Description
The Best in the Land by “Voice of the Buckeyes” Paul Keels, tells the story of Brutus Buckeye, from nut to beloved mascot. Young Brutus dreams of one day playing football for his favorite team, The Ohio State Buckeyes. He works hard, but when his chance arrives, it’s not as a player. As Brutus finds new ways of helping his friends to victory week after week, he learns there’s more than one way to be part of a team. From running the scoreboard to helping coaches craft plays, to giving the players an extra boost of confidence, Brutus is determined to do his part. But will he ever get to take the field with the team? Will he be able to find his place at Ohio State? Throughout this wonderfully illustrated, rhyming story, Brutus shows his true worth to the fans, players, and coaches. What honor can they bestow to show him how grateful they are? This story of team spirit and perseverance will appeal both to young readers and lifelong fans.
The Best in the Land is officially licensed by The Ohio State University and is sure to become a favorite for Buckeyes of all ages!
Endorsements
“I really enjoyed reading The Best in the Land: The Story of Brutus Buckeye. I can only imagine how kids in Buckeye Nation will enjoy reading about Brutus’ rise to the top of Mascot Land.” —Archie Griffin, former OSU All-American, two-time Heisman Trophy winner, and NFL running back
“Paul is an absolute legend as the ‘Voice of the Buckeyes.’ What a fun and creative story of Brutus Buckeye that I can’t wait to read to my daughters!” — James Laurinaitis, former OSU All-American and NFL linebacker
“Paul Keels, the legendary ‘Voice of the Buckeyes’ for over two decades, assimilates literacy and Buckeye Pride for every family to enjoy while promoting a sense of team and work ethic.” —Bobby Carpenter, former OSU All-American and NFL linebacker
“Paul Keels portrays a vivid and detailed look into Brutus Buckeye’s dream season―sure to be an Ohio State fan favorite for many years. Go, Brutus, go―the best in the land!” —Jim Lachey, radio analyst for the Ohio State Buckeyes and former OSU All-American and NFL All-Pro
About the Authors
Paul Keels is a native of Ohio, Paul Keels began his radio career in Cincinnati, then graced the airwaves in Detroit and Washington D.C. before returning home to become the announcer for the Cincinnati Bearcats and then the Cincinnati Bengals. Recognizable across the state, Paul became the “Voice of the Buckeyes” in 1998, providing play-by-play commentary ever since to grateful fans of Ohio State football and men’s basketball. He has been named Ohio Sportscaster of the Year four times by the National Sports Media Association and was inducted into the Ohio Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2007. Paul is also the author of Tales from the Buckeyes’ National Championship Season and, with Zach Meisel, If These Walls Could Talk: Ohio State Buckeyes. This is his first children’s book.
Upon graduating from Columbus College of Art & Design, Chad Thompson began his career with Walt Disney Feature Animation in Orlando, Florida, working on animated movies such as Mulan, Lilo and Stitch, and Brother Bear. Currently, Chad works as an illustrator, designer, and author of children’s books for publishers around the globe. When he’s not at the drawing board, Chad enjoys spending time with his wife and kids and soaking up the Florida sun.
