Tiki & Ronde Barber to Publish Children's Book
Story Links
April 9, 2003
NEW YORK – Paula Wiseman Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers and Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, announced today plans to publish a picture book by identical twin National Football League stars Tiki and Ronde Barber. By My Brother’s Side, scheduled for publication in fall 2004, will tell the Barbers’ story of growing up together as close brothers who always supported and encouraged each other, no matter how steep the obstacles. An illustrator for the project will be named later.
The agreement, was negotiated by Paula Wiseman, Editorial Director for Paula Wiseman Books and Mark Lepselter at Maxximum Marketing on behalf of Tiki and Ronde Barber.
“By My Brother’s Side is about what it takes to be a champion?hard work and determination, And how since childhood, even though it hasn’t always been easy, Tiki and Ronde have never given up,” said Paula Wiseman, “Young readers and their parents will be inspired by the Barbers’ story both on and off the playing field.”
“I’ve always believed if you work hard, harder than the next guy, you’ll get farther than you ever thought you would,” said Tiki Barber. “Ronde and I are very excited about sharing our story with children and parents.”
“My brother and I are each other’s best friend and toughest critic,” said Ronde Barber. “We’ve always been there for each other, and our book will show kids how important that relationship has always been for us?and the impact it has had on our success.”
Tiki Barber is a graduate of the University of Virginia, McIntire School of Commerce, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce, with a concentration in Management Information Systems (MIS). In 1997, Tiki Barber was second round NFL draft pick when he was chosen by the New York Giants where he has played since. On the field, Tiki Barber has been called “the heart and soul” of the New York Giants. He was a vital component on the team’s road to the NFC Championship and Super Bowl XXXV appearance in 2000-2001. Barber has been voted Offensive Team MVP in 1999 and 2001 and MVP in 2000. In 2002 he had the best year of his career, leading the NFC in combined yards from scrimmage. Off the field, Tiki Barber is a patron of children and reading both in his volunteer work in the schools and as Verizon Literacy Champion. Barber lives with his wife, Ginny, and son, A.J., in New York.
Ronde Barber is a graduate of the University of Virginia, McIntire School of Commerce, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce, with a concentration in Marketing. Ronde was a third round NFL draft pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1997. On the field, Ronde Barber was an integral part of the tenacious defense that helped lead the Buccaneers to victory in Super Bowl XXXVI this past year, the first in franchise history. He is ranked fifth All-Time for the Buccaneers with eighteen career interceptions. He was a Pro Bowl selection in 2001 and named AP All-Pro in 2001 (and 2002), after setting a franchise record with ten interceptions, and also was named NFL Alumni Defensive Back of the Year in 2001. Off the field, Ronde Barber makes public appearances in schools in the Tampa Bay area to help the nonprofit organization Tampa Bay Reads, which builds literacy programs in local communities. Barber lives in Florida with his wife, Claudia, and daughter, Yammile Rose, and the couple is expecting their second child later this year.
Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, one of the leading children’s book publishers in the world, is comprised of the following imprints: Aladdin Paperbacks, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, Little Simon?, Margaret K. McElderry Books, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, Simon Pulse, and Simon Spotlight?. While maintaining an extensive award-winning backlist, the division continues to publish acclaimed and best-selling books for children of all ages including such high-profile characters as Eloise, Raggedy Ann & Andy, Olivia, Henry & Mudge?, The Hardy Boys?, Nancy Drew?, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Shiloh. Simon Spotlight, an imprint wholly devoted to media tie-ins, has become one of the fastest growing imprints in the children’s book industry, with best-selling series based on Nickelodeon’s? Rugrats?, Blue’s Clues?, Dora the Explorer, The Wild Thornberrys?, Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius, SpongeBob SquarePants?, and Little Bill?; HIT Entertainment’s Bob the Builder, Charles M. Schulz’s Peanuts?, and Jim Henson’s? Bear in the Big Blue House properties. For more information about Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, visit our website at SimonSaysKids.com.
Simon & Schuster, part of the entertainment operation of Viacom Inc., is a global leader in the field of general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for consumers of all ages, across all printed, electronic and multi-media formats. Its divisions include the Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group, Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, Simon & Schuster New Media, Simon & Schuster Online, Simon & Schuster U.K., and Simon & Schuster Australia. For more information, visit our website atSimonSays.com.