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.
Sign the Guestbook!
964 entries.
Hi Mr Coville! I hope all is well in your part of the woods. It's been awhile since I've been that way, but maybe someday I'll come visit. Anyway, I thought I'd pop my head in and say hello as it's been years since I did. I'm currently taking an online children's literature class to earn some credits for my teaching recertification coming up (it came up so quickly!) and we're currently on the topic of Modern Fantasy. At the beginning of the semester I signed up to do my book presentation for this week, and while I debated between several children's fantasy books to be my possible choice for my presentation, I finally chose to introduce your Into the Land of the Unicorn book as it is one of the first books that really got me interested in reading as a pre-teen (and into my teen years), especially in the sci-fi/fantasy genre. And it just so happens that I feel it meets the criteria for good modern fantasy too, which is exactly what I needed. 😉 Thank you for being inspired to write this book and series. It is definitely one I have fond memories of. We will see what my classmates think of it as well.
In case you were wondering, my other possible options were Dealing with Dragons by Patricia Wrede and The Lost Years of Merlin by T.A. Baron. The latter starts moving closer to the YA range so I decided not to present that one. I also thought about Orson Scott Card's Alvin Maker series, but again, that seems like an older reader book, though one I really enjoyed as a young teen. So many good fantasy options to choose from!
Oh, and by the way. This is like the second or third time I've now read Into the Land of the Unicorn, and this is probably the first time I noticed your theme about chains. I will be commenting on it in my presentation, but thought I'd ask what made you use the idea of chains within this story (the broken amulet chain, family chains, the Tinker's watch chains, etc)? I'll probably read the other books again just because I read the first one again, but I'm curious if you continued this theme in those books too? I thought it was very clever addition. It's always fun to find something new in an old favorite.
Thanks again!
In case you were wondering, my other possible options were Dealing with Dragons by Patricia Wrede and The Lost Years of Merlin by T.A. Baron. The latter starts moving closer to the YA range so I decided not to present that one. I also thought about Orson Scott Card's Alvin Maker series, but again, that seems like an older reader book, though one I really enjoyed as a young teen. So many good fantasy options to choose from!
Oh, and by the way. This is like the second or third time I've now read Into the Land of the Unicorn, and this is probably the first time I noticed your theme about chains. I will be commenting on it in my presentation, but thought I'd ask what made you use the idea of chains within this story (the broken amulet chain, family chains, the Tinker's watch chains, etc)? I'll probably read the other books again just because I read the first one again, but I'm curious if you continued this theme in those books too? I thought it was very clever addition. It's always fun to find something new in an old favorite.
Thanks again!
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Heidi -
Many thanks for this. I take special pleasure in knowing that someone who read one of my books as a kid still remembers and values it as an adult. It's one of the best things a kids' author can hope for!
Regarding chains - it's been a long time, so I can't swear I remember my thought process with perfect accuracy, but I suspect what happened was that once I had finished the first full draft I landed on chains as an image system because of the family ties that were such a strong aspect of the story. Chains seemed to be a perfect way to represent that idea.
Hope the presentation went well!
All best,
BC
Many thanks for this. I take special pleasure in knowing that someone who read one of my books as a kid still remembers and values it as an adult. It's one of the best things a kids' author can hope for!
Regarding chains - it's been a long time, so I can't swear I remember my thought process with perfect accuracy, but I suspect what happened was that once I had finished the first full draft I landed on chains as an image system because of the family ties that were such a strong aspect of the story. Chains seemed to be a perfect way to represent that idea.
Hope the presentation went well!
All best,
BC
Mr. Coville,
You helped me see the magic in the woods, the wonder in the air and the aliens under the rocks. I was fortunate to learn my backwards alphabet from you at Liverpool Elementary, a skill that astounds people and galactic travelers to this day.
I know you influenced my love of science fictions and fantasy that keeps me curious with the world and awed by the possibilities of life.
Thank You,
Mike
p.s. Your cautionary tale of wrists and rubber bands has been invaluable advice.
