Brian Lies

Award-winning children’s book author/illustrator Brian Lies was born in Princeton, NJ, and moved to New England to attend Brown University. After graduating in 1985 with a degree in British and American Literature, he attended the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and began doing editorial page illustrations for numerous publications, including the Boston Globe, the Christian Science Monitor and Chicago Tribune.

He illustrated his first children’s book, Flatfoot Fox and the Case of the Missing Eye (by Eth Clifford) for Houghton Mifflin Co. in 1989, and has since illustrated more than eighteen others, including three which he also wrote: the 2006 New York Times bestseller Bats at the Beach, Hamlet and the Enormous Chinese Dragon Kite, and Hamlet and the Magnificent Sandcastle. Brian’s illustrations appear regularly in Cricket magazine, as well as Spider, Ladybug and Babybug.

Brian also visits schools around the country, talking with students about the process of writing and illustrating stories. He and his wife, Laurel, live in Duxbury, MA with their daughter. In his free time, he enjoys reading, bicycling, gardening, and working on a never-ending landscape project.

(pronounced Bry-en Lees [rhymes with cheese])


			Bats at the Library written and illustrated by Brian Lies Houghton Mifflin, 2008 ages 4 to 8, ISBN 978-0618999231 Another inky evening's here— The air is cool and calm and clear. Can it be true? Oh, can it be? Yes!—Bat Night at the library! Join the free-for-all fun at the public library with these book-loving bats! Shape shadows on walls, frolic in the water fountain, and roam the book-filled halls until it's time for everyone, young and old, to settle down into the enchantment of story time. Brian Lies' joyful critters and their nocturnal celebration cast library visits in a new light. Even the youngest of readers will want to join the batty book-fest!



			Deep in the Swamp written by Donna M. Bateman illustrated by Brian Lies Charlesbridge Publishing, 2007 ISBN 978-1-570-91597-0 Lively, rhyming text (modeled after the song "Over in the Meadow" by Olive A. Wadsworth) counts from one to ten while introducing readers to animal moms and their babies found in the Okefenokee Swamp.



			Bats at the Beach written and illustrated by Brian Lies Houghton Mifflin, 2006 ages 4 to 8, ISBN 978-0-618-55744-8 Quick, call out! Tell all you can reach: the night is just perfect for bats at the beach! So pack your buckets, banjos, and blankets—don't forget the moon-tan lotion and wing with this bunch of fuzzy bats to where foamy sea and soft sand meet. Brian Lies's enchanting art and cheery beachside verse will inspire bedtime imaginations again and again. Come visit a bedazzling world of moonlight, firelight, and . . . bats! Awards New York Times Bestseller



			Finklehopper Frog Cheers written by Irene Livingston illustrated by Brian Lies Tricycle Press, 2005 ages 4 to 8, ISBN 978-1-582-46138-0 In these further adventures of the sweet amphibian, Finklehopper Frog worries that the local bullies might make fun of his favorite hat at the town picnic. Should Finklehopper stay home and avoid the confrontation altogether? Meanwhile, his pal Ruby Rabbit is up against some tough competition in the annual hopping race. Luckily for Finklehopper and Ruby, facing fears and learning the value of good sportsmanship is a lot easier with a friend by your side. Highlights physical exercise and good sportsmanship.



			Spy Hops & Belly Flops: Curious Behaviors of Woodland Animals written by Lynda Graham-Barber illustrated by Brian Lies Houghton Mifflin, 2004 ISBN 978-0-618-22291-9 Can you imagine what it's like to be a curious spy hopper or a sleek belly flopper? You are invited to take a tour of field and forest to see how foxes keep a vigilant lookout, how otters play, and how a host of other wild animals communicate and survive in their natural world and why. Lynda Graham-Barber and Brian Lies intertwine playful rhymes and fascinating facts with luminous artwork, transporting readers into the world of some of nature's most fascinating creatures.



