Brad

Montague

Bestselling Children’s Author & Illustrator

Social Media Changemaker

Travels from: Memphis, TN

“Written in rhyme and featuring soft pastel illustrations, this title demonstrates how bringing new people into our lives, even though it can sometimes be scary or uncomfortable, can happen and can make our lives better for it.” — School Library Connection

Brad Montague is a New York Times bestselling author of books for kids and former kids. He is creator of the web series Kid President, The Circles All Around Us, and, most recently, The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination. Brad lives in Tennessee with his wife and kids. He can currently be seen as the host of the television special The Kindness Project on The Magnolia Network via Max.

As a storyteller, his inspiring stories, and imaginative resources, are used in classrooms around the world daily. As creator of the award-winning hit series Kid President, Montague wrote, directed, edited, and led the project to collaborations with the White House, the United Nations, Beyoncé, and more. As an author and illustrator, Montague’s books have captured hearts and imaginations around the world. As a creative consultant, Montague works regularly with companies to elevate their abilities to tell stories, impact culture, and inspire change. As a speaker, he connects deeply and uniquely with every audience on whatever stage he finds. Montague speaks regularly to companies, creatives, schools, and beyond.

He and his wife, Kristi Montague, work together at their studio, Montague Workshop, in Henderson, Tennessee. The mission is to nourish compassion and creativity in the lives of kids and former kids.

His books Becoming Better Grownups, The Circles All Around Us, and The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination are all invitations into living a life of wonder and love. Releasing September 10, 2024 from Penguin Random House will be the newest picture book, FAIL-A-BRATION. It’s a playful and profound look at what it means to live with creativity, compassion, and community.

Brad's Featured Titles

Fail-a-bration

Dial Books |

September 10, 2024

Children’s

New York Times bestselling duo Brad and Kristi Montague are throwing a big party to celebrate failures, in this fun and affirming book that finds the joy in trying and learning, even if you don’t succeed

You are cordially invited to a giant fail-a-bration party! Bring with you the cake that came out lopsided, the spelling test mistakes, or the plant that died.

Brad and Kristi Montague have started a movement for kids and adults alike to celebrate the way failing actually means you tried and learned something. Failing doesn’t have to bad! It’s just part of the process of learning to do something better.

So if you missed the goal during that soccer game or burned the cookies, put on a party hat and join the fail-a-bration, to let the fail fires light the way to success!

Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers

The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination

Dial Books |

March 21, 2023

Children’s

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!

Bestseller, Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers

The Circles All Around Us

Dial Books |

May 18, 2021

Children’s

The debut picture book from the creator of the viral sensation Kid President is a moving take on how we can create bigger and bigger circles of community and connections as we grow—now a New York Times bestseller!

In the circles all around us, everywhere that we all go, there’s a difference we can make and a love we can all show.

This is the story of a circle. When we’re first born, our circle is very small, but as we grow and build relationships, our circle keeps getting bigger and bigger to include family, friends, neighbors, community, and beyond. Brad Montague originally created Circles as an Instagram video adorably narrated by his kids, and now this picture book adaptation is the perfect way to start a conversation about how to expand our worlds with kindness and inclusivity—even if it seems scary or uncomfortable. This book makes an ideal new-baby, first-day-of-school, or graduation gift, or any milestone that celebrates someone’s world getting bigger.

Bestseller, Illustration & Graphic Storytelling, Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers, Nonfiction

Becoming Better Grownups: Rediscovering What Matters and Remembering How to Fly

Avery |

March 31, 2020

Nonfiction

A New York Times-bestselling author looks for the meaning of a good life by seeking advice from the very young and the very old.

When his first book tour ended, Brad Montague missed hearing other people’s stories so much that he launched what he dubbed a Listening Tour. First visiting elementary schools and later also nursing homes and retirement communities, he hoped to glean new wisdom as to how he might become a better grownup. Now, in this playful and buoyant book, he shares those insights with rest of us –timeless, often surprising lessons that bypass the head we’re always stuck in, and go straight to the heart we sometimes forget.

Each of the book’s three sections begins with the illustrated story of “The Incredible Floating Girl.” Brad weaves this story together with lessons of success, fear, regret, gratitude, love, happiness, and dreams to reveal the true reason we are here: to fly, and to help others fly.

