Monsters (Kumaw)

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The characters of

Bridge Academy

Children’s Books

Humans

Bridge Academy is an original book series for today’s readers—fast-paced, emotionally rich, and impossible to put down. It’s inspiring without preaching, empowering without clichés, and filled with magic that feels both wondrous and dangerous. Expect sharp humor, moments of pure silliness, and twists that make you stop and think long after you’ve turned the page.

At its heart, it’s about finding your people, trusting your voice, and choosing who you become when the world pushes back.

UPCOMING RELEASES

A book cover titled "Bridge Academy Book 1 Monsters" featuring silhouettes of children on a bridge over a fiery, glowing chasm with a full moon in a starry night sky.

bridge academy:  Book 1

MONSTERS

Bridge Academy’s ‘Monsters’ is the first book in a series, featuring ordinary children who are faced with extraordinary situations, involving monsters, magic, and a hidden mystery at their school that forces them to be smart, creative, brave, and adventurous.

Available on amazon print and digital

September 20, 2026

meet bruce smolen, author and illustrator

Born and raised in Southern California, Bruce spent his early years in a crowded tiny pink house, raised by very loving parents (he's the youngest of 6 children). His family spent most of their time together - all holidays were a huge deal and family dinners were crowded, in the best way. The family was fortunate to have a big back yard, pets, and neighbors who raised both horses and chickens! He spent hot summers running through sprinklers, and hot winters sweating in his new Christmas sweater (he was in Southern California, after all). This explains why Bruce gets mesmerized whenever he sees falling snow—he never had the opportunity to play in it when he was growing up! Always writing, he recently started providing the illustrations for his books as well. Bruce feels the story is the most important things in his books, which feature characters who become enlightened, kind and caring, or empowered. He strives to create books that are fun for both children and adults to read.

A smiling, handsome man with gray hair wearing a white t-shirt in a green, outdoor landscape.

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