*NOTHING* is better than learning that a reader enjoyed one of my books!

THANK YOU, ROSALIA!!

You may need to re-read this post.

I’ve slowly been working on BartKing.net, and one of its improvements is the “Contact Me” section. Recently, I got these two charming messages . . . but they make me worry if there is a re-reading “arms race” going on!

Message 1:I just finished your Big Book of Superheroes for the third time. And, for the third time, I liked it a lot. I am just writing to ask a question and praise you on your writing. First of all, I was just wondering how long it took you to write this book. It looks like you had to do a lot of investigation for it. Second of all, I love your writing! I like the humor you put into your stories. It brightens life.
Hope to hear back from you soon! Message 2:Just wanted to let you know that the Big Book of Spy Stuff is the best book I have ever read, and I read a ton of books. I have read it 15 times (still counting) it is even starting to fall apart. I found it very informational, and funny.
Excellent writing,from [name redacted]Age 12

What does 5th grader Owen B. think of THE BIG BOOK OF SPY STUFF?

I'm glad you asked! Ohio's Greene Country Library asked 5th graders to write book reviews. Here's the one I was interested in:

Thanks, Owen!

"The Big Book of Spy Stuff" is Amazon's bestselling children's eBook!

If you have a Kindle, The Big Book of Spy Stuff is one of today's "Kindle deals"—it's only $1.99. 

And people must love a deal because at the moment, Spy Stuff is Amazon's bestselling children's eBook!

Do I like reader reviews?

You bet!

"The Boys' Book of Secret Agents" might have the coolest cover ever

By Covers etc.

New Amazon reviews!

I'm only slightly deflated to get five stars for "shipping fast"

Aussie Aussie Aussie! Oi Oi Oi!

Via the inimitable Jill Corcoran.

Well, ain't that tweet!

Heather Camlot is clearly a lovely person with excellent taste. Many thanks! (Bonus: The good people using the New York Public Library give The Big Book of Spy Stuff five stars.)

KidsGuide has my kind of stuff!

KidsGuide has a special issue out devoted to good stuff. This is literally my kind of stuff, as the magazine shares good bits from some of my books. Hit the link above, and if you're in southern California, be sure to pick up an issue!

King County is my kind of place.

The King County Library System in Washington (which includes Seattle) has a book talk website. And today's title is The Big Book of Spy Stuff. Yes!

The impact of espionage on history is undeniable. It turns out is also fun to read about! In The Big Book of Spy Stuff, you get tips and tricks on pulling off your own spying adventures, along with quirky historical anecdotes and a big dose of humor. Topics include surveillance, disguises, following, escaping, codes and code breaking, misinformation, sabotage, and more. Oh, and don't worry; there is a chapter on ethics too.

I'm in a book club!

Actually, what I meant to say is that one of my books is being READ in a book club. As you can see, The Big Book of Spy Stuff is joining many other fine books in this book circle.

Of course, there is a slight hitch: There's only ONE person in this book club! But since she's incredibly brilliant, it doesn't matter. w00t! (Thanks, Madeleine.)

The Author’s Greatest Riddle!

“What’s your book about?”

You’d THINK the answer to this question would be easy! Of course, I could just say, “It’s about spy stuff.”

But that might seem mean! 

My goal with Spy Stuff was to write an espionage book so irresistible, even the most reluctant reader (kid or immature adult!) wouldn't be able to put it down.

At over 300 pages, this book does have lots of funny and educational information. But if I go on and on about its contents, that defeats the purpose of WRITING the book in the first place! Wait, speaking of contents...

Of course, I should share that the book features illustrations by the talented Russell Miller. 

Finally, in addressing what the book's about, here's a review from Dr. Michael Milone:

It's a fascinating collection of information that includes famous and infamous spies and their techniques, high-tech espionage, and even the ethics of spying. Although young readers will love the book, they may have to wrestle it away from the adults in the family... Best of all, it's entertaining. Only Bart King could make the Cold War seem this funny.

Book Trailer: THE BIG BOOK OF SPY STUFF!

The Big Book of Spy Stuff is coming out in a month. While you're waiting, take a look at this trailer. I guarantee you've never seen anything like it before!

DISCLAIMER: If you've seen Xtranormal movies, you've seen things just like it before.