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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911 entries.
Hi Bruce, I loved reading your Rod Albright series as a young girl. You were my favorite author as a kid and I read and re-read your books. A little bit awkward myself, I think I connected a lot with Rod. I loved escaping into a world where I could be brave and stand up to the bullies. I think that feeling resonates with my reason for becoming a child therapist. The humor in your books made being courageous something that was fun too. I just wanted to thank you for being an inspiration and I hope to recommend your books to the children I work with - to inspire a spirit of adventure and bravery. I would love some of your personal suggestions of books that would really work well for this. Lastly, I was thrilled to see that Aliens Ate My Homework was made into a movie! How great for you and it was really nastalgic for me. I watched it today with my husband and six year old daughter and told her that I read the book when I was about 10 years old. She responded that she wants to read it when she’s 10. That made me smile. I love your work and thanks for the gift of storytelling that I can continue to share with my children.
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Erica -
Before anything else, my apologies for the long delay in responding! Unlike most of the things I'm behind on (which some days feels like everything!) I have a genuine e/x/c/u/s/e/ reason this time, namely that while the website is supposed to alert me when anyone posts to the guestbook, for some reason it ceased doing that. (Next stop after catching up on the backlog is a call to my webmaster!)
That out of the way, many thanks for this lovely, lovely message! I have a special fondness for the Rod Allbright books because Rod is the only character I ever based completely on . . . myself! (The story about the cookies and why Rod cannot tell a lie is ripped from the headlines of my own life!)
As to books that instill a sense of adventure and bravery, take a look at Lloyd Alexander's "Chronicles of Prydain" - great, high-spirited adventures that also drive the main character to make difficult moral choices. They are some of my favorite books ever.
I just took a look at your website. You have some really wonderful stuff on your blog!
All good wishes,
BC
Before anything else, my apologies for the long delay in responding! Unlike most of the things I'm behind on (which some days feels like everything!) I have a genuine e/x/c/u/s/e/ reason this time, namely that while the website is supposed to alert me when anyone posts to the guestbook, for some reason it ceased doing that. (Next stop after catching up on the backlog is a call to my webmaster!)
That out of the way, many thanks for this lovely, lovely message! I have a special fondness for the Rod Allbright books because Rod is the only character I ever based completely on . . . myself! (The story about the cookies and why Rod cannot tell a lie is ripped from the headlines of my own life!)
As to books that instill a sense of adventure and bravery, take a look at Lloyd Alexander's "Chronicles of Prydain" - great, high-spirited adventures that also drive the main character to make difficult moral choices. They are some of my favorite books ever.
I just took a look at your website. You have some really wonderful stuff on your blog!
All good wishes,
BC
Im 49 today and I just ordered 2 of your books but I accidentally put the wrong day for my birthdate, since it’s a present myself. My birthday is 09-20-1971, I accidentally typed 09-30. Just wanted to correct that in case you wanted to mention it when you sign either book.
Reply by Bruce Coville
Aha! Glad you caught me before I had signed the books!
Bruce
Bruce
Hi Bruce I just finished Goblins on the Prowl!! Goblins in the castle was one of my favorite books besides your skull of truth growing up, and I didn't know there was a sequel until this last year! I just wanted to know if you were thinking about doing another goblins book? I would love to see more of their adventures I loved the sequel! You made this 30 year old feel like she was ten again! Thank you for your stories they help keep me forever young! I re read the skull of truth probably once a year at least thank you so much for all you and your wife do!
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Alex -
I can't tell you how much this message delighted me. GOBLINS IN THE CASTLE is a personal favorite of mine, and I had high hopes for the sequel when it came out. Alas, despite good reviews, it got almost no traction. (I suspect the new cover treatments were part of the problem.) So it's great to hear from a solid fan of the original that PROWL lived up to your expectations. I had soooo much fun writing it - especially writing about Bwoonhiwda!
I'm also glad to know that SKULL has stayed with you for all these years. Though not the most popular of my books, I think that in literary terms (character development, layers of plot, etc.) it might be the best writing I ever did.
Many thanks for taking the time to write to me. As you can see, your message was most appreciated!
BC
I can't tell you how much this message delighted me. GOBLINS IN THE CASTLE is a personal favorite of mine, and I had high hopes for the sequel when it came out. Alas, despite good reviews, it got almost no traction. (I suspect the new cover treatments were part of the problem.) So it's great to hear from a solid fan of the original that PROWL lived up to your expectations. I had soooo much fun writing it - especially writing about Bwoonhiwda!
I'm also glad to know that SKULL has stayed with you for all these years. Though not the most popular of my books, I think that in literary terms (character development, layers of plot, etc.) it might be the best writing I ever did.
Many thanks for taking the time to write to me. As you can see, your message was most appreciated!
BC
Hi Bruce!
