BOB and ROBIN HOOD! Not in the same book. That’d be weird.

Greetings and salutations! I’m excited to share two new projects coming out in May. First up, on May 1st, is BOB! This book is a collaboration with the always-brilliant Rebecca Stead, author of such wonderful books as the Newbery winning When You Reach Me and Goodbye, Stranger. I think the easiest way to tell you about BOB is to let you read the letter that went out to booksellers along with the advanced copies of the book:

Life is about taking leaps. Sometimes we’re ready to jump. Sometimes we’re just pretending to be ready. Sometimes we don’t even pretend.

BOB was a leap we took together, quietly, secretly, eight years ago, in the midst of our not-so-secret responsibilities—raising kids, writing books under contract, moving house and moving house again, and all the rest of it.

Chapter one ends with ten-year-old Livy’s rediscovery of a friend—a small green creature in a handmade chicken suit who’s been not-so-patiently waiting in Livy’s grandmother’s closet for her to hurry up and open the door.

For five years.

But this Livy is not the Livy that Bob remembers. She’s not the confident five-year-old who made his chicken suit and taught him to walk in it so that they could explore her grandmother’s farm together, incognito. She’s not the girl who sang loudly and didn’t care whether her voice was “good,” who promised to help him find his way home and had no doubt that she could do it.

This new Livy has a lot of doubts. She’s not only forgotten Bob, she’s forgotten who she used to be. But she’s the only friend Bob has. And he is very ready to go home. And so they leap, together.

Writing Bob and Livy’s story was a comfort for us, a bright cozy place to return to as the chapters traveled back and forth. Thank you for allowing us to share our story with you.

Wendy and Rebecca

So that gives you a good idea of what the project is about. A true labor of love, indeed. We hope you enjoy it any way you like–book, ebook, audiobook, direct deposit via telepathic connection. Well, that last one isn’t a thing but should be. Please check out my website, and BobandLivy.com for more info, including a Book Club Guide, an Educator’s Guide, book trailers, reviews, and other fun stuff as it rolls in. As always you can order from Sparta Books and I’ll sign it and they’ll send it, or visit your favorite indie or local B&N.

ALSO….did you ever wonder how a book cover gets put together? Well, I have. And after 25 books, I finally got to pull back the curtain. So let’s go behind the scenes of the photo shoot for Robin Hood: The One who Looked Good in Green, which will be out May 29th. First, they glam up the lovely Maid Marian with subtle makeup and pin back her dress, then Robin Hood himself gets the vest on, vest off treatment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then I get to help choose which of all the poses should go on the cover from all these great choices!

 

 

 

And here is the final result! Front cover, and back.

 

 

 

 

 

I really had fun returning to the Twice upon a Time series, and if you think you know the legend of Robin Hood and Maid Marian, think again. Because in this one Robin lives on a spaceport and Marian on a futuristic Earth below. I hope you’ll come along for the ride!

Happy Spring, be kind to yourself and others.

xx,

Wendy

104 Comments

  1. Helene on April 28, 2018 at 7:37 am

    This is so cool! I’ve always wondered about the process of designing covers. Btw, the Robin Hood one is AWESOME!!!

    • Wendy Mass on November 5, 2020 at 9:18 am

      Glad you like it, it was fun for me to see the process on this end as well. Sometimes a cover takes a long time to come together, but this one they had a bunch of fun options to choose from, and I like that you can see both characters. Thanks for writing 🙂 Wendy

    • brooks bennett on April 22, 2022 at 1:45 pm

      you are right

  2. Norah on May 3, 2018 at 5:00 pm

    The book BOB sounds really really good! I just reread A Mango-Shaped Space and read for the first time Every Soul a Star. Since I love your other books (and Rebecca Stead’s…. I own all her books) I can’t wait to read BOB. Do you plan to work with other authors besides Rebecca Stead?

    • Wendy Mass on May 3, 2018 at 10:30 pm

      Hi! Thank you for the kind words! As of now, no other collaborating plans, Rebecca and I had a great time with Bob though. I hope you enjoy it! xo, Wendy

      • Alexandra Porter on May 11, 2018 at 9:44 pm

        Wendy can you make more of the birthday series, just know I finished your book called “Graceful” and I LOVED it from when you stared at 11 birthdays, but please consider making more in the birthday series I really want to see what happens next in the characters lives!!

        • Wendy Mass on November 25, 2022 at 6:01 pm

          I’ll totally let you know! xo

      • josiah on June 10, 2018 at 11:46 pm

        hi, I’m in the process of reading “The candymakers” I love it! I’m looking forward to read ALL your other books too, “A mango shaped space” especially.

        (I’m nine.)

        • Wendy Mass on November 5, 2020 at 10:06 am

          HI! I’m so glad you found the Candymakers at 9 and you’ve likely finished it and the sequel by now! I’m currently working on a prequel. Thank you for writing (and reading!!). All my best to you and your family!
          Wendy

  3. lee on May 8, 2018 at 6:45 pm

    I read 11 Birthdays, and Finally. I really enjoyed them. This is what my 9 year old Daughter Chloe wanted to tell you.

    • Wendy Mass on November 5, 2020 at 9:17 am

      My 14-year-old Chloe says she’s glad that your daughter enjoyed her mom’s books LOL. By now she is likely old enough to finish the rest in the series, there are 5 all together. Big hugs to you and your Chloe 🙂 Wendy

  4. Rena on May 13, 2018 at 10:38 pm

    I’m so excited for new books!! I’m especially looking forward to another Twice Upon a Time book!
    What do you have planned next? Any sequels or stand-alones?

