BRUCE BALAN is the author of over 14 books for children. In some parts of the world he also known as the infamous One-Eyed Salamander Hunter (even though he has two eyes) as well as the inventor of the color Orange. Unlike people who wear large feathery hats, Bruce usually is without a hat. No one can call Bruce apathetic or far-fetched – it is against the law in 12 states and over 30 countries.

Bruce lives and sails aboard his sailboat MIGRATION. He is slowly making his way around the world. Because of this, it is unlikely he will show up on your porch in the middle of the night with a flashlight and a cake. This sailing-around-the-world thing means that if you would like Bruce to speak at your school, you’ll have to schedule him when he happens to be gallivanting through your country (or visiting the USA). You might as well contact him to find out his schedule.

Contacts

Email: author@brucebalan.com (please note that replies may take a few weeks if I'm crossing an ocean).
Website: www.brucebalan.com

Selected Books

		COWS GOING PAST Written by Bruce Balan. Illustrated by Scott Nash Dial, 2005. ISBN 0-803-72902-2, $9.99 Hardcover A car trip that will make you smile. Involves very talented cows!
		BUOY, HOME AT SEA Written by Bruce Balan. Illustrated by Raúl Colón Delacorte Press, 1998 These stories have captured the ocean so it takes your breath away… New York Times Book Review
		THE CHERRY MIGRATION Written by Bruce Balan. Illustrated by Dan Lane Green Tiger Press, 1988 Enthusiastic cherries on the move.

Awards

• Parent’s Choice Gold Medal for BUOY, HOME AT SEA.
• Various other awards too numerous to mention.
• Several awards for YMCA swim team when I was 8.
• Good Behavior Award in Second Grade.

Reviews

BUOY, HOME AT SEA

"These stories have captured the ocean so it takes your breath away…" - New York Times Book Review

"This is a wonderful story!" - CBS This Morning

"Balan is too clever a writer to resist for long…" - San Jose Mercury News

"The dialog is as simple and insightful as A.A. Milne's." - Family Fun Magazine

"A series of lyrical vignettes that range from poignant to precious… this handsome package makes a dandy gift for those who, like Buoy, feel at home near the sea." - Publishers Weekly

"Balan spins a simple story of an ocean life, embedding his quiet philosophy of the interconnectedness of all things, the importance of friendship, the fragile ecology of our planet, and the deep mysticism of being — messages that have inspired some to compare this small book to The Little Prince and Jonathan Livingston Seagull." - Amazon.com

"This book is a noteworthy addition to our literature, both for children and adults… you will find profound echoes sounding in your consciousness for a long, long, time." - Kip Nead, Bookseller/Reviewer

Other Publications & Media

MAGAZINES:
All kinds of stuff from technical journals to family software magazines. Too boring to talk about for too long. But they paid money when I needed it!

Presentations

School Assemblies & Class Visits
The best part of being an author is visiting schools and speaking with students. I remember the influence author visits had on me when I was young. Each time I visit a school I have three goals: I want the students to feel excited about the time they spend with me; I want them to leave feeling like they can’t wait to get their hands on a book; but most of all, I want the students to know that they are writers; that they have the power to do exactly what I do.

I speak to all grades — Kindergarten through Eight. My presentation varies depending on the age group, and includes some of the following activities and themes:

Reading one or two of my books (of course!)
We are all writers! All it takes is pencil, paper and imagination.
Writing workshop (for grades 3 and up).
Yes and No letters: How a book gets published.
Questions and Answers (lots of these)

I have visited hundreds of schools internationally and participated in dozens of festivals and conferences. I am happy to speak at schools, libraries, bookstores and special events.

My travels have taken me to dozens of countries and I have worked in many interesting jobs; from soda jerk to computer software designer. These experiences have given me a unique perspective on the wonderful world we live in. I try to bring that perspective to both my books and my presentations. Learning is fun — and so is writing.

Conferences, Workshops, Speaking Engagements, etc.

When available I can appear at any of the above. Living on a boat and sailing throughout the world provides me with great stories. I also tell a good joke. I’m funny and (often) quite inspirational. I’m kind. I brush twice a day.

What People Say

"I have a cat." – Bethany, Kindergarten
"I liked the pictures." – Timothy, First grade
"He made a funny face." – Josh, Second grade
"My favorite part was when he jumped in the air and screamed!" – Meredith, Third grade
"He was great! I want to be just like him." – Daniel, Fourth grade
"Bruce is cool! He lives on a boat and Scuba dives. His books are awesome!." – Elliot, Fifth grade
"I learned so much. Buoy is so sensitive." – Kiera, Sixth grade
"My teacher made us go to the assembly." – Shaun, Seventh grade
"He was all right " – Wend, Seventh grade
"Huh?" – Mike, Ninth grade

Fun Facts

• Bruce is mostly made of water.
• Dinosaurs once roamed the earth.
• Bruce can fly!
• (in an airplane)
• If Bruce were a whale he would be huge and could stay underwater for a long time.
• When chewed, small pebbles hurt your teeth.
• Never tie your shoes while standing in lava.
• Bruce once jumped out of an airplane.
• Bruce is a Morris Dancer.
• A smelt is a small fish.
• What is a Morris Dancer?

Just For You

Bruce Balan’s Activities, Presentation Ideas, Discussion Topics & Related Books