I'm getting the Unicorn Chronicles for my niece to read and I'm trying to find copies of The Dark Whispers and The Last Hunt in paperback but it looks like they were never published in anything but hardcover and all the used hardcover editions are very expensive. Is there a reason why the books were distributed as paperback after being published, especially as they were highly anticipated being the ending of a long awaited quartet! Thank you and I can't wait for her to enjoy the land of Luster!
I'm getting the Unicorn Chronicles for my niece to read and I'm trying to find copies of The Dark Whispers and The Last Hunt in paperback but it looks like they were never published in anything but hardcover and all the used hardcover editions are very expensive. Is there a reason why the books were distributed as paperback after being published, especially as they were highly anticipated being the ending of a long awaited quartet! Thank you and I can't wait for her to enjoy the land of Luster!
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Aurora -
I am very sorry about the situation with the last books of the Unicorn Chronicles. For reasons I have never understood, Scholastic never released a paperback edition of LAST HUNT. I'm still upset about that, and felt it was a great betrayal of my readers. As you have discovered, there is no easy way to get a copy of it now . . . though there is an audiobook version that you can get (I recorded it myself, with a full cast, and I think its pretty terrific, even if I do say so myself!)
On the good news side, I have regained the rights to the series and I am working on bringing the books back in print myself. The plan is to split up the third and fourth books (split book 3 in half, and book 4 into 3 parts) to make a seven part series that is more evenly divided. I just sent the first half of Book 3 to the designer and hope to have it available soon.
As is the case with most things, this is all taking longer than I anticipated, but I am trying to making them as good as possible.
All best,
BC
I am very sorry about the situation with the last books of the Unicorn Chronicles. For reasons I have never understood, Scholastic never released a paperback edition of LAST HUNT. I'm still upset about that, and felt it was a great betrayal of my readers. As you have discovered, there is no easy way to get a copy of it now . . . though there is an audiobook version that you can get (I recorded it myself, with a full cast, and I think its pretty terrific, even if I do say so myself!)
On the good news side, I have regained the rights to the series and I am working on bringing the books back in print myself. The plan is to split up the third and fourth books (split book 3 in half, and book 4 into 3 parts) to make a seven part series that is more evenly divided. I just sent the first half of Book 3 to the designer and hope to have it available soon.
As is the case with most things, this is all taking longer than I anticipated, but I am trying to making them as good as possible.
All best,
BC
I have always loved goblins in the castle. I just recently found my copy from when i was a kid and i read it to my 6 year old son he loved it so much he always wanted one more chapter instead of going to bed. I also had a copy of into the land of unicorns i had completely forgotten about. My daughter and i read it and she fell in love with it. I only now as an adult realized its a series. Apparently its almost impossible to find the rest of the books i have a copy of book 2 saved in my cart well i desperately search for book 3 and 4 for her i cant believe how impossible they are to find! The few i have found are selling for 200 dollars! Now i wish i had realized there was more then one when i was younger. I hope to find and share the rest with her! Thank you for your cant put down books!
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Angela -
First off, thanks for these wonderful words about my books. I love knowing that I am a "2 generation author"!
As regards the Unicorn Chronicles, I am very sorry about the situation. For reasons I have never understood, Scholastic never released a paperback edition of the final book. I'm still upset about that, and felt it was a great betrayal of my readers. As you have discovered, there is no easy way to get a copy of it now . . . though there is an audiobook version that you can get (I recorded it myself, with a full cast, and I think its pretty terrific, even if I do say so myself!)
On the good news side, I have regained the rights to the series and I am working on bringing the books back in print myself. The plan is to split up the third and fourth books (split book 3 in half, and book 4 into 3 parts) to make a seven part series that is more evenly divided. I just sent the first half of Book 3 to the designer and hope to have it available soon.
As is the case with most things, this is all taking longer than I anticipated, but I am trying to making them as good as possible.
All best wishes,
BC
First off, thanks for these wonderful words about my books. I love knowing that I am a "2 generation author"!
As regards the Unicorn Chronicles, I am very sorry about the situation. For reasons I have never understood, Scholastic never released a paperback edition of the final book. I'm still upset about that, and felt it was a great betrayal of my readers. As you have discovered, there is no easy way to get a copy of it now . . . though there is an audiobook version that you can get (I recorded it myself, with a full cast, and I think its pretty terrific, even if I do say so myself!)
On the good news side, I have regained the rights to the series and I am working on bringing the books back in print myself. The plan is to split up the third and fourth books (split book 3 in half, and book 4 into 3 parts) to make a seven part series that is more evenly divided. I just sent the first half of Book 3 to the designer and hope to have it available soon.
As is the case with most things, this is all taking longer than I anticipated, but I am trying to making them as good as possible.