    • Wendy Mass on November 5, 2020 at 9:15 am

      Hi, I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed the Twice Upon a Time series, I had a lot of fun writing those. By now you may have found Robin Hood, which is the last book in that series, and BOB, which came out last year. But if not, I hope you will discover and enjoy them. Thank you for writing, XO. Wendy

  5. Isabelle on May 19, 2018 at 5:01 pm

    Hi Wendy! This book sounds so good! I am currently in the 6th grade and have read almost all of your books! I would love to share with you one of my very own writing pieces so in your free time, if you could write me back to my email and I could share it with you? I do have some questions about Bob as well. I love you so much! I can’t wait to read this!

    • Wendy Mass on November 5, 2020 at 9:13 am

      Hi, I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed my books, that means a lot to me. I know you wrote this comment a while ago, but I hope you’re still writing your own stories – I always encourage young writers to share their work with people like teachers and writer friends but when things are unpublished not to send them out to others. Writers often forget where they heard an idea so it’s best to just make it a policy someone else hasn’t published. If you haven’t already, check out nanowrimo.org, which is a great writing community for all ages. Keep calm and write on 🙂 Big hug to you! Wendy

  6. Isabelle on May 24, 2018 at 9:43 am

    Wendy,
    This book sounds so good! I love your writing and would love to hear from you, as I have some questions and would like to share some things with you. A piece I wrote and questions about the book. Thanks!

    • Wendy Mass on December 4, 2022 at 6:20 pm

      Hey, I know it’s been a long time, but if you see this, feel free to reach back out to run those things by me. 🙂

  7. Eddie on May 26, 2018 at 7:07 pm

    In the middle of Bob right now and can’t put it down. Thank you guys for this book.

    • Wendy Mass on December 4, 2022 at 6:17 pm

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it (many, MANY moons ago now!)!! Thanks for letting me know, we had fun writing it together. 🙂

  8. K. Taylor on May 28, 2018 at 7:07 pm

    I loved your book 11 Birthdays. It is so funny when Amanda and Leo laugh so hard until they fall over! Angelina must have meant that she worked at the Willow Falls Birthing Center, not on the bus or at the museum. How was she still alive in their generation, anyway? I would have loved if you included more about the once-best-friends-once-not-best-friends-once-best-friends-again’s great-great grandparents.
    You should make another book called Beforehand, talking about all of their birthdays from 1-10 as chapters. Another idea would be to write a book called Generations Later. In this book, you could write about Amanda and Leo’s great-great grandchildren and a problem that they face compared to their problem. Giving a similar solution, you could say that Angelina’s family members would save them.
    You recently came to my school and I was impressed at how many books you wrote. I also have cats and was wondering how many you had since you never mentioned it. 11 Birthdays was a great success. I can’t wait to read the rest of the Willow Falls series!

    • Wendy Mass on April 1, 2023 at 12:13 pm

      Hi! Glad I got to meet you at your school a few years ago! I had two cats at that time. Thanks for your great 11 birthday sequels ideas!! I’ll write those down! it would fun to write one that took place so far in the future as their great-great-grandchildren. Maybe they’ll be living on a moon base by then! All my best to you!! xo, Wendy

  9. Paige Houser on May 30, 2018 at 8:01 pm

    Dear Wendy Mass,

    I love your books! I really like “Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life,” it’s one of my favorite ones you wrote. Right now I’m reading “Every Soul a Star,” it’s really good so far! I have your book “Leap Day,” but I have not read it yet. I can’t wait to read it next, because I was born on February 29th 2008, and your book was the first one I ever saw that talked about leap year. Thanks to you, now I have a book I can relate to about being a leap year baby. I would like to thank you for bringing your books into my life and every other kid who isn’t crazy, because they would be crazy if they didn’t like your books!

    Love your #1 fan,
    Paige

    • Wendy Mass on April 1, 2023 at 12:10 pm

      Hey, a real life Leap Day Baby!! So happy to meet you (virtually, and too many years after you wrote this! You’ve already had another birthday in this time!!). I hope you enjoyed Leap Day if you did wind up reading it, and that you got your free pizza if they’re still doing that!!! So glad you liked the others too. Big hug to you, leaper girl! xox, Wendy

  10. Linndy on May 31, 2018 at 11:22 pm

    I`m really enjoying your willow falls series. I like how you added some romance in “The Last Present.” Are you writing another book in that series? I`d love it if you did. In the past week you have become my favorite author!

    • Wendy Mass on November 5, 2020 at 10:08 am

      Hi, you’ve probably discovered Graceful by now, and i hope you enjoyed the conclusion of the series. It was fun sneaking that little bit of romance into The Last Present–it felt right at the moment so I’m glad you liked it. :o). All my best to you!! xo Wendy

  11. Lisa Koop on June 6, 2018 at 12:56 pm

    I just finished reading Bob to my 1st grade class. What a wonderful book! The kids couldn’t wait to hear what came next. When I would pick it up, they’d cheer! Thank you for writing such a magnificent story!

    • Wendy Mass on November 5, 2020 at 9:09 am

      Hi, thank you so much for writing to let me know your class enjoyed the book. I love the thought of them cheering, that warms my heart. When Rebecca and I were writing it, we wanted to make sure that kids as young as first grade or as old as middle school would be able to find something in it that spoke to them – a challenge but a fun one. Thank you again for choosing to share the book with your class and for your kind words. All my best wishes to you – and your newest crop of first graders! 🙂 Wendy

  12. Bose on June 11, 2018 at 11:26 pm

    Hi ma’am,
    I love your awesome book The Candymakers and I’m gonna read your book The Candymakers and the great chocolate and The Great Chocolate Chase.This The first time I read one of your books and I’m looking forward to your book BOB.It’s fine if you can’t, but if you can try to make a movie I don’ Know if I’m asking something bad, but it would be awesome if you can because Roaldh Dahl made the movie Charlie and The Chocolate Factory which was awesome and your story is similar but a little better I think.Also, thank you so much for taking your time to read this!!!