You helped me see the magic in the woods, the wonder in the air and the aliens under the rocks. I was fortunate to learn my backwards alphabet from you at Liverpool Elementary, a skill that astounds people and galactic travelers to this day.
I know you influenced my love of science fictions and fantasy that keeps me curious with the world and awed by the possibilities of life.
Thank You,
Mike
p.s. Your cautionary tale of wrists and rubber bands has been invaluable advice.
Reply by Bruce Coville
Mike -
Oh, I can't tell you how this message delighted me. This pretty much condenses everything I wanted to do as a teacher!
It makes me very happy that we are still in touch.
Mr. C
Oh, I can't tell you how this message delighted me. This pretty much condenses everything I wanted to do as a teacher!
It makes me very happy that we are still in touch.
Mr. C
I LOVE YOUR BOOKS. I am currently in 6th grade but back on 4th grade, my teacher's read aloud book was Goblins in the Caslte. I'd have to say that that is on my top ten books recommended books. I was reading past comments and I noticed that you said that there was a sequel to Goblins in the Castle. What is it called?
Sad: In 4th grade when we read it, a lot of my classmates said the JK Rowling stole the Invisibilty Cloak idea from you. I know it isn't true because there is an Invisibilty cloak or potion in a lot of fantasy stories!
Sad: In 4th grade when we read it, a lot of my classmates said the JK Rowling stole the Invisibilty Cloak idea from you. I know it isn't true because there is an Invisibilty cloak or potion in a lot of fantasy stories!
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hey there, LE D -
Thanks for this! I'm delighted that you remember GOBLINS so fondly. I know that a lot of teachers use it as a read aloud, which makes me happy. I wrote the first version of it when I was a fourth grade teacher myself, and used to read it to my classes!
Yes, there is indeed a sequel. It's called GOBLINS ON THE PROWL. This time the story is told by Fauna, and we learn the secret of the Stone Toad in Toad-in-a-Cage castle . . . and also Fauna's deepest secret. It's in hardcover right now, but will be coming out in paperback on July 5.
It's interesting that your classmates thought JK Rowling stole the idea of the Invisibility Cloak from me. I've often had the opposite problem - people don't read copyright dates, and think I stole it from her, even though this book was written long =before= Harry Potter!
The truth is, of course, exactly as you said - it's an idea that has been used many, many times.
Thanks again for stopping by!
BC
Thanks for this! I'm delighted that you remember GOBLINS so fondly. I know that a lot of teachers use it as a read aloud, which makes me happy. I wrote the first version of it when I was a fourth grade teacher myself, and used to read it to my classes!
Yes, there is indeed a sequel. It's called GOBLINS ON THE PROWL. This time the story is told by Fauna, and we learn the secret of the Stone Toad in Toad-in-a-Cage castle . . . and also Fauna's deepest secret. It's in hardcover right now, but will be coming out in paperback on July 5.
It's interesting that your classmates thought JK Rowling stole the idea of the Invisibility Cloak from me. I've often had the opposite problem - people don't read copyright dates, and think I stole it from her, even though this book was written long =before= Harry Potter!
The truth is, of course, exactly as you said - it's an idea that has been used many, many times.
Thanks again for stopping by!
BC
Thank you for encouraging young readers to develop their imagination. I teach first and second grade. I eagerly await to introduce my students to the Moongobble and Me series. They love them (As do I). I have had several students come back to me to ask the question "Are there going to be any more new books." So my question to you is, Are there going to be any more adventures for Edward? I do hope so.
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Laura -
Thanks for this lovely message - I can't tell you how much fun my wife and I had doing the MOONGOBBLE books.
Alas, it does not look as if there will be any more adventures for Edward and Moongobble. It's too bad, as I sure would love to write more!
Please tell your students I said hello!
BC
Thanks for this lovely message - I can't tell you how much fun my wife and I had doing the MOONGOBBLE books.