All best wishes,
BC
I've written once before, several years ago, when The Last Hunt was first published. I write again to express my joy at finding the complete Unicorn Chronicles series on Audible... and with a full cast! I could not have been more excited and immediately bought all 4 books. I've been listening to Into the Land of Unicorns on my work commute and it is just an absolute joy to revisit the books that defined my childhood in such a unique way. I won't lie - I'm in my mid 30s now and while driving to work, I teared up when I heard "Luster bring me home." I just hope you know how powerfully impactful these books have been for me and many others. Lightfoot and Luster made me believe in magic, and I will always be grateful for that.
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Christina -
First, my apologies for not having answered you more promptly. The system is supposed to notify me when a new message comes in to the guest book but sometimes . . . well, sometimes it just doesn't.
Secondly, I cannot tell you how thoroughly it delights me to know that you are enjoying the audiobook editions. They were a true labor of love, and it means a great deal to have them appreciated this way.
May you dream of unicorns!
BC
First, my apologies for not having answered you more promptly. The system is supposed to notify me when a new message comes in to the guest book but sometimes . . . well, sometimes it just doesn't.
Secondly, I cannot tell you how thoroughly it delights me to know that you are enjoying the audiobook editions. They were a true labor of love, and it means a great deal to have them appreciated this way.
May you dream of unicorns!
BC
Hi Bruce! I remember as a kid reading and loving Goblins in the Castle and now I'm reading it to my two boys (5,7). They immediately fell in love with Igor and his bear, last night we read where William scared Igor, and then got bopped. Their laughter is so contagious!!
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Richard -
Ah, many thanks for this. I had so much fun writing that book! When I was a teacher I used to read an early version of it to my classes in October. On Halloween sometimes Igor himself would come by to do a "guest reading."
Anyway, the book is very close to my heart so it always delights me to know when someone is having fun sharing it with his kids.
Bruce
Ah, many thanks for this. I had so much fun writing that book! When I was a teacher I used to read an early version of it to my classes in October. On Halloween sometimes Igor himself would come by to do a "guest reading."
Anyway, the book is very close to my heart so it always delights me to know when someone is having fun sharing it with his kids.
Bruce
Hi Mr. Coville,
I read the My Teacher is an Alien series when I was in grade school as they were coming out. I remember devouring them then and have very fond memories of reading them nearly 30 years ago.
Now I have two small boys of my own, and I can’t wait to re-read them and some of your other works with my sons.
Thank you for sharing your imagination, your stories, and your talent with so many of us for so long.
Warmest wishes for you and your loved ones,
Mike
I read the My Teacher is an Alien series when I was in grade school as they were coming out. I remember devouring them then and have very fond memories of reading them nearly 30 years ago.
Now I have two small boys of my own, and I can’t wait to re-read them and some of your other works with my sons.
Thank you for sharing your imagination, your stories, and your talent with so many of us for so long.
Warmest wishes for you and your loved ones,
Mike
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Mike -
Thanks for this. One of the best things about having been at this as long as I have is discovering that I have become a "two generation" author. Reading to my kids was one of my greatest delights when I was a young father, and knowing now that other dads are sharing my books with their own kids just makes me extremely happy!
All good wishes to you and your family!
BC
Thanks for this. One of the best things about having been at this as long as I have is discovering that I have become a "two generation" author. Reading to my kids was one of my greatest delights when I was a young father, and knowing now that other dads are sharing my books with their own kids just makes me extremely happy!
All good wishes to you and your family!
BC
Into the Land of the Unicorns was one of my favorite books growing up. I lost my original copy to the postal system trying to lend it to a friend in Ireland, and I snagged a replacement from eBay a while back. I've been struggling with mental health for years now, and my love of reading has been one of the casualties. Recently I started re-reading childhood favorites in an effort to leverage nostalgia to rekindle it, and I just finished Into the Land of the Unicorns. It was a pleasant jaunt down memory lane. Thank you!
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Sherwood -
Many thanks for this lovely and affirming message. It really delights me to know how important these books have been to you. Thanks for letting me know.
BC
Many thanks for this lovely and affirming message. It really delights me to know how important these books have been to you. Thanks for letting me know.
BC
I won Into the Land if the Unicorns from my school library when I was in grade school. I just found it done by Full Cast Audio. The series is still one I love to go back through and I am using the audiobook to introduce it to my children. My brother, who hated to read, was the one who introduced me to tour books with My Teacher is an Alien. Thank you for giving so many hours of reading (and now listening) enjoyment.
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Sara -
Many thanks for this message. Full Cast Audio was a project of my heart, and I especially enjoyed recording the unicorn books - which were also a project of my heart! So I truly delight in knowing that you are sharing the story with your daughter in the audio format.
Tell your brother I said thanks for turning you on to my books in the first place! ;>
BC
Many thanks for this message. Full Cast Audio was a project of my heart, and I especially enjoyed recording the unicorn books - which were also a project of my heart! So I truly delight in knowing that you are sharing the story with your daughter in the audio format.
Tell your brother I said thanks for turning you on to my books in the first place! ;>
BC