WORDS
I’ve spent most of my life telling stories through music and theatre. When our adoptive son came along, storytelling took a different shape — songs to pass the morning, made-up adventures before sleep. For a while, though, the stress of parenting silenced my creativity. Then, almost out of necessity, the stories came back — first to comfort him, then to make sense of our world together. I write for children who feel deeply and see the world a little differently — stories about difference, resilience, and the imagination that helps us belong.
Here are my stories, happy to share more upon request.
Now that the stories are flowing again, they’re looking for the right hands to help them reach readers. Visuals are temporary concept renderings generated for tone and atmosphere. I look forward to partnering with illustrators for future editions.
FAST FEET, BRAVE HEART
These gifts are already in you.
Some worlds can’t see them. But here, they are treasure.
Picture book (ages 5–8) · ~1400 words
Leo is quick, curious, and bursting with ideas — but school feels like a code he can’t crack. One noisy morning pushes him over the edge and sends him running. In the blink of an eye, he stumbles into another world, where the very traits that got him in trouble become the talents a whole community depends on. By helping others find their balance, he finally discovers his own.
Fast Feet, Brave Heart is a vibrant picture-book adventure about hidden strengths, friendship across worlds, and learning how to use your gifts at the right time.
THE HUNGER FLOWER
Every storm hides a question.
Every child carries the answer inside.
Literary Fable (ages 7-10) · ~2000 words
When a forgotten god’s creation escapes Mount Olympus, a single golden bloom takes root in the mortal world—spreading hunger and unrest. From its shadow comes a child, bright and restless, found beneath an olive tree and raised beside the sea. Zenon is curious, quick, and full of storm—never quite in step with those around him. After one impulsive act shatters the harmony of his seaside home, he faces three trials to mend what is broken: confronting the world’s harsh voices, the mystery of his beginning, and the wildness within.
Blending Greek myth with the truths of growing up, Zenon and the Hunger Flower is a story of difference, courage, and finding calm inside the storm.
ROOM BETWEEN THE ROWS
We planted seeds in cups at home.
I checked every five minutes. Nothing. Still Nothing.
Picture book (ages 4–8) · 48 pages
When city life starts to feel too small, one restless boy and his dad find a patch of earth at the edge of town. The garden looks empty at first—just dirt, sticks, and wind—but it soon becomes a place of small wonders, muddy mistakes, and quiet triumphs. Through spilled seeds, soggy shoes, and slow returns each spring, he learns the rhythms of growing—how to look closer, wait longer, and make space for roots, blossoms, and everything else.
Told with warmth and humor, Room Between the Rows is a tender story about patience, connection, and finding the right space to grow.
PAJAMA PAVAROTTI
I have supersonic ears. Not the superhero kind.
Papa sings and my brain feels like a shaken-up soda.
Picture book (ages 4–8) · 48 pages
Paul loves rockets, UFOs, and making the loudest spaceship sounds in the universe. Papa loves singing—everywhere, all the time. But Paul’s supersonic ears catch every wobble and warm-up, and even Papa’s softest song can feel too big. When one noisy day leaves both of them quiet and confused, Paul discovers something surprising: sometimes the sounds we can’t stand are the ones someone else needs.
With a splash of musical chaos alongside everyday fun, Pajama Pavarotti and the Supersonic Ears is a tender picture book about sensory overwhelm, creative expression, and setting boundaries that work for everyone.
…COMING SOON…
Something’s growing here. Check again next season.
Or, for the truly brave:
You can also read my analysis of the tricky parts of German employment law.
(Spoiler: the plot twists are collective-bargaining agreements.)
Location
dresden, germany
Phone
(+49) 0176 4382 5280
brian@brianvonrueden.com