Alas, it does not look as if there will be any more adventures for Edward and Moongobble. It's too bad, as I sure would love to write more!
Please tell your students I said hello!
BC
Dear Mr. Colville,
We chose to read Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher for our April book club. We all loved it. We would like to read more of your books.
Richi thought the love note part was hilarious. Olivia liked when it when Jeremy thought the egg was a marble. Rifka liked it when the dragon was flying around his bedroom. Tasa thought the ending was touching - sad but in a good way.
We would be SO excited if you would write back to us.
Thanks,
Your Fans in Cambodia
We chose to read Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher for our April book club. We all loved it. We would like to read more of your books.
Richi thought the love note part was hilarious. Olivia liked when it when Jeremy thought the egg was a marble. Rifka liked it when the dragon was flying around his bedroom. Tasa thought the ending was touching - sad but in a good way.
We would be SO excited if you would write back to us.
Thanks,
Your Fans in Cambodia
Reply by Bruce Coville
Ahoy Ms. Shum's Class! -
I am so glad to know that you loved JEREMY THATCHER! I did not realize it when I wrote this book, but I now think that out of my more than 100 stories this is the one that will be around longest after I am gone.
And that makes me happy, since I also love this book.
I loved knowing how Richi, Olivia, Rifka, and Tasa thought about the book.
Thank you for sending me your thoughts.
Your pal
BC
I am so glad to know that you loved JEREMY THATCHER! I did not realize it when I wrote this book, but I now think that out of my more than 100 stories this is the one that will be around longest after I am gone.
And that makes me happy, since I also love this book.
I loved knowing how Richi, Olivia, Rifka, and Tasa thought about the book.
Thank you for sending me your thoughts.
Your pal
BC
It's almost a rarity seeing guestbooks in an online capacity, seeing as how that used to be a big big thing back in the '90s when the internet was still in its infancy, and where the wind blew--every kid to adult had some geocities, angelfire, or some other groovy-looking website. But, it's funny how one thing can get you thinking of another, leading to another thing. Case and point, since Prince died--I started thinking about a whole list of people from my childhood I knew, especially book authors--hopefully, they were or are still kicking. Gary Paulsen, Donald J Sobol, Dav Pilkey, Louis Sachar, Beverly Cleary, many others. Then you... Bruce Coville. I encountered your name during my grade school years when I went with my dad to a local Value Village, and while browsing the used books section, I came across an eye-catching cover of a certain green alien, flanked by an displeased teacher and a dog. Space Brat.
Bought that sucker at checkout, and your name became synonymous with "page-turner" for years to come. It was like transcribing a comic book into a cartoon show, into a picture book, back into a comic book, then into a written book. A book so simple and entertaining, reading wasn't so much a chore that teachers made you do during those reading sessions, and became more of a different world to visit if you were willing to give it that time... something like Interstellar the movie. And you knew it was good, because when you thought you were getting to the next page, you realized a whole 30 minutes had passed, finding yourself scrambling to get at least one more page in before going to a different class or lunch.
But, it's hard enough finding time to get into books as a nine-to-fiver guy, but remembering that book definitely reminds me that having fun once in awhile, be it reading a book or something else will take years off the loaded shoulders.
I bet you had more fun creating it than I did reading it. It's been years since then, and unfortunately I don't know what became of that book as I transitioned to an adult. Maybe one day, if you're still around and if the online store ends up working again--I'd like to get a signed copy from you as a nice reminder to keep the optimism alive in this day and age. Thanks a lot Bruce! See ya!
-Mark Anthony
Bought that sucker at checkout, and your name became synonymous with "page-turner" for years to come. It was like transcribing a comic book into a cartoon show, into a picture book, back into a comic book, then into a written book. A book so simple and entertaining, reading wasn't so much a chore that teachers made you do during those reading sessions, and became more of a different world to visit if you were willing to give it that time... something like Interstellar the movie. And you knew it was good, because when you thought you were getting to the next page, you realized a whole 30 minutes had passed, finding yourself scrambling to get at least one more page in before going to a different class or lunch.
