Brian Lies

As a boy in the late 60’s and early 70’s, Brian Lies loved to play in the woods near his Princeton, New Jersey home. He also enjoyed being a host to various newts, rabbits, and gerbils. He and his older sister loved to write and draw.

When he was ten, his school had an author/illustrator visit. Brian was awed that someone could actually have a job writing and drawing. Brian dismissed this as a potential goal for himself, citing a lack of talent on his part as the reason.

During his high school years, Brian continued his interest in art. He found himself working in both oil paints and stained glass. He surprised himself by selling some of his work.

Brian graduated from high school and then attended Brown University where he studied psychiatry and English and American literature. Upon graduation, he moved to Boston, MA where he attended the School of the Museum of Fine Arts. His paintings were in exhibitions and were prize- winning.

His illustrations have appeared in numerous magazines and Brian has illustrated over twenty children’s books. He has now begun both illustrating and writing his own books. His newest book unfortunately will not be done by April, but he promises to give us a peek. He loves going around talking to children whether at school visits or at bookshops. He has even been known to arrive at a book signing in his BATSmobile, a car fully decorated with a bats theme and topped with a giant bat.

Other than reading, Brian’s hobbies are bicycling, woodworking, gardening, and old-fashioned cooking. He lives in Massachusetts with his wife and daughter, two cats and a hamster. He is looking forward to being in the Rochester area in April.