Dream Worlds, Witches, Ella Fitzgerald and New Orleans.
January 16, 2024. For immediate release.
Bernice and the Shadow Witch, the second book in a planned trilogy of the Bernice Books series, has dropped. DC-based LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs Brandt Ricca (author) and Matt Miller (illustrator) are thrilled to continue taking young readers along a fictional and whimsical journey of the adventures of Bernice Hart. Their first novel in the series, Bernice and the Wonder of Pearl, was released in 2022 and went on to become a #1 bestseller on Amazon.
The second book takes place during the holidays as inquisitive Bernice finds herself back in her hometown of New Orleans. She meets a new troublemaking neighbor, Ellie, who leads her down a path of dark storms, secrets and unexpected discoveries. The books brings back the popular Keeper of the Universe (who monitors the dreams of sleeping children until they turn ten years old) and narrator of each book, Gracie. Bernice and Gracie come face-to-face in a dream universe with Shadow Witches and find themselves in a race against time to save a lost loved one. The page-turning novel, perfect for ages 9 and up, continues to offer readers real-life lessons on dealing with adversity, acceptance, and love, accompanied with charming and whimsical twist and artwork.
“The first Bernice Book was so successful and we couldn’t wait to continue telling her story,” shared Ricca. “It’s been tremendously fun to write this next chapter, further explore Bernice’s character, and watch her grow and learn more about herself, and that’s something we hope readers will take away as well.”
The Bernice Books series is the spin-off series from the Barris Books, which follows Bernice’s older brother Barris Hart as he navigates through his own dream universe and magical ventures, with Gracie. Together, the two book collections emphasize an appreciation for diversity, the importance of acceptance, and self discovery, all placed against historically fascinating backdrops inspired by America’s Deep South. Both series have become a popular read on bookshelves nationwide and at libraries and schools within the Washington D.C., Florida and New Orleans areas.
“It’s been tremendously fulfilling to see our work capture the hearts of young readers. When we visited schools, we were able to see and experience firsthand how Bernice’s story resonates with students. The story and illustrations are deeply personal to both of us and it’s amazing to see how these characters can be mirrors for young readers in which they can see themselves reflected,” explained Miller.
Bernice and the Shadow Witch can be ordered by visiting here. The book is available where all books are sold including Amazon and Kindle, Target, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart. Ricca and Miller plan to release Bernice and the Broken Dream, the third and final installment in the Bernice Books series in Fall 2024.
About Brandt Ricca: Brandt Ricca is the founder of local D.C. based branding agency, Nora Lee by Brandt Ricca. Ricca was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and loves the Southern culture and creative atmosphere of New Orleans, which inspired the setting for the life of Barris and Bernice Hart. Having a writing background and a family history of owning a newspaper, telling stories has always been at the forefront of Ricca’s mindset.
About Matt Miller: Matt Miller is a designer and artist that bounces back and forth from D.C. and Florida. Miller’s artistic background and love for interior design and architecture are the foundation for his interior design and rendering business, Studio Perspective. With a soft spot for historic architecture of the American South, and gathering inspiration from his own vivid dreams, Miller felt he was the perfect fit for illustrating the world of the Barris and Bernice Books series.
Select illustrations, imagery, and cover art from Bernice and the Shadow Witch, are available here. For more information please contact Brandt Ricca at brandt@noraleedc.com or at (202) 417-1177.
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