But, it's hard enough finding time to get into books as a nine-to-fiver guy, but remembering that book definitely reminds me that having fun once in awhile, be it reading a book or something else will take years off the loaded shoulders.
I bet you had more fun creating it than I did reading it. It's been years since then, and unfortunately I don't know what became of that book as I transitioned to an adult. Maybe one day, if you're still around and if the online store ends up working again--I'd like to get a signed copy from you as a nice reminder to keep the optimism alive in this day and age. Thanks a lot Bruce! See ya!
-Mark Anthony
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Mark -
Sorry to take so long in responding. I usually answer the short messages pretty quickly. Unfortunately, I take longer to get a lengthy and thoughtful message such as yours, since I need to find a time when I'm not distracted by ten different things.
I was mordantly amused that it was the death of Prince that led you to think of me!
This: "It was like transcribing a comic book into a cartoon show, into a picture book, back into a comic book, then into a written book." is one my favorite things anyone has ever said about my books. Oddly, the "picture book" aspect of that is true, since I originally wrote SPACE BRAT to be a picture book. That was 39 years ago, and my editor at the time turned it down with this immortal rejection: "This Star Wars craze will never last."
Heh.
Several years later I took the story out of the files and expanded it to the book that you read. It was turned down by several editors, and I put it away again. But my kids kept asking about it, so I was pretty sure that there was something there. And some years later, when I sent it to the right editor, she bought it overnight. Fastest acceptance I ever got!
Anyway, I'm delighted to know that you still remember it so fondly. And I hope my webmaster will get off his butt so we can get the online store working again!
BC
Sorry to take so long in responding. I usually answer the short messages pretty quickly. Unfortunately, I take longer to get a lengthy and thoughtful message such as yours, since I need to find a time when I'm not distracted by ten different things.
I was mordantly amused that it was the death of Prince that led you to think of me!
This: "It was like transcribing a comic book into a cartoon show, into a picture book, back into a comic book, then into a written book." is one my favorite things anyone has ever said about my books. Oddly, the "picture book" aspect of that is true, since I originally wrote SPACE BRAT to be a picture book. That was 39 years ago, and my editor at the time turned it down with this immortal rejection: "This Star Wars craze will never last."
Heh.
Several years later I took the story out of the files and expanded it to the book that you read. It was turned down by several editors, and I put it away again. But my kids kept asking about it, so I was pretty sure that there was something there. And some years later, when I sent it to the right editor, she bought it overnight. Fastest acceptance I ever got!
Anyway, I'm delighted to know that you still remember it so fondly. And I hope my webmaster will get off his butt so we can get the online store working again!
BC
Hi Mr. Coville,
I'd love to see your Unicorn Chronicles turn into a film. Which studio do you think will make a great adaptation of the book?
Your fans from the Philippnes,
Raymart
I'd love to see your Unicorn Chronicles turn into a film. Which studio do you think will make a great adaptation of the book?
Your fans from the Philippnes,
Raymart
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Raymart -
Thank you . . . I, too, would love to see the books filmed. When I was first writing them, I didn't think it was possible to make a good film, because the technology just wasn't advanced enough. However these days that is no longer an issue.
I think any of the majors could do a great job. The key to making fantasy films is to stay true to the book . . . that's one reason the Harry Potter movies did so well, so I would love to have Warner Bros. film these.
Alas, at this time, no studio is showing any interest . . .
All best,
BC
Thank you . . . I, too, would love to see the books filmed. When I was first writing them, I didn't think it was possible to make a good film, because the technology just wasn't advanced enough. However these days that is no longer an issue.
I think any of the majors could do a great job. The key to making fantasy films is to stay true to the book . . . that's one reason the Harry Potter movies did so well, so I would love to have Warner Bros. film these.
Alas, at this time, no studio is showing any interest . . .