Beautifully designed and featuring Montague’s own whimsical 4-color illustrations that appeal to the kid in all of us, Becoming Better Grownups shares the purpose and meaning we can all discover merely by listening, and reveals that–in a world that seems increasingly childish–the secret to joy is in fact to become more childlike.

Illustration & Graphic Storytelling, Inspiration & Spirituality, Nonfiction

Kid President’s Guide to Being Awesome

HarperCollins |

May 3, 2016

Nonfiction

“This is life, people. You got air coming through your nose; you got a heartbeat. That means it’s time to do something,” announces Kid President in his New York Times bestselling book, Kid President’s Guide to Being Awesome. From YouTube sensation (90 million views and counting!) to television star, Kid President—young Robby Novak—and his videos have inspired millions to dance more, to celebrate life, and to spontaneously start parades. Kid President is here with sixteen pages of all-new content in the 256-page, full-color paperback edition of Guide to Being Awesome that’ll help spread love and inspire the world.

In his Guide to Being Awesome, Kid President pulls together lists of awesome ideas to help the world, awesome interviews with his awesome celebrity friends (like Beyoncé, Michelle Obama, and Jeff Foxworthy!), more than 100 tips to make the world a better place, and a step-by-step guide to make pretty much everything a little bit awesomer. Grab a corndog and settle into your favorite comfy chair. Pretend it’s your birthday! (In fact, treat everyone like it’s THEIR birthday!)

Friendship & Community, Inspiration & Spirituality, Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers, Nonfiction

The Wonder Talk

A tin can with a string is transformed into a direct line to the President of the United States. A cardboard box becomes the start of a worldwide annual campaign to help people in need. A blank sheet of paper becomes stories and drawings that impact culture in a big way. New York Times bestselling author and Kid President creator Brad Montague shares the secrets to living and making things full of wonder.

This presentation can be modified for any audience and any age. Also available with an extended companion Wonder Workshop.

Better Grownups

After becoming a new dad, New York Times bestselling author Brad Montague set out on a quest to become a better grownup. He interviewed kids in all 50 states about what they thought a good grownup looked like. He also interviewed people who’d actually grownup – men and women over the age of 100. Along the way, gaining insight and wisdom on how to live. This inspiring and funny presentation helps remind any audience of their purpose, their passions, and that a better world for kids (and former kids) is possible.

I Created a Monster

From scribbling characters on the backs of his homework to creating bestselling books for kids and grownups, Brad Montague knows how messy the creative process can be. This fun, funny, and engaging presentations helps young writers discover the imaginative possibilities within them and around them. Students also get a glimpse at real ways their creativity and compassion can help create a better world.

Using Social Media to Create Change

Brad shares his experiences using his popular YouTube series and videos to help create positive change in the world.

Kid Correspondent

In his Guide to Being Awesome, Kid President pulls together lists of awesome ideas to help the world, awesome interviews with his awesome celebrity friends (he has interviewed Beyoncé!), and a step-by-step guide to make pretty much everything a little bit awesomer. Grab a corn dog and settle in to your favorite comfy chair. Pretend it’s your birthday! (In fact, treat everyone like it’s THEIR birthday!) Kid President is here with a 240-page, full-color Guide to Being Awesome that’ll spread love and inspire the world.

FAIL-A-BRATION

It’s time to reimagine how we look at failure! This playful talk (or workshop) examines how fear and anxiety can keep us from trying, discovering, or creating new things. It’s an invitation to throw a party and fail better.

“We were so excited to welcome Brad and Kristi Montague, authors of Fail-a-bration, to our school! Their visit was full of laughter, energy, and inspiration as they shared their message of hope, resilience, and the power of embracing failure. Students left motivated to take on challenges with courage and creativity and reminded us that failing is just another step toward success!” — Windermere Elementary, 2025