    • Wendy Mass on April 1, 2023 at 12:07 pm

      Thanks so much for reaching out! I hope for a Candymakers movie too, and will definitely post about it if something happens. Maybe you’ve read BOB by now, too, that was fun to co-write. All my very best to you!! Wendy

  13. Caroline on June 20, 2018 at 5:15 pm

    I Cant wait to read Robin Hood and BOB I also want to know have you thought about making a book with inserts from fans like a one word story where you go back and fourth? That would be interesting!
    LUV YOUR BOOKS BYE -Caroline age 11

    • Wendy Mass on June 24, 2018 at 7:09 pm

      H Caroline, that’s such a fun idea! When I’m done with books that I have under contract already, I’ll definitely think about some sort of project like that! I’ll let you know. :O)
      Hugs!
      Wendy

      • Summer on August 18, 2019 at 4:06 am

        Hi Wendy,
        I’ve been reading your books since I discovered them hiding in my school library last year. And honestly, my favourite book of yours is WILLOW FALLS!! best book ever… and I was super surprised when I found out you co – wrote BOB. Twice upon a time series is great, tho it took me ages to find it. Can’t wait to read Robin Hood ;o)
        P.S How are Amanda, Leo, Rory, Tara, David, Connor, Grace and Angelina doing?

        • Wendy Mass on November 24, 2019 at 5:06 pm

          Hi Summer! I’m so glad you found the books hiding in the library! That’s the best place to find things! Hope you enjoyed Robin Hood if you found it. And I hope all those characters are doing well, tucked inside their pages. ;o)
          All my best to you!
          Wendy

      • Tara on October 14, 2019 at 9:06 pm

        I love all your books especially the willow falls books!

        • Wendy Mass on November 24, 2019 at 4:34 pm

          Maybe because you share a name with the main character of 13 Gifts! :O) xo wendy

    • Ebj on July 1, 2018 at 3:33 pm

      That’s a great idea ☺

  14. Mia on June 22, 2018 at 2:53 pm

    Ahhhhh! I can’t wait to read them!!! You are my favorite author of all time!!!

    • Ebj on July 1, 2018 at 3:25 pm

      Wendy mass is my favorite author of all times I’ve read most of her books I am currently reading robin hood it’s great so far

    • Ziyue Gao on September 22, 2018 at 12:36 am

      Hello, I am really excited to find your blog. I’m happy to understand most of the comments too! I have read your words three years ago. A Mango-Shaped Space made me know you!! I am looking forward to buying your new books! 希望可以在书店里看到你的新书哦!

  15. Jennifer on June 24, 2018 at 10:47 am

    Hello! You and Rebecca Stead are two of my favorite authors! I am an optimist by nature and I try to always utilize my positivity strength but the state of the world currently has made this harder and harder to do. Thank you for the most amazing book! It lifted me up and was full of the very best messages about life and love. I truly cannot describe how special it is but every once an awhile I declare a book required reading for the entire family and Bob is the latest. Mind you, my kids are now 17 and 20, but they always trust my reading recommendations, thankfully 🙂 Thank you, thank you for writing this book!

    • Wendy Mass on June 24, 2018 at 7:07 pm

      Hi! You’re my new best friend, lol! I feel the same way about optimism vs the current state of affairs, makes it hard to be creative for sure. Rebecca and I wrote Bob over 7 years, so it floated in a different realm in a way, and that helped a lot. So glad you enjoyed it! (out of curiosity, did you have the B&N exclusive version with the added content?)
      All my best to you and your family!
      Wendy

      • Jacqueline on November 15, 2019 at 1:34 pm

        HI Wendy I have a few questions for you. Why do you never show the full face like sometimes you dont show the eyes or the mouth? Another question is well I have not read graceful or bob yet but why are your other books all about birthdays? I LOVE your books SO much! I am in the middle of 12 finally, and it is SO good! :p

        • Wendy Mass on November 24, 2019 at 4:02 pm

          I do love writing about birthdays, that’s true! So much happens each year at those ages. The decision not to show the faces came from 11 Birthdays where they were hidden behind the balloons. I guess it’s so the reader can imagine the characters any way they’d like. Hope that helps, so glad you liked them!
          :o)
          Wendy

  16. Ebj on July 1, 2018 at 3:29 pm

    Wendy mass is so creative in her writing all of her books are amazing I can’t wait to read Bob it sounds amazing

    • Wendy Mass on November 5, 2020 at 10:03 am

      So sweet, I hope you liked it!! xo

  17. Madi on July 1, 2018 at 10:47 pm

    In your book finally 12 (or 12 finally -my friend and I disagree) the friend uses something that she just applies to her legs, waits about 10 minutes, washes it off, and voila, no more leg hair! Is this a real product? If so, what is it?

    • Wendy Mass on October 27, 2020 at 5:20 pm

      I was thinking it was like the product Nair, which works like that. But it smells pretty strong LOL. I had fun coming up with all the things that went wrong for Rory (and sometimes even I don’t remember which is the correct title). All my best to you both, Wendy

  18. Maren on July 2, 2018 at 9:57 pm

    Hi! I read Bob and I loved it. Considering it was from my two favorite authors, I decided to read it. It had such an amazing plot and was so amazing. My school’s summer reading is A Mango Shaped Space and I’m so excited. I’ve already read the book 8 times and in the beginning of the year we get to meet Wendy! I love her writing and A Mango Shaped Space and 12 Finally are my favorite books. Keep up the good work Wendy!