			Lucky Duck written by Ellen Weiss illustrated by Brian Lies Simon & Schuster, 2004 ISBN 978-0-689-86030-0 When you spend the day with Lucky Duck, anything can almost happen. Watch as pianos drop, coconuts spill, branches crash—and the world’s luckiest duck misses it all!



			Finklehopper Frog written by Irene Livingston illustrated by Brian Lies Tricycle Press, 2003 ages 4 to 8, ISBN 978-1-582-46075-8 Jogging is the thing to do in town, and Finklehopper Frog is eager to join in. To mark the occasion, Finkle finds an extra-special jogging suit then hits the road. He hippied and he hoppied and he sang a sweet ker-chog, until he started wondering is THIS the way to jog? Finklehopper’s doubts grow until one smart bunny helps Finkle discover that being part of the crowd doesn’t mean casting aside your own froggy style. Catchy, rhythmic prose and peppy vernacular are paired with bright illustrations of a distinctive animal community in what is sure to become an all-time read-aloud favorite. Awards Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Book Award; CBC Children's Choice Award



			Popcorn! written by Elaine Landau illustrated by Brian Lies Charlesbridge Publishing, 2003 ISBN 978-1-570-91442-3 Provides a history of one of America's favorite snack foods, presenting its origins, nutritional information and recipes.



			Hamlet and the Enormous Chinese Dragon Kite written and illustrated by Brian Lies Moon Mountain, 2003 ISBN 978-1-931659-01-7 Hamlet made up his mind the minute he saw the wonderful red dragon kite, with its big claws and long winding tail. Kite flying was for him! He could just imagine how that great kite would look swooping through the air. But Hamlet’s best friend, Quince, could just imagine the disasters that lay in wait for a bold kite-flyer. “Kites are dangerous,” Quince squeaked, and he urged Hamlet at least to pick a little one. As it turned out, they were both right. Hamlet’s kite-flying adventure was every bit as scary as Quince predicted—and every bit as glorious as Hamlet dreamed it would be. Brian Lies’s first full-color picture book is a splendid celebration of the joys of flight and the down-to-earth satisfactions of friendship. Awards ABA Pick of the Lists



			Hamlet and the Magnificent Sandcastle written and illustrated by Brian Lies Moon Mountain, 2001 ISBN 978-0-967-79292-7 Hamlet, the always-enthusiastic pig, and his worrywart porcupine friend, Quince, are back with another comic adventure. This time they’re on their way to the beach, where Hamlet is determined to build the world’s biggest sandcastle. Disaster lurks, however, and only cooperation and some quick thinking save the day!



			See the Yak Yak written by Charles Gigna illustrated by Brian Lies Random House, 1999 ISBN 978-0-679-99135-9 See the fly fly! See the duck duck! See the bat bat! See the buck buck! Visit this wacky world of animal homonyms, played out in comedy and color! This book of funny sound-alikes will keep you laughing...



			Where Are the Bears? written by Kay Winter illustrated by Brian Lies Bantam Doubleday Dell, 1998 ISBN 978-0-44041-308-0 Sassy and Lum, two bear cubs, can't wait to spy on the first campers of the year, even though Mother Bear warned them against it. They find two grownups and a small boy that are perfect for their adventure. When the campers are off for the day, the bear cubs wreak havoc on the campers' tent and sleeping bags! The grownups aren't paying attention at all, but the boy is certain that the bears are guilty. Can he prove it to the grownups?



			The Midnight Fridge written by Bruce Glassman illustrated by Brian Lies Blackbirch Press, 1998 ISBN 978-1-567-11801-8 What goes on in your fridge, When there's no one around? When the kitchen is dark, And there's nary a sound? Have you ever sensed rumblings, As you walked slowly near? Or muffled, low shuffles, Almost too faint to hear? You're sure there's commotion Behind the closed door, But whenever you open, It's not there anymore. Your fridge holds some secrets, And without any doubt, If you open these pages You'll figure them out!



