The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination - by Brad Montague (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

From New York Times bestselling author Brad Montague comes a top-secret, behind-the-scenes peek at the official agency that keeps the world's creativity flowing.

Every day, special figment agent Sparky delivers all the mail the FBI receives to the proper department, like the Office of the Unexplainable or the Department of Dreams. It's a big job, but Sparky keeps everything running smoothly . . . until disaster strikes when the Cave of Untold Stories overflows and threatens to topple the whole bureau. It turns out too many people have been holding in their big ideas, and now Sparky must recruit more agents to share their dreams, songs, and stories with the world.

And now, dear reader, will you join the effort and become a special agent before it's too late? The FBI is counting on you!

Review Quotes

Amazon Best Book of the Year

★ "The colorful illustrations are delightful and invite the reader to explore. Pages with pictures of each of the figments and a map of the bureau departments are especially engaging. This book would be a great addition to any STEAM collection." --School Library Connection, starred review

"The Montagues fill their worldbuilding fantasy, rendered in digitally colored pencil drawings, with gentle humor and rich details, including an elaborate schematic of the bureau's many departments. Their pages should reward repeated looks while nudging readers to get out of their own way." --Publishers Weekly

"The delightful, detailed illustrations provide a lot of interesting moments for a small audience to pore over." --Kirkus

"It is a profound message handled competently by Montague, and in narrowing the overwhelming scope of the story to a mail carrier with a penchant for poetry, the narrative emphasizes the power of a single voice . . . the muted color palette establishes an appealing dreamlike atmosphere that complements the story's themes. Offer this book to any young person in need of a reminder about the importance of sharing their voice." --BCCB

About the Author

Brad Montague is a New York Times best-selling author and illustrator of books for kids and former kids. He is creator of the hit web series Kid President, the global movement Socktober, and Booked, a program bringing classrooms around the world together through literacy and creative writing. His commitment to childlike wonder and joyful rebellion has led to collaborations with The Disney Channel, Jim Henson Company, Magnolia Network, Hallmark, Rivian, Pokemon, and the United Nations. He lives in Tennessee with his wife and collaborator, Kristi Montague, and their two children.

Kristi Montague is a New York Times best-selling illustrator of picture books and mixed-media artist. From corporate graphic design work to elaborate cardboard props for Kid President, she has a wide range of experience adding color to the world. She enjoys making things by hand, often combining digital elements with the handmade-resulting in unique creations for local theater productions, large brands, or just for fun. Her skills are regularly used in the service of local non-profits that benefit children. She lives in Tennessee with her husband and collaborator, Brad Montague, and their two children.