    • Wendy Mass on December 9, 2022 at 7:01 pm

      Thanks so much on Bob! Wow on 8 times for Mango!! Glad I got to meet you thru school!!
      🙂
      Wendy

  19. sapna on July 14, 2018 at 6:31 pm

    hi this has nothing to do with this but in the candy makers who took logans picture??? or does it say in the candy makers the

    • Wendy Mass on October 27, 2020 at 5:18 pm

      Hi, as much as I remember it was either someone working with Daisy’s organization or they somehow got it but we haven’t revealed how. I plan to put that into the prequel I’m currently writing so thank you for letting me know that it’s something people might think about. Hope that makes sense 🙂 All my best, Wendy

  20. Vicky on July 23, 2018 at 4:51 pm

    Hello! I am so excited to hear about new books, including a new Twice Upon a Time book! I am currently a rising junior, and I have been in love with your books since I was in 5th grade. I just reread Graceful for the 7th time and am rereading The Last Present for the 8th, and I just wanted to let you know how much your books mean to me and how vibrant the Willow Falls characters have become for me. (I have told multiple friends Graceful was the only novel I felt had a satisfying ending, as we actually know what happens to everyone!) This applies to all your novels, but the Willow Falls series has inspired me to try writing my own stories! They became the friends I always wished I had, and I just want to thank you for inspiring me and writing these amazing stories that mean so much to me. Thank you for continuing to write, and I will definitely get onto reading all of your new novels, as well as reading about Rory and the Elmo potty again!

    Your Lifelong Fan,
    Vicky Chung 🙂

    • Wendy Mass on April 1, 2023 at 12:03 pm

      Hi!! I know it’s been a long time and you’re off to college now (if not done!!) and I hope you’ve been well these last few challenging years. Thanks so much for your thoughts on the ending of Graceful! I really tried to tie things up in a satisfying way (although I do still hear about Rory and Jake ;o). Lol on the Elmo Potty, that was a fun scene to write! You’re inspiring me to go back and read those books again, I’ll do that one of these days! Big hug to you!! xo Wendy

  21. Emma on July 26, 2018 at 4:28 pm

    hey Mrs. Mass!for starters, i wanna say i am like your BIGGEST FAN !!!!!!! i love your work! and seriously, anybody who can get a selfie/book review with Pseudonymous Bosch is GOOD.also, i have some questions.i want to wtrite AT LEAST one (awesome!) book-but it’s so HARD!!!!i can’t seem to get a good idea, & it’s hard for me to st down an’ WRITE.and how am i even going to get it PUBLISHED? jee… u make it look EASY! how do u do it?was it easy?hard?do u have advice for me?
    also i have a great book suggestion and one more question…
    did u need special grants to write the Twice upon a Time series?& have u considered adding Alice in Wonderland to it? i personely think that would be SO TOTALLY RAD!!! Your fan,
    Emma :o)

    • Wendy Mass on October 27, 2020 at 5:32 pm

      Hi, first thank you so much for the kind words about my books – writing is definitely not easy but getting to make up imaginary worlds all day is a pretty good gig 😉 For ideas, think about your experiences and how you can fictionalize them is one way, keeping your eyes and ears open for something that strikes your imagination is another way, and that’s usually how I get my ideas. Also, think about what you’re really interested in and what would get you excited to share with others, and check out nanowrimo.org for the Young Writers’ Program. Hope this helps, and also glad you checked out the author pals; Pseudy is a great guy and my daughter and I love his books. Hugs, Wendy

  22. Keely R. on August 8, 2018 at 4:50 pm

    At the end of both of these books in the about the author(s) section, it says “She is helping her family build a labyrinth in their backyard while working on her next book. Not at the same time, of course.” What is that next book, and is it a sequel/companion to anything (like maybe Willow Falls or The Candymakers, which would be amazing?)? Please be looking out for a letter from me soon! (And PLEASE!!!!! respond! 🙂 Oh, and when you finish, could you post a picture of the labyrinth on your blog?

    ~Keely R.

    • Wendy Mass on November 26, 2022 at 8:57 pm

      Hey!So so late!! I will look for a picture of the labyrinth–which we have now seeded over with grass sadly!! But it was cool while it lasted! I know I have a picture of my cat walking around it somewhere lol. I’m not sure which books I was working on when I wrote that originally, but I’m up to book 32 now so I’m sure I really was writing one! :o) All my best to you!!

  23. Sydney on August 23, 2018 at 8:09 pm

    Hi Wendy Mass,

    I love your books, especially the Willow Falls Series, The Candymakers, and Every Soul a Star! I was wondering what the next book you are working on is and when is it coming out?

    • Wendy Mass on November 5, 2020 at 9:02 am

      Hi, so glad you liked those! Not sure if you’ve read the sequel to the Candymakers or BOB yet, or Robin Hood, but those are the three most recent. My next one is called Lo and Behold, and it’s a graphic novel. Hope that helps 🙂 All my best to you! Wendy

  24. Keely R. on November 16, 2018 at 1:04 pm

    Are you excited about Bob being a finalist in the 2018 Goodreads Choice Awards? I voted for you and hope you win!

