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The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination
From New York Times bestselling author Brad Montague comes a top-secret, behind-the-scenes peek at the official agency that keeps the world's creativity flowing.
Every day, special figment agent Sparky delivers all the mail the FBI receives to the proper department, like the Office of the Unexplainable or the Department of Dreams. It's a big job, but Sparky keeps everything running smoothly . . . until disaster strikes when the Cave of Untold Stories overflows and threatens to topple the whole bureau. It turns out too many people have been holding in their big ideas, and now Sparky must recruit more agents to share their dreams, songs, and stories with the world.
And now, dear reader, will you join the effort and become a special agent before it's too late? The FBI is counting on you!
Every day, special figment agent Sparky delivers all the mail the FBI receives to the proper department, like the Office of the Unexplainable or the Department of Dreams. It's a big job, but Sparky keeps everything running smoothly . . . until disaster strikes when the Cave of Untold Stories overflows and threatens to topple the whole bureau. It turns out too many people have been holding in their big ideas, and now Sparky must recruit more agents to share their dreams, songs, and stories with the world.
And now, dear reader, will you join the effort and become a special agent before it's too late? The FBI is counting on you!
40 pages, Hardcover
Published March 21, 2023
7 people are currently reading
315 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
March 21, 2023
There are a select number of authors who’s books I will buy automatically, and Brad Montague is one of them. He has yet to disappoint. The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination will delight both kids and former kids with its beautiful, in-depth illustrations (the page mapping the bureau is one of my absolute favorites), delightful story, and profound message. The saying, “The dreamers are many but the doers are few,� may haunt me forever in the best way possible. There are so many fun ways to engage this book too, including designing your own figment (my idea) and your own FBI badge (the book’s). I’d love to wax philosophical about the Cave of Untold Stories, and how we think a dragon is both guarding and hoarding it until she begs Sparky to reach out to humans, but I think you should just get the book and find your own nuggets of beauty. I’m sure you’ll discover plenty.
March 29, 2023
It's so motivating! ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ Imma go write now!
March 25, 2023
If it’s Brad Montague, I’m automatically buying it. I absolutely loved this! Like his book “Circles…� there is a layer of meaning for kids, former kids, humans of all ages, without losing sight of the need for succinct and uplifting language. I think Brad and Kristen are just hardwired hopefuls who really make a difference in so many people’s lives. So, I’ll do my small part to support their creative endeavors and important work! The FBI reminds all of us that the dreamers are many, but the doers are few� and it’s never too late (here I was thinking this message is for the kids, but it’s a reminder I think I needed to hear). I cannot wait to read this to my daughter’s 3rd grade class as the Mystery Reader next week! The illustrations are extraordinary, as well. Instant classic. Go, Imagine, and Create!
June 24, 2023
Adore this picture book!!! a picture book about the "FBI" (as in: the fantastic bureau of imagination) where dreams are kept, colors are decided, plays are created, etc. In the book there are different "figments" (as in, figments of imagination) who have different roles & responsibilities including SPARKY who is the mail figment and in charge of getting people their mail -- but realizes that the storytelling section of the imagination is overflowing and therefore no one can get their stories out!!!!!!! Anyways a very cute & word-play kind of book, a solid four stars out of five.
May 3, 2023
Agents of Imagination are needed!
From endpage to endpage and everything in-between, this is a delightfully quirky picture book that gives a behind the scenes look at the hidden Fantastic Bureau of Imagination, the secret headquarters of ideas, dreams, wishes, and more. Sparky is a special agent who delivers their mail and discovers there is a big problem at The Cave of Untold Stories. A fun resource to encourage imaginative play and creativity.
From endpage to endpage and everything in-between, this is a delightfully quirky picture book that gives a behind the scenes look at the hidden Fantastic Bureau of Imagination, the secret headquarters of ideas, dreams, wishes, and more. Sparky is a special agent who delivers their mail and discovers there is a big problem at The Cave of Untold Stories. A fun resource to encourage imaginative play and creativity.
June 1, 2023
What a perfect imagination “springboard “to use with kids! Figment Sparky will prompt plenty of ideas for kids to be creative in whatever area is their strength, OR, help them to discover and explore/develop their strengths: reading, singing, acting, playing an instrument, writing, athletics, dance, and so much more. Have fun with this book!!
November 14, 2023
Too preachy, too pedantic. I just found it busy not endearing at all. Trying to motivate kids to be creative and yet a character is afraid a dragon will laugh at his hat? It just was too incongruous.
May 5, 2023
This book will go down as one of my all time favorites, especially for the beginning of the school year when starting writing. It felt like a big hug!
