Brian graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1988. He got his start in children’s books as an independent bookseller at Eeyore’s Books for Children on Manhattan’s Upper West Side where he learned all about books from his boss Steve Geck, who is now an editor at Source Books. Brian used to paint and design the windows at the stores for holidays and book events.
He has a sister who taught kindergarten for many years, a brother who is a brain surgeon, six nephews, a niece, and five godchildren.
Brian is married to Dr. David Serlin, a writer, editor, and professor at the University of California, San Diego. They divide their time between San Diego, California and Brooklyn, New York.