    • Wendy Mass on October 27, 2020 at 5:21 pm

      Aw that was so sweet of you! I don’t remember how that played out but it was fun while it lasted 🙂

  25. Alice on November 26, 2018 at 10:28 am

    Hello, I am your new friend. I first read your book was four years ago ,it is a long time, right? I read the book A Mango-Shaped Space. I think it is so interesting because sometimes I feel like I can see things that others can’t see or hear. I like it very much. In fact, I am a grade 8 student, although my English ranks first in the class, I still feel that I can’t express the feelings I want to express very well. What a pity. I will go on studying English well, and I’d like to hear from you very much.
    All the best for you and your family!
    Alice

    • Wendy Mass on October 27, 2020 at 5:07 pm

      Hi, you definitely write really well in English, much better than I could ever do in a foreign language 🙂 I’m so glad you enjoyed Mango, and that’s so neat that you may perceive the world in a special way. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me across the mini miles. All my best to you, Wendy

  26. Ruby on December 16, 2018 at 5:03 pm

    Hi Wendy, I really love your books and can’t wait to read Bob. I love how when I read your books it feels like I’m actually in the books with the characters. I have written you a letter, but can’t find an address on your website to send it by mail. Do you have an address for fan mail? Thank you!

    From Ruby, age 10

    • Wendy Mass on November 5, 2020 at 8:59 am

      Hi, it’s great to hear from you! Feel free to write to me here, even though I know it takes me a long time to write back. Feeling like you’re really in the story is fun on the writing end too, once I finish a book I really miss the characters. I guess that’s why writing series books are so much fun. Thank you for reading them 🙂 All my best, Wendy

  27. Julianne on December 21, 2018 at 11:15 am

    Hi, I was looking for a place to send you my letter about how A Mango-Shaped Space changed me, but instead, I came to your blog. After reading A Mango-Shaped Space, I noticed that I was able to grow closer to my friends and even make some new ones. I thought you might want to know from another person that your amazing books are not only entertaining but also very helpful. In my case, it helped me with some friendship difficulties I was having at the time I was reading it. Mia too had problems with her friendships which let me know that everyone struggles with something and it isn’t just me. Anyways, this isn’t my whole letter, but it is what I thought were the important parts, so I just want to thank you for your hard work and amazing books.

    You Reader,
    Julianne

    • Wendy Mass on November 5, 2020 at 9:59 am

      I’m reaching out and giving you a huge virtual hug!!! I’m honored that Mango came into your life at a point where it helped you see yourself more clearly and –that’s really the goal of every book even if doesn’t seem like it is. Mango was my first book (out of 30 now! where did the time go??) so i have a very special place for it in my heart. Thank you for your kind words about it and for letting me know how it affected you, it means a lot to me. All my best wishes!! xoxo Wendy

  28. Eliana on December 27, 2018 at 9:55 pm

    Hi!
    I love your books so much! You are my favorite author ever! I wrote you a letter and an email but I don’t know if I sent them to the right address.
    I have read Candymakers and Candymakers and the Great Chocolate Chase so many times. I don’t know how many, but at least 25. They are amazing!! I know you’re not planning on writing a third Candymakers, but it would make me and everyone who’s read Candymakers so so so happy! I love how Candymakers has all the different perspectives that all come together. And I liked how you did it in the second one even more, where first there were separate perspectives and then everyone together. Also, I loved all the cameo appearances of characters from your stand alone books. It made me feel like even though they don’t have sequels, they all continue on with their lives and more things happen to them. Also, it made me happy that all your books take place in one universe and it’s possible for the characters to meet each other. I always thought Lizzy and Daisy could be friends. Or Tara and Mia. (Even though neither is from Candymakers)

    This is a very random question but would you ever consider writing a book about a theatre kid? I’ve always wished for a book about someone who loves theatre just as much as me.

    I have read Leap Day and A Mango Shaped Space. Every Soul A Star, and Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life. I’ve also read most of your other books. Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life taught me a lot. I cried when I read the letter from Jeremy’s dad for the first time, and every time I reread it, I cry all over again. Thank you for writing that. I apply the message to my everyday life.
    My favorite of your books is The Willow Falls series. They are probably my favorite books I’ve ever read. The characters are so amazing and I wish they were real and that they were my best friends. But when I open one of the books in the series, it’s like I get to hang out with my best friends.
    Thank you so much for writing the Willow Falls series. The books are inspiring, and truly life changing. I didn’t really realize this while I was reading them the first time, but they really are. The way that you described the way Grace and Angelina see the energy pulsing around everyone and the threads connecting all of us was super powerful and really resonated with me. I was inspired to write my own short story with similar themes. I included it in my first letter and email, but I know you generally don’t respond to individual letters from fans. I would love to know if you read it though.

    I love acting and I wish I could play Amanda, Rory or Tara in a movie. Or Angelina :). It would be so awesome if The Willow Falls books were made into movies. Is there any chance of that happening?
    Also, a while ago you said that a screenwriter had wanted to make Candymakers into a movie. Did anything happen with that?

    If you could respond to this I would be so so happy.

    You are a very special writer. Thank you so much for writing your awesome books! They have changed my life. I love your books so so so much!

    -Eliana (Age 13)

    • Wendy Mass on November 25, 2022 at 5:54 pm

      Thank you so much for your incredibly touching letter (and I of course apologize for just seeing it now). I wrote Jeremy’s dad’s letter before I had kids, kind of based on what I would want to tell them, and now my kids are older than Jeremy was! It means a lot to me that the letter has stayed in your heart. I’m so glad you picked up on all the cameos and references to other characters in the Candymakers sequel. That was definitely my way of getting to revisit those other books while moving the plot forward :). It wouldn’t surprise me if you become a writer yourself one day because you’re so insightful and clearly love books and stories.