November 22, 2024
Wordy and detailed. A book to inspire your own imagination.
The first half of the book introduces the Fantastic Bureau of Imagination, including maps and creatures. In the second half, the Cave of Untold Stories is overflowing, so the workers encourage people to let their ideas out into the world.
The first half of the book introduces the Fantastic Bureau of Imagination, including maps and creatures. In the second half, the Cave of Untold Stories is overflowing, so the workers encourage people to let their ideas out into the world.
October 30, 2024
This is a whimsical, wonderful ode to the imagination.
March 21, 2023
Lovely message!
It's funny that just yesterday I had a co-worker tell me how much her daughter liked a card I made her for a Valentine's Day gift exchange -- the card had been delivered late, so she got it last week. She told me her daughter had been reading it every day because she liked how I added different paper cutouts and non-linear ideas. The situation inspired me to write one for the young girl, using a simple purple study sheet with ideas to inspire her to write as much as she could on anything, even simple study sheets. After adding a yellow study sheet, some sticker sheets, and washy tape to the little package I sent her, I challenged her to make a card of her own and pass the challenge along to someone else.
Today, I'm holding this book and feeling proud to be an agent even before being formally invited to... now I'm officially part of the bureau.
I keep telling myself I bought this book for my son... but he's 8 months old, so... sure. I'm still making him a badge because he undoubtedly inspires us (his family) to both dream and do on his behalf until he's old enough to do it for himself.
I hope this book reaches tons of people, regardless of age 💕
It's funny that just yesterday I had a co-worker tell me how much her daughter liked a card I made her for a Valentine's Day gift exchange -- the card had been delivered late, so she got it last week. She told me her daughter had been reading it every day because she liked how I added different paper cutouts and non-linear ideas. The situation inspired me to write one for the young girl, using a simple purple study sheet with ideas to inspire her to write as much as she could on anything, even simple study sheets. After adding a yellow study sheet, some sticker sheets, and washy tape to the little package I sent her, I challenged her to make a card of her own and pass the challenge along to someone else.
Today, I'm holding this book and feeling proud to be an agent even before being formally invited to... now I'm officially part of the bureau.
I keep telling myself I bought this book for my son... but he's 8 months old, so... sure. I'm still making him a badge because he undoubtedly inspires us (his family) to both dream and do on his behalf until he's old enough to do it for himself.
I hope this book reaches tons of people, regardless of age 💕
April 16, 2023
This creative, unique picture book is about the importance of sharing your creativity with the world instead of feeling ashamed to share your work. The book has lots of fun, fantastical elements, and the busy illustrations are full of great world-building details that will appeal to kids and adults. This would also make a great read-aloud. One of my coworkers saw this book before I did and read aloud the letter that appears at the beginning. It was so funny, and was even better with her dramatic reading!
Although this is a great read-aloud, this book isn't ideal for a library or classroom storytime unless there is only a small group in attendance. The illustrations include lots of small details that are essential to the fantasy world and story and would easily get missed when you're not up close and personal with the pages.
I want to give a caveat to the book's message as well. There are no words to express the tremendous joy that I have experienced by sharing my characters and many of my stories with close friends, but at the same time, I am still a very private writer. It is okay to be creative without seeking a public audience!
Although this is a great read-aloud, this book isn't ideal for a library or classroom storytime unless there is only a small group in attendance. The illustrations include lots of small details that are essential to the fantasy world and story and would easily get missed when you're not up close and personal with the pages.
I want to give a caveat to the book's message as well. There are no words to express the tremendous joy that I have experienced by sharing my characters and many of my stories with close friends, but at the same time, I am still a very private writer. It is okay to be creative without seeking a public audience!
May 8, 2023
"If you have found this book, it is no accident. Our agents have been working to get this into your hands for a very long time now."
Sparky, the figment that delivers mail, but also writes poetry ... though he never shares it with anyone. But one day, Sparky discovers that there are a whole bunch of ideas, symphonies, plays and inventions that have never been shared and it's causing a problem at the Bureau of Imagination. They are all in the Cave of Untold Stories and if they aren't shared with the world soon, the Bureau of Imagination could collapse! "Ideas are not just meant for having and holding, but for sharing and living and doing." So Sparky sends out a request (in the form of a poem) for everyone to share their ideas.
Fun stuff
Sparky, the figment that delivers mail, but also writes poetry ... though he never shares it with anyone. But one day, Sparky discovers that there are a whole bunch of ideas, symphonies, plays and inventions that have never been shared and it's causing a problem at the Bureau of Imagination. They are all in the Cave of Untold Stories and if they aren't shared with the world soon, the Bureau of Imagination could collapse! "Ideas are not just meant for having and holding, but for sharing and living and doing." So Sparky sends out a request (in the form of a poem) for everyone to share their ideas.
