Yesterday was my Moms birthday. The good news was, I spent it helping my Dad go shopping to make the shift from fruit-smuggler underwear to boxer-briefs. Was easily the funniest, best, most crazy Dad-moment in a long while. But so proud of my Pop for entering the new century. (Special thanks to Craig Rogers, who made me stop wearing those underwear in 1988.)

And yes, I know my Dad's reading this now (because he's friended nearly half of you). But this is how I'm going to get him to laugh. Can't wait to milk all the emotions for a scene in a book. Love you all.

For those who have adopted kids -- or know someone who do, this came to me from the sister of one of my first readers (and now dear friend). Of course, feel free to share with anyone you think needs to hear it:

Brad... my sister is in the process of adopting, and had this conversation with her 4 year old son today (who WILL be getting a copy of your Heroes!):

This morning I was driving Nathan to daycare and we were talking about Batman and Spiderman, as we so often do. He asked about what happened to Batman's mom and dad. I told him that Bruce Wayne's mom and dad had died and that Alfred had helped raise him and stayed with him. He asked about Spiderman, where were his mom and dad. I didn't know but that Peter Parker was raised by his uncle and aunt. And while I was prepared to launch into my favorite "all families are different and as long as there is love its a family" schpeel that I love so dearly, Nathan had his own story to tell. He told me that this would be just like for his new sister. That we aren't her first family but that she'd come live with us and we'd love her forever like Alfred did for Batman. He says he will tell his big sister all about Batman and how families can love you and make you a superhero even if you aren't there as a baby first. Yeah... we're going to be just fine.

Here it is. The winner for the title of the new non-fiction book, out this May. And, the very first look at the cover.

Heroes For My Son.

And yes, it was the biggest blowout vote we ever had. Just staggering. Special sorry to my wife, who lost.

Hugs and thanks to all who voted.

First cover.

Issue 32.

Out in February.

Georges Jeanty drawing.

And Joss's reaction is about right.

Happy 40th Sesame Street. And still have my favorites... Sing it with me. Imagine the old animation and that trippy ball: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5... (YouTube)

Saw Where The Wild Things Are last night. It has no business being great. But it is. So manipulative. So perfect. It just replays all the operas from your childhood, and for ten bucks, you have your childhood back. I will watch anything Spike Jonze does. Eggers too.

Also, I love this and I'm so jealous of them. Like seeing cool kids who you know could be your friends. I can just feel the Gen Ys getting started. Proof that they'll always be something new for us.

Since I'm 15 years old, I've been eating at Jumbo's. I eventually married the owner's daughter. It is a Miami landmark, but it's also the best fried shrimp and chicken anywhere. That's right. Anywhere.

Sadly, because of the economy, it's been losing money by the handful. So take a look at this video and see why history will miss this one.

Click here (YouTube)

Oh, yes, it's that time again -- Fall approaches, pumpkins appear, and my wife revels in the fact that I'm physically incapable of picking my own title for the next book. In my defense, this is a different kind of title, since it's the first non-fiction book I've ever done.

So first, please help us vote (pick one of these titles only -- and the description of the book is below, but don't read that until you vote). Which title do you like better:

Heroes For My Son

or

50 Heroes For My Son

Yes, I know they're similar. Just vote (you can vote below, or send an email to bradmeltzer44 at gmail.com, or at @bradmeltzer on twitter). You vote? Okay, then here's what the book's about:

Since the day my son was born, I've been writing a book for him. It's a collection of heroes throughout history. Some are famous (like Jim Henson, Mr. Rogers, and Rosa Parks). Some are totally unknown. (In fact, if you have someone you're thinking of, send them my way). But the result is this book -- a gift to my son.

Yes, I know I'm mushy. It's for my boys. I'm allowed. (I'll be even more mushy in the book I did for my daughter, which comes out the following year.)

So there you go. Whatever it's called, it won't be out until May 2010 (yes, for Father's Day), so please vote now. And as always, thanks for putting up with this.

Love,

B

I'm coming to Indiana this Saturday (October 3rd, 7:30 pm) for a reading, signing, talk -- all the good stuff at the Michigan City Public Library, 100 E. Fourth Street, Michigan City (Google Map).

Call 219-873-3049 for more information and here's a link to the event.

And as always, will sign whatever you want to bring.

Wanna get your name (or a loved one's name) in my next novel and help a good cause?

Comix4Sight Auction