musicals and my favorite song is "Finishing the Hat" because it is about the price you pay for being dedicated to your art.
Thanks again for your message. Happy Reading!
BC