Fun stuff
March 24, 2023
So many illustrations to follow as you read the book...lots of details to absorb through multiple readings. I love the challenge presented to the reader...to let your ideas and thoughts out into the world and share them with others, whatever they might be. I didn't give it a five star because it is such a unique book in that I am not sure what age group it will hit. I actually could see art teachers and English teachers using it as a lead into creativity. Younger readers will need some help guiding them through the illustrations.
April 22, 2023
The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination is a book that leaves you feeling inspired and wanting to share your creativity with the world.
The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination is a top-secret building where figments work. This story focuses on Sparky who is a mail carrier figment. Sparky also loves to write poetry but he never actually shares what he writes. One day Sparky observes that the Cave of Untold Stories is overflowing and realizes to save the bureau that humans will need to share their stories, songs, and art. Sparky writes a beautifully inspiring poem to get humans to share their work.
The illustrations are charming and perfectly balance this truly unique story. Each page had tiny details that enhanced the story and kept my children engaged. We especially liked the tiny pictures of all the different departments that Sparky delivered mail to.
'The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination' encourages readers to create something and not be afraid to put their work out there for others to see. It is worth reading this book just for this line: "We must dream, but we must also do!"
** This review first appeared on YA Book Central and can be found here
The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination is a top-secret building where figments work. This story focuses on Sparky who is a mail carrier figment. Sparky also loves to write poetry but he never actually shares what he writes. One day Sparky observes that the Cave of Untold Stories is overflowing and realizes to save the bureau that humans will need to share their stories, songs, and art. Sparky writes a beautifully inspiring poem to get humans to share their work.
The illustrations are charming and perfectly balance this truly unique story. Each page had tiny details that enhanced the story and kept my children engaged. We especially liked the tiny pictures of all the different departments that Sparky delivered mail to.
'The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination' encourages readers to create something and not be afraid to put their work out there for others to see. It is worth reading this book just for this line: "We must dream, but we must also do!"
** This review first appeared on YA Book Central and can be found here
July 12, 2023
First sentence: Welcome to the Fantastic Bureau of Imagination. Apologies, but humans are not allowed to see the outside of our secret headquarters. It is highly classified. You'll just have to imagine it. Some young humans have mailed us art to show what they think our building looks like. They are always wrong. Most of our agency business is handled by curious little creatures known as figments.
Premise/plot: This picture book reveals that "every song that has ever been sung; every piece of art that has ever been hung; every dream that's ever been dreamed" have their source in the FANTASTIC BUREAU OF IMAGINATION. The book gives readers a behind the scenes glimpse of life in the bureau/agency. It follows the adventures and misadventures of the figment, Sparky.
My thoughts: I can't make up my mind on this one. On one hand, I really like elements of it. On the other hand, I'm not quite sure if I love it. It's an odd little picture book. I think it could be good to read aloud for writing teachers.
Premise/plot: This picture book reveals that "every song that has ever been sung; every piece of art that has ever been hung; every dream that's ever been dreamed" have their source in the FANTASTIC BUREAU OF IMAGINATION. The book gives readers a behind the scenes glimpse of life in the bureau/agency. It follows the adventures and misadventures of the figment, Sparky.
My thoughts: I can't make up my mind on this one. On one hand, I really like elements of it. On the other hand, I'm not quite sure if I love it. It's an odd little picture book. I think it could be good to read aloud for writing teachers.
May 15, 2023
The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination has a bevy of special agents, called “figments� who help to keep the world’s creativity running. One agent, Sparky, notices a disaster brewing in the heart of the bureau, so he puts the call out to all the readers of the world to help save the bureau with their imaginations.
Brad Montague was the creative mind behind “Kid President� and almost all of his content is charming, uplifting, and empowering. His book, co-illustrated with his wife, is the same. It’s a fantastical tale, brimming with magic and possibility. I would argue that it’s complex enough for upper elementary (4-6) as I don’t think younger readers would grasp the full message. I do think it is a book that would be more loved by adults than children. I also think this would be a great supplementary book in the classroom for a creative writing unit.
Brad Montague was the creative mind behind “Kid President� and almost all of his content is charming, uplifting, and empowering. His book, co-illustrated with his wife, is the same. It’s a fantastical tale, brimming with magic and possibility. I would argue that it’s complex enough for upper elementary (4-6) as I don’t think younger readers would grasp the full message. I do think it is a book that would be more loved by adults than children. I also think this would be a great supplementary book in the classroom for a creative writing unit.