      Thank you for the idea to write about a theatre kid, I have one of those living in my house right now lol. The play in 13 Gifts was probably the closest I’ve gotten to writing about it though, that I can recall. I hope you and your family are well and thank you so much for your kind words and for being you.

      Hugs!
      Wendy

  29. Ellie on January 12, 2019 at 7:13 pm

    Hi!
    I love your books so much! You are my favorite author ever! I wrote you a letter and an email but I don’t know if I sent them to the right address.
    I have read Candymakers and Candymakers and the Great Chocolate Chase so many times. I don’t know how many, but at least 25. They are amazing!! I know you’re not planning on writing a third Candymakers, but it would make me and everyone who’s read Candymakers so so so happy! I love how Candymakers has all the different perspectives that all come together. And I liked how you did it in the second one even more, where first there were separate perspectives and then everyone together. Also, I loved all the cameo appearances of characters from your stand alone books. It made me feel like even though they don’t have sequels, they all continue on with their lives and more things happen to them. Also, it made me happy that all your books take place in one universe and it’s possible for the characters to meet each other. I always thought Lizzy and Daisy could be friends. Or Tara and Mia. (Even though neither is from Candymakers)

    This is a very random question but would you ever consider writing a book about a theatre kid? I’ve always wished for a book about someone who loves theatre just as much as me.

    I have read Leap Day and A Mango Shaped Space. Every Soul A Star, and Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life. I’ve also read most of your other books. Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life taught me a lot. I cried when I read the letter from Jeremy’s dad for the first time, and every time I reread it, I cry all over again. Thank you for writing that. I apply the message to my everyday life.
    My favorite of your books is The Willow Falls series. They are probably my favorite books I’ve ever read. The characters are so amazing and I wish they were real and that they were my best friends. But when I open one of the books in the series, it’s like I get to hang out with my best friends.
    Thank you so much for writing the Willow Falls series. The books are inspiring, and truly life changing. I didn’t really realize this while I was reading them the first time, but they really are. The way that you described the way Grace and Angelina see the energy pulsing around everyone and the threads connecting all of us was super powerful and really resonated with me. I was inspired to write my own short story with similar themes. I included it in my first letter and email, but I know you generally don’t respond to individual letters from fans. I would love to know if you read it though.

    I love acting and I wish I could play Amanda, Rory or Tara in a movie. Or Angelina :). It would be so awesome if The Willow Falls books were made into movies. Is there any chance of that happening?
    Also, a while ago you said that a screenwriter had wanted to make Candymakers into a movie. Did anything happen with that?

    If you could respond to this I would be so so happy.

    You are a very special writer. Thank you so much for writing your awesome books! They have changed my life. I love your books so so so much!

    -Eliana (Age 13)

    • Wendy Mass on November 25, 2022 at 5:50 pm

      Thank you so much for your incredibly touching letter (and I of course apologize for just seeing it now). I wrote Jeremy’s dad’s letter before I had kids, kind of based on what I would want to tell them, and now my kids are older than Jeremy was! It means a lot to me that the letter has stayed in your heart. I’m so glad you picked up on all the cameos and references to other characters in the Candymakers sequel. That was definitely my way of getting to revisit those other books while moving the plot forward :). It wouldn’t surprise me if you become a writer yourself one day because you’re so insightful and clearly love books and stories.

      Thank you for the idea to write about a theatre kid, I have one of those living in my house right now lol. The play in 13 Gifts was probably the closest I’ve gotten to writing about it though, that I can recall. I hope you and your family are well and thank you so much for your kind words and for being you.

      Hugs!
      Wendy

  30. Mia on January 21, 2019 at 5:05 pm

    Hi! I am a huge fan of the willow falls books and though I know you have ended the series I thought it would be really cool if you could like publish Amanda’s diary. I would love to hear more stories about her and Leo 🙂

    • Wendy Mass on October 24, 2020 at 8:26 pm

      That’s such a great idea about Amanda’s diary but I’m not sure I could return to that timeline, since the last book takes them into the future. But maybe the next generation could find it or something and that could set off a new chain of events. Thanks for the idea and for being awesome 🙂 I’ll report on my blog if anything new happens with the series. xo, Wendy

  31. Ruby on January 24, 2019 at 10:22 pm

    HI! you are like my fav author! i love your books! keep writing please! you inspired me to become a writer so thanks so much

    • Wendy Mass on November 5, 2020 at 8:56 am

      That’s so great to hear, I hope you have had fun writing. If you haven’t already, check out nanowrimo.org, which is a really fun writing community for all ages. All my best to you! Wendy

  32. Carolyn Sigman on January 28, 2019 at 10:13 pm

    Hi, I just read Bob, and consider it one of the best stories I’ve read lately. It’s magical, yet has an identifiable real ness. Bob himself is a delight. I’d love to meet him. However, I’m really writing to ask if you would please write a sequel. I would love to read about another of Livy and Bob’s adventures.

    • Wendy Mass on October 27, 2020 at 5:25 pm

      Hi, I’m so glad you enjoyed Bob, we had a lot of fun writing it even though it took 7 years LOL. We’re not currently planning a sequel but I have no doubt Livy and Bob will see each other again, one way or another 🙂 Big hugs to you from me and Bob. Wendy

  33. Eloise on February 13, 2019 at 5:04 pm

    Dear Wendy Mass,
    I have just started to read 11 Birthdays. It is so good already and I am only on page 50! I am wondering, if you wrote a sequel to it? And how did you come up with the idea for the book?

