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(Editor’s Note: Meet Old Mission Peninsula residents Karen Bell-Brege and Darrin Brege, whose many talents include author, illustrator, and husband and wife comedy team with 15 bestselling children’s books to their name. If you’re out and about on the OMP and find yourself hearing Marge and Homer Simpson, Edith and Archie Bunker, or Spongebob Squarepants and Sandy Cheeks, it’s very likely that the Breges are nearby! Read on as Karen tells us about their lives and work, and why the OMP is the best place to spark their creativity. -jb)
We met over 30 years ago at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle in Royal Oak. Darrin had just moved back from Los Angeles and auditioned for my improv troupe. When he walked into the audition, I thought to myself there was no way this long-haired, black-leather motorcycle jacket wearing guy with black and white lizard cowboy boots would fit in. Yet, he was absolutely hilarious, so I had no choice. Two weeks after that we were smitten, and a year later married.
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After performing at the Comedy Castle weekly for 15 years, as well as doing voice-overs for games and radio, we decided that we would follow a different path. In our “day jobs,” Darrin was a full-time art director, and I was a communications specialist. So we decided to put those skills to the test in children’s books.
We started out with children’s chapter books and then moved into picture books. We’ve now published more than 15 books, with more on the way. Along the path, we found there was one place that truly inspired us, and that was Old Mission Peninsula.
We both vividly remember when we decided that OMP was somewhere we had to be. We’d just wrapped up a long weekend of outdoor shows – in the rain. We were tired and soggy, and the only place we wanted to be was here. So, we broke down our gear, jumped in the car and headed north. We knew then and there that Old Mission Peninsula had a hold on us – and we would have to find a place.
There was just something about it, including the vibrant art and creative community that thrives in this area. Not to be cliché, but it just fills the well. We’re so happy here, and it only adds to our humor and success with our books.
The performing bug never left us, as we continue with school visits, family nights, festivals, and improv training for corporate events. We were honored in 2021 with the Gwen Frostic Award from the Michigan Reading Association. The award is given for inspiring literacy in Michigan with students, teachers, administrators, and parents alike.
We have also received the Purple Dragonfly award for two of our picture books, Biggie and Birdie are Different (so what), and Monsters First Day at School.
We have a son that we adore (Mick) who has followed in our creative footsteps. We couldn’t be prouder, as he has recently released an app he created called withlove.org — digital pen-palling that inspires kindness and communication.
Needless to say, our favorite thing to do is laugh while we enjoy this incredibly beautiful place. We feel extremely lucky to continue to inspire children and adults to have fun, create, and follow their dreams — and sometimes that means moving to the OMP.
Be sure to visit our website, karenanddarrin.com, and if you ever hear hilarious voices, it might be us!
Books by the Breges
- The Michigan-based picture book Bigfoot and the Mitten
- Biggie and Birdie are Different (so what)
- Monsters First Day at School
- Children’s chapter books, including Mick Morris Myth Solver (1-6), The Ghost Board Posse (1-3), a how to draw Sketch the Myths sketchbook, and the Michigan gift book – Your True North Michigan.
Look for their soon-to-be-released Bigfoot, Birdie and Bob (for dog lovers). Plus, Darrin’s hugely popular mash-up poster art. All of their books can be purchased at their website, as well as various book and gift stores throughout Michigan.
(This is a sponsored post – click here to learn how we can help spread the word about your business. -jb)
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SUPPORT YOUR INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWSPAPER: I started Old Mission Gazette in 2015 because I felt a calling to provide the Old Mission Peninsula community with local news. After decades of writing for newspapers and magazines like the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Family Circle and Ladies' Home Journal, I really just wanted to write about my own community where I grew up on a cherry farm and raised my own family. So I started my own newspaper.
Because Old Mission Gazette is a "Reader Supported Newspaper" -- meaning it exists because of your financial support -- I hope you'll consider tossing a few bucks our way if I mention your event, your business, your organization or your news item, or if you simply love reading about what's happening on the OMP. In a time when local news is becoming a thing of the past, supporting an independent community newspaper is more important now than ever. Thank you so much for your support! -Jane Boursaw, Editor/Publisher, Old Mission Gazette
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