All best,
BC
Bruce, It was a long time ago that I was last here, under my old name. Now I am making a lot of changes in my life, including going to Grad school to get my Master's Degree in Library and Information Studies. Without you and your books, I don't think that I would be doing this. So I just wanted to thank you.
And I wanted to thank you for Tar Gibbons and everything it taught me about gender before I knew who I was. Would the Tar maybe have a few words for someone struggling with a family that does not quite understand gender struggles?
-Atticus, 25 years
And I wanted to thank you for Tar Gibbons and everything it taught me about gender before I knew who I was. Would the Tar maybe have a few words for someone struggling with a family that does not quite understand gender struggles?
-Atticus, 25 years
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Atticus -
Sorry not to answer this more promptly. I've been trying to reach the Tar for some wisdom.
More on that in a moment. For now, I just want to say it's a happy surprise to hear from you, and I am delighted to know of your choice of profession. I think that in the world to come information will be our currency and librarians will be much more important than bankers. (Well, a guy can dream, can't he?)
And now from the Tar:
"Remember that who you are is not defined by others, but only by yourself. Those you love will not always find it easy to follow you, to understand you, to accept you. The best approach is what might be called, in human terms, "love-judo" -- love them so much it flips them over. Time is irrelevant. Only the heart matters. Your heart may be wounded, but knowing its own truth cannot be conquered by fear or misunderstanding. Stay strong, be calm, and let love be your northern star."
Don't know if that will help or not. The Tar can be somewhat cryptic at times.
Lovely to hear from you.
BC
Sorry not to answer this more promptly. I've been trying to reach the Tar for some wisdom.
More on that in a moment. For now, I just want to say it's a happy surprise to hear from you, and I am delighted to know of your choice of profession. I think that in the world to come information will be our currency and librarians will be much more important than bankers. (Well, a guy can dream, can't he?)
And now from the Tar:
"Remember that who you are is not defined by others, but only by yourself. Those you love will not always find it easy to follow you, to understand you, to accept you. The best approach is what might be called, in human terms, "love-judo" -- love them so much it flips them over. Time is irrelevant. Only the heart matters. Your heart may be wounded, but knowing its own truth cannot be conquered by fear or misunderstanding. Stay strong, be calm, and let love be your northern star."
Don't know if that will help or not. The Tar can be somewhat cryptic at times.
Lovely to hear from you.
BC
i was damion from nate perrys miss bissone mrs brown
hope you doing good can i get a idea from you for a book
hope you doing good can i get a idea from you for a book
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Damion -
Nice to hear from you. I really enjoyed my visit to your classroom.
Here's an idea: A boy accidentally turns his sister into a cat. What happens next?!?
BC
Nice to hear from you. I really enjoyed my visit to your classroom.
Here's an idea: A boy accidentally turns his sister into a cat. What happens next?!?
BC
Hi Bruce,
How much were you involved with the My Teacher is an Alien PC Game? What did you think about it overall?
I rented it from my library as a young kid and loved it. It led me to read the series and then all of your other alien-related books obsessively. Eventually I even branched out to reading books by other authors that weren't about aliens haha. But it all started with that game. I still catch myself humming that funky opening tune from time to time.
Thanks for all the memories,
Aaron
How much were you involved with the My Teacher is an Alien PC Game? What did you think about it overall?
I rented it from my library as a young kid and loved it. It led me to read the series and then all of your other alien-related books obsessively. Eventually I even branched out to reading books by other authors that weren't about aliens haha. But it all started with that game. I still catch myself humming that funky opening tune from time to time.
Thanks for all the memories,
Aaron
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Aaron -
I didn't have a lot to do with it . . . writing games isn't in my skill set. I did play it some, to see what they had done with my book, and it seemed like a lot of fun. I'm really glad to know you enjoyed it so much! It delights me that you still remember it so fondly!
BC
I didn't have a lot to do with it . . . writing games isn't in my skill set. I did play it some, to see what they had done with my book, and it seemed like a lot of fun. I'm really glad to know you enjoyed it so much! It delights me that you still remember it so fondly!
BC