November 3, 2023
Sparky is a figment who works at the Fantastic Bureau of Imagination. He writes lots of poetry (which he never shares) and he delivers mail. Sparky and his dreampuppy, Rascal, deliver all the mail at the Bureau. Every day, they fly over the Cave of Untold Stories. It is guarded by Brenda, the dragon. He never stops because Brenda never gets any mail. Until one day - he notices that the cave is exploding! What to do? What if Brenda eats him? But he has to investigate. He discovers that there are too many Untold Stories - and that includes poems. Can Sparky solve the problem? Of course he can!
Dreampuppies are very cute. And creativity is meant to be shared. There are lots of details to go back and explore after you read through it the first time. And lots of activities and ideas to be sparked. Just be sure to share them.
Dreampuppies are very cute. And creativity is meant to be shared. There are lots of details to go back and explore after you read through it the first time. And lots of activities and ideas to be sparked. Just be sure to share them.
May 16, 2023
Montague captures the joy of creating and dreaming. He also emphasizes being brave and moving beyond dreams to acting on them. To actually creating stories, dances, poems, artwork, etc to share the untold stories with the world. Readers meet the figments who keep creativity alive. Then they see what will happen if the untold stories are not shared. Tom the Mail Figment boldly sends messages to humans to help save the Bureau and share their creative works with others.
Clever method to encourage this by inviting readers to become agents too. Love the illustrations.
Clever method to encourage this by inviting readers to become agents too. Love the illustrations.
June 14, 2023
Sparky and the other figments of imagination work hard to keep the FBI (Fantastic Bureau of Imagination) running smoothly. Sparky delivers all the mail. But one day the Cave of Untold Stories begins to overflow. Too many people are holding in their stories and songs and poems and ideas. Sparky has to help people share their ideas with the world. And the FBI needs your help! Will you share your ideas with the world before it's too late?!
My third graders loved this!
My third graders loved this!
June 7, 2023
I can just imagine this book being devoured by young children wanting to check out every small detail of all the adorable illustrations. The agents called figments are especially compelling. The main character, Sparky, delivers all the ideas. The message is to act on all your ideas, don't leave them untold, share them. Very likeable.
July 21, 2023
5 stars (I loved it)
This was so creative AND had a great message about using your imagination and sharing your stories/idea/ etc.
I feel like I could stare at the page with all the different rooms for like 30 minutes and still look for more things.
I need to purchase this for my school library and maybe even for my personal library!
This was so creative AND had a great message about using your imagination and sharing your stories/idea/ etc.
I feel like I could stare at the page with all the different rooms for like 30 minutes and still look for more things.
I need to purchase this for my school library and maybe even for my personal library!
June 5, 2024
A look at the figments that work in the bureau of imagination. When Sparky the mail carrier finds himself needing to help the dragon in charge of untold stories before the cave explodes, he finds some of his uncompleted poems in the pile. As a result of his actions, more people tell their stories and the cave settles.
March 21, 2023
“Whenever there is fear, let us imagine FRIENDS� Love this book of wonder and possibilities. Reminds me of the Richard Scarry books when I was a kid, you could read this over and over and see something different each time. Love Brad and Kristi Montague’s art
March 22, 2023
What an encouraging book! Full of humor, compassion, and kid-pleasing art and creativity for the child in all of us. Encouraging us to make the world more beautiful and magical. I see years of reading this to my grands and great-grands in my future! Thank you for spreading delight.
March 25, 2023
Each page has so much detail to look at and starts the reader's creative juices flowing. As expected, Brad and Kristi have written another thoughtful, delightful book that brings more joy into the world.
April 26, 2023
The bones, the essence of this book is great. I mean, FIGMENTS work at the Bureau of Imagination?! So cute! And sharing your ideas and making them happen....also great.
But the font is too small and the text is too wordy. I lost interest. I knew I couldn't do it for my storytime! So meh
But the font is too small and the text is too wordy. I lost interest. I knew I couldn't do it for my storytime! So meh
April 27, 2023
This book would be the perfect jumping off point for lots of lessons-from writing to STEM to art to anything that involves creativity. I’ll definitely be purchasing this for my school library & recommending it to lots of teachers.
May 12, 2023
You are invited to become a special agent at the Fantastic Bureau of Imagination. More agents are urgently needed to keep the creativity of the world running. Please join us now.
Invitation accepted!
I'm so happy to become part of this wonderful organization, and you will, too.
Invitation accepted!
I'm so happy to become part of this wonderful organization, and you will, too.
May 27, 2023
My rating is not with everyone else who is giving it 4 and 5 stars. Cute idea but I found it to be too preachy at the end, and not sure the intended picture book audience will understand the message.
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