Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

Where we celebrate new books from Michigan's authors, illustrators and translators.

Congratulations to Karen Bell-Brege and Darrin Brege on the release of Bigfoot Birdie and Bob

How did you come up with the idea for your book? Is this part of a series?

Karen: Yes, this is the third book in our Bigfoot picture book series. We have both always been curious and inspired by myths, and we love Bigfoot. We knew that we had to do a comical version of him. My husband – who is the illustrator reminds me of Bigfoot, so that inspired me LOL! In fact, I caught him in the mirror looking at himself while he was drawing the Bigfoot cover. And, with the huge trend of reading to dogs, we decided to incorporate it into our latest Bigfoot picture book. We feel this helps our young readers because they won’t be intimidated reading to their dogs, and will improve their reading skills with a furry, non-judgmental listener (not Bigfoot, their dog).

What is something you hope your readers will take away from your book?

Karen: Our two biggest goals are that when they read our books they laugh, and that they take away a love of reading. Even in our chapter books I incorporate lots of humor. I truly feel that if they have fun with our books, then our mission is accomplished. Laughter is definitely needed these days, as is reading.

Darrin: That the humorous and heartfelt expressions create a connection between our characters and the book’s readers.

What was the most difficult part of writing/illustrating this book?

Karen: Everything. It never seems to get easier…not even when I tempt myself with writing treats, you know chocolate, coffee, chocolate…I think every book is difficult. I make a zillion excuses (as I believe many writers do) as to what I need to get done before sitting down and writing the book – nothing book related, of course. Then when I do finally sit down and start – I literally have to force myself to get those fingers moving on the keyboard. I’ll initially rough out the entire book – even if some pages just have one word on them, to spark an idea or as a filler. And then I repeat that process multiple times – adding words, re-writing and going over it again and again. Then, after a gazillion drafts it might get a teeny-teeny-tiny bit easier (and I mean teeny – did I say teeny?). Also, once I hit on the humor, it makes it so much more enjoyable – then I might only need coffee.

Darrin: Based on our comedy experience doing improv for years, both Karen and I are very animated. We physically make the expressions or poses to find the perfect and hilarious range of emotions between the three characters. Initially with this book, when they distrusted each other, I had to make them evolve all the way to becoming friends – so a big range of expressions. Having to create those is what carries the humor throughout the book. And, with every book we do a storyboard (since both of us used these when creating for our jobs) they help. We pour through the entire flow and arc. Often, we cut certain pages or premises. Therein lies the difficulty. You gotta let go of certain ideas to benefit the story. However, this process also brings to light some wonderful gems and visual gags to match the text. The bottom line is to have both of us lockstep before inking and painting.

Also, capturing the feeling and colors of Lake Michigan (in Leland) and the beach was really important to us. I wanted it to have a vibrancy about it - especially since it’s one of our favorite beaches.

What are your marketing plans for the book and where can we find it?

Karen: Marketing, hmm…yikes…that would be another whole interview. I wish that I had something amazing (and easy to share with everyone) on book marketing. But there is nothing new that anyone hasn’t heard of or tried. My favorite lyrics from Ric Ross (although the song does not go with being a writer) except for, “…Every day I’m hustlin’ hustlin’…” I am happy to say that we were recently featured on the FOX 2 Good Day Detroit show. You can see it here: https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/1754966

That was sheer luck, though. Nothing to do with marketing – but it sure helps.

Although, I do have to say some wonderful marketing that we did…we recently teamed up and worked with Northwoods Soda (a Michigan based company) to come out with a soda (pop – Michigan) to go with our Bigfoot Books, called Biggie’s Butterscotch Cream. It is delicious, especially with vanilla ice cream! The marketing strategy with this was we teamed up and we will both be donating a portion of our picture book proceeds, and then a portion of the pop sales to the Michigan Reading Association to support literacy in Michigan (especially since our 4th graders are 44th in the nation). https://northwoodssoda.com/product-category/soda-bottles/?product-page=2

What's next for you?

Karen: I’ll continue running the business side – booking schools, shows, shipping, dealing with printers, distributors, etc. And, then for writing, I’m also working on the next Bigfoot book in our picture book series involving Christmas. And I’m leaning into a non-fiction book. Since that’s what I love to read, I thought – why not give it a try? But of course, humor will be involved.

Darrin: Whatever my wife needs illustrated…but I will continue in my full-time job – VP Group Creative Director Merkle Inc. (A Dentsu company). I manage a team of talented artists and animators, our goal being to create and enhance retail promotions and games, working with such companies as Starbucks, Burger King and Dr. Pepper, to name a few.

And presenting at schools and shows with my wife. Not sure exactly what adventures Biggie and Birdie will be having in the future, but I know they’ll be funny.

More about the book . . .

Birdie is awakened by a barking dog (Bob) and sees that Bob is headed straight for Bigfoot. She instantly knows she has to do something, so she flies into action. Starting with bringing Bigfoot a cherry pie, but that’s not enough…She realizes that she has to teach the two, who are unsure and don’t like each other, how to get along and play. It turns out to be a fantastic time, until Bob’s people call. Bob knows he must go to his people. Although sad, Bigfoot is grateful for the fun day they had.

This is an official ‘Read to Dogs’ book to promote literacy while reading to our furry friends.

Published by: Team B Creative

More about the author and illustrator . . .

Karen Bell-Brege is an author, comic, voice-over artist and public speaker. She is the author of 16 bestselling children’s picture books. She has also written for the MEAPS and ELAP tests and did copywriting and communications for numerous companies.

Bell-Brege visits schools every year inspiring children and staff alike to read, write, and follow their dreams. She also presents at book festivals, conferences, and workshops. She is also the founder and director of the highly acclaimed improvisational comedy troupe, Totally Unrehearsed Theatre, who performed weekly at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle for 15 years. She also gives keynote speeches and humor training workshops for businesses, corporations, associations, and health care facilities.

A former on-air radio talent, she did commercials and voice-overs and has several character voices on Hasbro Interactive Games (Tonka Series) and Universal (Fractured Fairy Tales). As a former Communications Specialist she won a Telly Award for writing and co-directing. Bell-Brege toured nationally as a commentator for Working Woman Magazine shows. She is a graduate of Brown Institute and Second City, Chicago. Her husband, Darrin is the illustrator of their books. As a husband/wife team they collaborate on numerous projects, and they love to make people laugh. They have a very creative son they adore, and they happily live, love, and laugh in the mitten.

Darrin Brege is an illustrator, creative director, voice over artist, comic, and public speaker. He is currently employed as a full-time VP and Group Creative Director for Merkle Inc's (a Dentsu Company) promotion and loyalty division, where he creates interactive digital experiences for numerous Fortune 500 companies and manages a team of artists and animators. Brege is the artist for their bestselling children’s picture books, sketchbook, chapter books and gift book. He has also created original characters and animations for Warner Brothers (Space Jam), Hasbro, HBO, Coke, and Disney to name a few. Darrin has designed numerous Lucasfilm LTD approved artwork and jersey designs for multiple sports teams including Team USA Hockey's Star Wars Night, artwork for the 501st, and R2-KT charity venues. Brege had a long career as a comedic voice impressionist for radio with over 30 voice impersonations and could be heard on many interactive storybooks. Darrin attended animation school in Southern California and has a Bachelor of Arts from Albion College. Happily married to Karen, he is also a member of her improvisational comedy troupe. They love to laugh, and he is proud to be the father of a very talented son named Mick, the namesake of their book series.

https://karenanddarrin.com/

Instagram: @KarenandDarrin

Facebook: Karen & Darrin Author & Illustrator