			Flatfoot Fox and the Case of the Missing Schoolhouse written by Eth Clifford illustrated by Brian Lies Houghton Mifflin, 1997 ISBN 978-0-395-81446-8 When Principal Porcupine enlists Flatfoot Fox's help in solving the town's latest mystery, the great gumshoe is astonished. How could someone steal the Old Country Schoolhouse? Flatfoot Fox is the smartest detective in the world, but this is the first time anyone has asked him to find a missing building. It's up to Flatfoot Fox and his faithful assistant, Secretary Bird, to uncover the clues and find the missing schoolhouse. Once again Eth Clifford and Brian Lies collaborate on a successful Flatfoot Fox mystery.



			Flatfoot Fox and the Case of the Missing Whooooo written by Eth Clifford illustrated by Brian Lies Houghton Mifflin, 1997 ISBN 978-0-395-65364-7 “I am Silly Goose,” says Flatfoot Fox's breathless visitor. “We need a detective in a hurry!” He’s come to the right place, for Flatfoot Fox is the greatest detective in the world. But will he be able to solve this case? Someone has stolen Mournful Owl’s whoooo! Owl had it all night long but then he went to sleep—and when he woke up it was gone. Now he can’t even ask for help. Even before Silly Goose finishes the sad story, Flatfoot and his trusted assistant, Secretary Bird, are off in search of the thief. Once again, the team of Eth Clifford and Brian Lies has created a lively and mystifying detective adventure.



			Flatfoot Fox and the Case of the Bashful Beaver written by Eth Clifford illustrated by Brian Lies Houghton Mifflin, 1995 ISBN 978-0-395-70560-5 Eth Clifford has created another early chapter book certain to satisfy young readers with its solvable mystery and humorous animal characters. Even Flatfoot Fox, the smartest detective in the world, is puzzled by this latest mystery. Who has stolen Bashful Beaver's beautiful bright blue buttons? The trail leads to Scatterbrain Squirrel and then to Mean-Tempered Turtle. Maybe this is one case Flatfoot Fox can't solve by himself. Certainly that's what Secretary Bird thinks and for a time he takes over as chief investigator. Could it be that two sleuths are better than one?



			Flatfoot Fox and the Case of the Nosy Otter written by Eth Clifford illustrated by Brian Lies Houghton Mifflin, 1992 ISBN 978-0-395-60289-8 Flatfoot Fox, fresh from the success of the Case of the Missing Eye, is excited to be put on another. And this time there’s been a kidnapping! Mrs. Chatterbox Otter’s beloved son Nosy is missing and she wants the kidnappers found! Accompanied by his ever-faithful assistant, Secretary Bird, and leaving the distracting Mrs. Chatterbox behind, Flatfoot Fox is off on the search for clues. Could Terribly Worried Woodchuck or Lamebrain Swan be involved? And what about Motherly Mouse—is she as innocent as she seems? Was there even a kidnapping at all? It’s up to Detective Flatfoot to sort out the suspects, find Nosy Otter, and solve his latest case. Eth Clifford and Brian Lies have teamed up again to give Flatfoot Fox another chance to prove he's “the smartest detective in the whole world.”



			George and the Dragon Word written by Dianne Snyder illustrated by Brian Lies Houghton Mifflin, 1991 ISBN 978-0-395-55129-5 When George turns Great-aunt Agatha into a dragon by shouting an ugly magic word, the twosome visits Wordsworth to exchange the word for one which will reverse the spell.



			Flatfoot Fox and the Case of the Missing Eye written by Eth Clifford illustrated by Brian Lies Houghton Mifflin, 1990 ISBN 978-0-395-51945-5 Flatfoot Fox, the smartest detective in the world, was sitting in his office, just waiting for something to happen, when in walked Fat Cat. Fat Cat was mean and Fat Cat was mad—and what’s more, Fat Cat had a mystery to be solved. Detective Fox and his faithful assistant, Secretary Bird, set out to discover who had been the thief at Fat Cat's birthday party. Flatfoot Fox finds the culprit in true detective style, of course, but before the case is closed the two have met a zany assortment of suspects, starting with a Really Ridiculous Rabbit, and Flatfoot Fox has proved how clever he is.