‘The Bernice Books’ - Middle School Fantasy Sequel Series Available Now
‘Bernice and the Wonder of Pearl” Released Today Online & at Select Retailers
Washington D.C. (December 13, 2022) - Following the success of their first trilogy, The Barris Books, collaborators Brandt Ricca (author) and Matt Miller (illustrator) proudly present a sequel series, The Bernice Books. The new middle school fiction series launches with the release of ‘Bernice at the Wonder of Pearl’ available starting today online and at select retailers nationwide. The book follows Barris’s overachieving little sister, Bernice, as she explores New York City for the summer while staying with her quirky aunties. Readers will find themes emblematic of Ricca’s writing, including the exploration of reality through dreams, accompanied by Miller’s captivating and whimsical artwork.
The Bernice Books pull inspiration from the magical dream world built over the stories told in the Barris Books, bringing back the popular Keeper of the Universe and narrator Gracie, while following Bernice’s travels and personal experiences driven by her inquisitive attitude. Two more books are set to follow in 2023, bringing the entire series to life.
Together, the two book collections address many themes appropriate for young readers from ages 9 and up. Throughout the real and dream worlds the colorful cast of characters set out on eye opening adventures. In all of Ricca’s work, the stories emphasize an appreciation for diversity and teach young people how to respond to adversity. Readers can expect to learn about finding inspiration, the importance of acceptance, and self discovery, all placed against historically fascinating backdrops. The Barris Books have become a popular read at Claremont Immersion School, G.W. Carver Primary School Primary School, and other circles of librarians and kids within the Washington D.C. area. The collaborative duo hopes to continue this success through ‘The Bernice Books’.
“It’s been amazing to see ‘The Barris Books’ resonate with kids and classrooms throughout the region,” shared Washington, DC based author, Brandt Ricca. “I’m excited to see readers discover our work and hear how the real world and fantasy dream world we built finds meaning in their lives. The story continues through Bernice’s perspective as she learns more about herself, and I hope young readers will too.”
Collaborator Matt Miller provides the illustrations for all the books in the series sharing, "This series has been such a creative outlet - I’ve had so much fun getting carried away putting dream worlds on paper and incorporating little historic details in the illustrations. I am ecstatic that we have had the ability to grow the Barris Books series and are now getting to share Bernice’s point of view."
‘Bernice Books and the Wonder of Pearl’ can be purchased online where all books are sold including Amazon, Target, Barnes & Noble, and Kindle. Ricca & Miller will debut the book at the Four Seasons Washington DC hotel’s Holiday Market on Saturday, December 17 and Sunday, December 18. The event is free and open to the public.
Select illustrations, imagery, and cover art from ‘Bernice and the Wonder of Pearl’ are available here. More information and requests for interviews can be directed to Blake Buege at blake@lindarothpr.com or 262-818-3533.
About The Bernice Books: Written by Brandt Ricca and iIllustrated by Matt Miller during the COVID-19 pandemic, the duo has claimed a #1 bestselling spot on Amazon following the release of their first three books ‘The Barris Books’. After finding success, the collaborators continued building on the magical dream world they’ve created while continuing to teach young readers about diversity, acceptance, and individuality through their new collection of books, ‘The Bernice Books.’ Learn more about the two book collections and its creators at: https://www.thebarrisbooks.com/ and on Instagram and Facebook.
About Brandt Ricca: Brandt Ricca is the founder of local D.C. based branding agency, Nora Lee by Brandt Ricca. Ricca was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and loves the Southern culture and creative atmosphere of New Orleans, which inspired the setting for the life of Barris Hart. Having a writing background and a family history of owning a newspaper, telling stories has always been at the forefront of Ricca’s mindset.
About Matt Miller: Matt Miller is a designer and artist that bounces back and forth from D.C. and Florida. Miller’s artistic background and love for interior design and architecture are the foundation for his interior design and rendering business, Studio Perspective. With a soft spot for historic architecture of the American South, and gathering inspiration from his own vivid dreams, Miller felt he was the perfect fit for illustrating the world of the Barris and Bernice Books series.
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