Ethan T. Berlin (ME!) is an Emmy Award-nominated television comedy writer and a Junior Library Guild selected picture book author. His debut picture book, The Hugely-Wugely Spider, was called “a hilarious twist on an old fingerplay” by Kirkus Review. Ethan’s TV credits include “Billy On the Street,” “Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell,” and “Da Ali G Show.” He co-created IFC’s comedy game show, “Bunk.” Most recently, Ethan served as head writer and executive producer for TruTV’s “Paid Off,” which was named as “Noteworthy” by The NY Times. He teaches comedy writing at NYU and SUNY Stonybrook.
I make funny stuff for kids!
Hey, You’re Not the Easter Bunny!
‘Twas the morning of Easter, and the Easter Bunny needs someone to cover for him. A surprisingly confident ostrich does her best to fill in, but is unable to convince a child that she is the Easter Bunny. Featuring Frank, the baby ostrich, a cast of worms, and funny illustrations from John Joven.
How to Draw a Happy Cat
Drawing a happy cat seems like such an easy thing to do. Just follow the instructions in this book! Wait a minute . . . why doesn't Cat look happy? We gave her a stuffy and a cool t-shirt! Uh-oh! Turns out drawing a happy cat is harder than it looks. Now it's the reader's job to find out why Cat isn't staying happy AND draw everything she wants! (That might include skateboards, friends, and yes--even a pizza-flinging catapult.) This clever, often tender, laugh-out-loud picture book breaks the fourth wall in charming ways; will have kids asking for repeat reads; and will defintely have parents nodding knowingly at the escalating cycle of demands. Can you draw a happy cat?
The Journal of Nonsense
I’ve long wanted to make a silly monthly magazine for kids, but couldn’t figure out how to get a publisher to print it. So, I finally decided to make it myself. It’s a monthly collection of weird and silly jokes and activities for weird and silly kids. Think of it as if Mad Magazine made Highlights Magazine or if I made The Journal of Nonsense.
I am not a dog toy
When my son was in pre-school, he was obsessed with a kid who didn’t want to play with him. I told my son, that he should play with the kids who wanted to play with him and not chase after the one kid who didn’t. That experience gave me the idea for a book where a bear has to choose between a kid who doesn’t want him and the family dog who totally does!
The Hugely-Wugely Spider
As a kid, I was NEVER Itsy-Bitsy. So, I wrote a book about a very large spider who wants to get up the water spout. It deals with issues of exclusion and overcoming bully. Mostly though, it’s real funny.
Hey, You’re Not Santa!
In 1942, Irving Berlin released “White Christmas.” Now, nearly 80 years, I become the latest Berlin to publish a Christmas classic! To be clear, Irving and I are not related and only you will determine if it’s a classic. But anyway, I think it’s really cool.
The Big Fib
Sit in a recording booth and make funny comments while kids try to figure out which adult is lying to them? That’s a pretty fun thing I do. I play the part of L.I.S.A on this popular kids podcast turned Disney+ TV show
What’s That Button Do?
My kids are obsessed with pushing buttons, so I made an iPad app that lets them push all the buttons they want without accidentally setting the microwave on fire.
Revenge of the Calculators!
Lots of calculators calculate stuff, but only my calculator app insults you for needing to use a calculator. This suite of 9 funny calculators will amuse/annoy/amuse your friends.
Show and Tell
I love public access TV and I love being silly with kids. So, I decided to host a public access program where I interview kids about objects that are special to them.