“We are still glowing from the absolutely fantastic day we shared with Brad Montague at Somers Elementary School! What a gift it was to welcome someone who so genuinely lives out the values we strive to instill in our SES community every single day. Brad shared his heart with our staff and students in a way that was both deeply moving and uplifting. His messages…so simple, yet profoundly powerful…resonated with every person in the room. Through his stories, his humor, and his gentle encouragement, Brad reminded us all of the transformative power of kindness, creativity, and courage. His visit was the culmination of the inspiration we’ve drew from his work for months. Getting to meet him in person was truly a full-circle moment for our school. We hope he left SES feeling the same love, joy, and energy that he so generously brought to us. What an unforgettable experience!” — Somers Elementary School, 2025

“It was a honor to participate not only as a host but as an attendee. Brad Montague’s message: joy + curiosity + action = momentum has stayed with me since! It beautifully affirms the way I strive to show up in my work as a coach and human. Thank you for the opportunity to be part of this extraordinary gathering!” — Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 2025

“Brad is an amazing human and a wonderful keynote speaker. He tailored his presentation perfectly to the audience and the current struggles librarians face. He had us smiling, laughing, and crying by the end of his presentation!” — Garland County Library, 2025

“Brad was generous with his time and words. His presentations were engaging from both his storytelling and his slideshow. I received a lot of thank yous from teachers and parents who attended, grateful for the opportunity to hear his messaging. If I could, I would bring him back!” — Washington Elementary School, 2025

“I loved Mr. Montague’s presence with the students. His presentation was so engaging and he really did a fantastic job celebrating children and spreading the magic and love of reading.” — The Academy of Talented Scholars, 2025

“We had an incredible day with bestselling author and illustrator Brad Montague! Brad is the creator, writer, and director of the hit series Kid President and is the host of The Kindness Project on the Magnolia Network. Brad visited our K–12 campus to lead students in a day of creativity and imagination. Family and friends joined us for a special chapel where Brad shared how we can all make the world a better place by using our ideas to help others. One student said, “I like that he said it doesn’t matter how young you are, you can still do a lot of good in the world.” He also spent time with our Digital Arts and 2D students and led three special sessions with our lower school students about his book The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination. The lower school students were encouraged to use creativity, imagination, and collaboration in drawing. Brad and his wife Kristi also shared some of their steps in writing and illustrating books. Thank you, Brad, for sharing your creativity with us!” — Harding Academy, 2023

“Brad’s talk at the YouTube Education Summit was one of the most memorable and inspirational talks that we have ever had. His craft for storytelling shines through when he speaks – truly drawing in and captivating his audience. Brad left a lasting mark on all of our attendees – in fact, three years later we still receive positive feedback from his session!” — Caitlin Meyer, YouTube Content Partnerships

“I’ve loved all the times I’ve had a chance to be in the blast radius of his kind of extravagant love. Funny, sincere, and just plain good – Brad Montague is the kind of guy we all want on our team. Thankful for voices and hearts like his.” — Bob Goff, bestselling author and founder of Love Does

“Having Brad Montague at any gathering you host is like a gush of fresh air that everyone needs to breathe. He is not only an amazing communicator or an authentic spirit, he brings practical content that simplifies life in our complicated culture. The moment he opens his mouth everyone is listening. He will make you laugh, cry and instantly want to rewind what you just heard and hear it over and over again. His wisdom has changed the way I see the world and our community will forever be impacted by the touch of his humble nature. I could not recommend a greater person to anyone for anything – he is that rare gift that is always remembered and will never be replaced.” — Jeff Shinabarger, Founder of Plywood People

“Brad Montague is really the 21st century version of Mr. Rogers.” — Jason Borgen, Director of Learning & Instruction Portola Valley School District, CA

“Brad is an incredibly generous and encouraging speaker. His wisdom and integrity is a gift to the audience and the dedication he shows in preparation and communication is a gift to event organizers. His talk at the World Domination Summit was one of the highlights for everyone. Also, he’s hilarious and everyone needs more hilarity in their life. We highly recommend him!” — Chris & Jolie Guillabeau, World Domination Summit

Resources for Educators

Brad’s Merchandise

Brad’s YouTube Channel

Brad’s Pictures

Don’t Hide Your Magic Poem

Honors, Awards & Recognition

2014 Webby Award, People’s Voice Award Winner “Best Show On YouTube”
2014 Jefferson Award for Service to Children and Families
2015 NAACP Image Award nominee, Outstanding Children’s Program
NYT Bestseller