Here Come the Mice: The Jet Stream Team follows a basketball team invited to attend the Olympic Games only to find themselves lending a hand when disaster strikes the US Olympic Men’s Basketball team. Where did the idea for this story come from?

The idea for Here Come the Mice: The Jet Stream Team emerged from my passion for the Olympics and basketball. As I eagerly awaited the announcement of the 2024 team’s name, I began brainstorming my own team name. This initial idea quickly evolved into a full storyline. Inspired by the iconic “Dream Team” and “Redeem Team,” I thought the 2024 team name would follow a similar pattern. They didn’t but I did, so it’s a win-win for me.

Is there anything from your own life included in Here Come the Mice?

Yes, the Here Come the Mice series is inspired by my older brother and his experiences in a basketball summer league in Ohio. Additionally, I included myself in the story as a character on the plane with my college best friend, Milton, who is the coach for the U.S. team in the book. There are also cameos of my family throughout the story, like my wife with the blue dog in her lap.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

It was important for me to emphasize themes of triumph and the classic underdog story, which resonates with both kids and adults. Everyone loves rooting for the underdog, and it’s a powerful reminder of perseverance and resilience. I wanted to ensure a safe and happy ending for all characters. Additionally, I aimed to draw parallels between the predicaments faced by the U.S. team and the unexpected challenges encountered by the Mice Team.

Can young readers look forward to more books from you soon? What are you currently working on?

Yes, The Underdog Collection consists of a three-book series. The first book is titled Here Come the Mice: An Underdog Story, and the second book, Space Jelly, kicks off with the main character’s love of peanut butter and jelly, then evolves into a triumphant adventure for kids and adults. All three books revolve around the underdog theme. I’m sure I’ll have another adventure for them soon.

Additionally, I have a second book series called The Mini Tales Collection by Reggie. This series features a collection of entertaining short stories with several hilarious characters inspired by my real-life family. The stories span my childhood and are written and drawn from my perspective. It’s an absolutely funny family series, and I have a new book coming out this fall called Total Chaos, showcasing the chaos, memories, and funny stories that take place in a household of eight.

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