Lindbergh School, Palisades Park NJ

"If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door."---Milton Berle

Goon Sketches #6

Early on, I knew that Frankenstien's monster would appear in "Goodnight Goon." I did mess around with the idea of using watercolors for this book, but I didn't, and still don't, feel that I'm a very good painter. Above is the the watercolor test and the same image drawn with pen and ink, and rendered with pencil. One looks amatuer, and one looks professional. Easy decision on my part.

Goon Sketches #4

Two more goon sketches. The one on the bottom was the one that I used for the dummy. It was just about there.

Goon Sketches #3

Here's a page full of small goon sketches. The shape that I eventually used for my final design appeared here for the first time. He's on the top right, marked by the yellow arrow.

Goon Sketches #2

Here's another take on the older, skinny, weirdo type goon. I kinda like the shape of his head and the big scar up there.

Goon Sketches #1

What exactly is a goon? I really wasn’t sure a few years ago when I pitched “Goodnight Goon” to Putnam. They loved the idea, and thought that the manuscript was very funny. However, no one was sure about this goon and what it was going to look like, not even me. Over the next few days I’m going to post some of the sketches that lead up to his design.

I think that this was one of the first attempts. Originally I pictured him as an older, skinnier, lurking human-like character, almost a zombie, but not quite. Maybe he’s a bit dopey, and slow, but creepy as well. I think this drawing nailed the small, sunken eyes, and large ears idea, but the rest was jettisoned.

Scholastic, Oct. 2010

Heads up! "The Runaway Mummy" is front and center on this month's Scholastic SeeSaw Flyer. You can also get it with "Goodnight Goon" in the "Petrifying Parody Pack." Both are paperback.

I'm Back

Wow! Has it really been so long since I last posted? Where did the summer go?

Honestly, I know exactly where the summer went. I drew an entire 112 page graphic novel that I hope to show soon. I was either at the draft board drawing or with my family doing fun things like going to Ocean City (NJ), visiting the USS Intrepid and every nature center within an hour’s drive.

In the meantime, the Goon is still saying goodnight…



The Mummy is still running away…



And George is still furious…

Goodnight Goon/The Runaway Mummy

Here's my two latest on view at the San Diego Comic-Con. Right down there to the left, under that Star Wars thingy...I kinda feel like I've got Yoda watching out for me.

Goodnight Goon

As "Goodnight Goon" approaches its 1st birthday, I'd like to thank everybody for making the book such a hit. It spent nine weeks on the NY Times Bestseller's List, eventually hitting #1 for two weeks. Thanks to the booksellers, everyone at Putnam, fans, friends, and family.---Mike

Article on Children's Parodies

Publishers Weekly wrote an interesting article on children's book parodies. "The Runaway Mummy," which comes out August 20, is featured.

PW ARTICLE

It's odd to think that I may have created a genre.

Not So Evil Empire

This was taken at Book Expo America (BEA) on May 30. I took the picture, I am not one of the troopers.

1,300 Signed Books

On June 29, I signed 650 copies of "Goodnight Goon," and 650 copies of "The Runaway Mummy." These will be sold exclusively at Toys R Us. On July 10, I was able to use my hand again.