    From, Eloise

    • Wendy Mass on October 24, 2020 at 8:21 pm

      Hi, by now I’m sure you’ve seen there are five books in the series. The idea came out of my love of time-travel stories; when I was growing up one of my favorite books was called Time Cat. Thanks so much for writing – and reading 🙂 Wendy

  34. Emma on March 21, 2019 at 10:28 am

    HI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    • Wendy Mass on October 24, 2020 at 5:54 pm

      HI!!!!!!!!!! (etc, but wow that’s a lot of exclamation points!)

  35. Ishaan Sharma on April 5, 2019 at 10:13 pm

    I love all your books, (I have also read all of them!) It would be cool if you did a collab with Rick Riordan! My favorite book of yours is: Finally. I like it because Rory Swenson reminds me of myself.

    • Wendy Mass on October 24, 2020 at 5:50 pm

      Rick might be a little too busy LOL. But I love his books too 🙂 That’s very funny about Rory, hopefully you have a little bit better luck. I did love her optimism though, and that book was a lot of fun to write. Thank you for reading all my books 🙂 Big hugs! Wendy

  36. Kaylin N on June 2, 2019 at 9:43 pm

    Hi Wendy!!
    I love the Willow Falls series and I wanted to know, are you going to be doing a spin-off series for the Willow Falls series? I think a spin off would be really cool to have a spin off series or do a book in the future where the characters have kids and Grace sends them on adventures like Angelina did to Leo, Amanda, Tara, and Rory.

    • Wendy Mass on October 24, 2020 at 5:44 pm

      OMG that’s such a fun idea to have Grace take over that role (but she would do it very differently no doubt)! I really will think about it, thanks for the encouragement 🙂 Hugs, Wendy

  37. Marco on July 2, 2019 at 3:29 pm

    Hello I just finished the book Bob but I was wondering if you can write a second book but Livy comes back in 1 year

    • Wendy Mass on October 24, 2020 at 5:38 pm

      So glad you liked it, it took Rebecca and I 7 years of passing chapters back and forth so I don’t think a sequel is in sight for a while LOL. Fingers crossed for a movie version though. Hugs to you! Wendy

  38. Eliana on September 3, 2019 at 4:13 pm

    Hi!
    I love your books so much! You are my favorite author! I wrote you a letter and an email but I don’t know if I sent them to the right address.
    I have read Candymakers and Candymakers and the Great Chocolate Chase so many times. I don’t know how many, but at least 25. They are amazing!! I know you’re not planning on writing a third Candymakers, but it would make me and everyone who’s read Candymakers so so so happy! I love how Candymakers has all the different perspectives that all come together. And I liked how you did it in the second one even more, where first there were separate perspectives and then everyone together. Also, I loved all the cameo appearances of characters from your stand alone books. Even though they don’t have sequels, it made me feel like they all continue on with their lives and more things happen to them. Also, it made me happy that all your books take place in one universe and it’s possible for the characters to meet each other. I always thought Lizzy and Daisy could be friends. Or Tara and Mia. (Even though neither is from Candymakers)

    This is a very random question but would you ever consider writing a book about a theatre kid? I’ve always wished for a book about someone who loves theatre just as much as me.

    I have read Leap Day and A Mango Shaped Space. Every Soul A Star, and Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life. I’ve also read most of your other books. Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life taught me a lot. I cried when I read the letter from Jeremy’s dad for the first time, and every time I reread it, I cry all over again. Thank you for writing that. I apply the message to my everyday life.
    My favorite of your books is The Willow Falls series. They are probably my favorite books I’ve ever read. The characters are so amazing and I wish they were real and that they were my best friends. But when I open one of the books in the series, it’s like I get to hang out with my best friends.
    Thank you so much for writing the Willow Falls series. The books are inspiring, and truly life changing. I didn’t really realize this while I was reading them the first time, but they really are. The way that you described the way Grace and Angelina see the energy pulsing around everyone and the threads connecting all of us was super powerful and really resonated with me. I was inspired to write my own short story with similar themes. I included it in my first letter and email, but I know you generally don’t respond to individual letters from fans. I would love to know if you read it though.

    I love acting and I wish I could play Amanda, Rory or Tara in a movie. Or Angelina :). It would be so awesome if The Willow Falls books were made into movies. Is there any chance of that happening?
    Also, a while ago you said that a screenwriter had wanted to make Candymakers into a movie. Did anything happen with that?

    If you could respond to this I would be so so happy.

    You are a very special writer. Thank you so much for writing your awesome books! They have changed my life. I love your books so so so much!

    -Eliana (Age 14)

    • Wendy Mass on November 24, 2019 at 5:03 pm

      Wow Eliana, your letter made me cry! (only fair if my books made you cry that you’d get to make me cry lol! ;o). Thank you for all your wonderful insights and for sharing them with me. Wow on reading CM 25 times!! You must know it better than than me lol! I’m glad you spotted all the cameos in the Candymakers sequel–I wanted to make sure the characters had a reason to be there–plotwise–rather than just sticking them in. The script for a Candymakers movie is still in the works…someone just has to want to actually make it so let’s cross all fingers and toes (and for Willow Falls, too!). As for the theatre kid question…I just don’t know enough about that world to do it justice…but you could write it! Reaching out through the computer to give you a big hug!! All my best, Wendy

  39. Alice on September 18, 2019 at 8:23 pm

    Hello!!! I’m Alice Burke and my brother is Bruce Burke, we are twins, we are 9 years old. How can I send you a letter? Do you have an address that I could send it to?

    Thanks, Alice

    PS. I lovvveeee your books sooo much

    • Wendy Mass on November 24, 2019 at 4:52 pm

      Hi Alices and Bruce! I have boy/girl twins too, they’re a little older than you guys. Isn’t it fun? You can write me here and I’ll do my best to check back in soon. Thanks for reading the books!! Hugs to you both! –Wendy

  40. Sami Rothenberg on October 10, 2019 at 7:44 pm

    Hi my name is Sami. I live in Florida and I am ten years old. I just finished your book Bob. I really loved it so much. I loved it because as I was reading, I kept becoming more curious about the characters. I loved picturing your story in my head and using my imagination. I wish Bob and Livy were my friends . They really cared about each other. Is there any chance you will be writing a sequel to Bob? I would love to know what happened after five years again? Thank you for reading my letter and for making such a great book. Please write back if you can. From, Sami

    • Wendy Mass on November 24, 2019 at 4:36 pm

      Hi Sami!! I’m so glad you enjoyed Bob! They feel like my friends, too! I don’t think there will be a sequel, but if you have the paperback there’s a bonus chapter at the end that gives a peek at Bob’s life after the book. I hope that helps! :o)
      Hugs to you!!
      Wendy

  41. Aryonnah on November 7, 2019 at 1:08 pm

    I just read 11 Birthdays and 13 gifts for the first time. OMG! They’re some of the best books I’ve read, and I’ve read a lot of books for my age. #iloveyourbooks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  42. WMSTR on November 9, 2019 at 8:34 am

    There is no Livyandbob.com, but there is Bobandlivy.com.

    • Wendy Mass on November 24, 2019 at 4:33 pm

      Thanks for the heads up! I fixed it. :o)

  43. Emily Jose on November 12, 2019 at 12:37 pm

    Honestly, your books create more than connections and a wonderful imagination. For me, they created beautiful friendships from childhood till high school. Thank you 🙂

    • Wendy Mass on November 24, 2019 at 4:07 pm

      Hi Emily! That is so lovely to hear (and makes me feel a little old at the same time lol, but that’s ok!). That really means a lot to me, thank you for taking my books along on your journey, I’m honored!!
      HUGS TO YOU!!!!!
      Wendy

  44. Carolyn on May 7, 2020 at 3:01 pm

    I read Bob to second graders at my school (through distance learning) and they LOVED it! I’m the librarian, so we did it over Seesaw. They asked me to let you know that they want more of Bob. They keep asking me if there are more Bob books. I hope one day to tell them that there will be! They are so sad that Livy won’t see Bob again. They didn’t notice that he said, “I’ll see you in five years.” What could that mean???

    • Wendy Mass on May 8, 2020 at 9:49 am

      Hi, thank you so much for sharing BOB with your kids! Big hugs to all of you!! Not sure that they were able to see the illustration at the end that showed Livy on the plane? I don’t want to put any spoilers up here, but maybe you can show them that picture and they’ll see she has something with her. That should allay their concern. ;o). And the five years was really just the same amount of time since the last visit, so seemed likely that’s when she’d be back…hope that helps! All my best to you and the kids!! — Wendy

  45. Katie on July 12, 2020 at 12:31 pm

    Hi!
    I just read BOB, and it was AMAZING!!! The part where BOB was sad that he didn’t have a MOM was sooo SAD. It made me cry. I was really, truly happy that he had a whole family at the end. When I finished reading this book, I cried BIG TIME. This book made me realize how lucky I am to not just to have parents but siblings to keep me out of my boredom too. After I finished reading this book, it left me with mixed feelings. Both happy and sad. I think this book is the best book that connected me to Fantasy and also reminded me that there are SOOO many people that are less fortunate than me. THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH FOR WRITING THIS BOOK:)))))))))
    P.S Any chance you and Rebecca Stead are going to write a sequel to the book BOB

    • Wendy Mass on October 23, 2020 at 3:07 pm

      Thank you so much for your beautiful letter; hearing that it made you cry made me cry! When we were writing the book, we didn’t know what Bob would find at the end but it was very important to us that the reader felt like Bob was safe and where he belonged. We added that bonus chapter to the paperback that tells a little of Bob’s life after the events of the story, but that is probably as close as we will get to a sequel. Fingers crossed for an animated movie version, though. Thank you again for reaching out and I’m honored that Bob left such an impact on you. Hugs, Wendy

  46. Joy Tierney on May 23, 2022 at 8:13 am

    Dear Ms. Mass:

    We are a group of 3rd grade students in Connecticut who just read Bob as a part of an after school book club. We loved it! However, we are dying for a sequel, as we want to know if Livy ever finds the black pawn and meets Bob again in 5 years. Does Bob find his way back to the well to be reunited with his mom again? Does Livy take Rufus to America? If so, perhaps she can find Bob in America? Please tell us you have reconsidered and will be writing the sequel. Thank you.

  47. Ceryna on February 13, 2023 at 3:49 pm

    Hi!! I am your biggest fan. I just read every soul a star it is sooo good. I read the willow falls series a month or so ago and for my 13th birthday, I’m going to have it willow falls themed! I read BOB with my sister when I was about nine and now I am almost 12 and I still love your books for a little while I didn’t read any more of your books but last year I read the twice upon a time and just kept reading your books. They have helped me overcome a lot of challenges in life.
    I wish I could meet you in person but I live all the way down in Oklahoma so it’s not likely☹ I feel like your book characters are my best friends because I don’t really have any. Your books are my favorite because I am really ahead of most kids my age in reading level wise and most books I can read aren’t very appropriate or interesting but these are interesting and my level!👍 I just hope one day I can be as good a writer as you!!!!!!

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