Growing up homeschooled in the ‘90s, the Mellema brothers had a problem.

They both loved dinosaurs, the ancient world, and stories of adventure and mystery. But how could they focus on those things if their mom made them do schoolwork?

Matthew’s strategy was to finish his work as quickly and efficiently as possible. As the oldest, this came naturally to him.

Brian’s strategy was to tell their mom he couldn’t work because he was “too itchy.” As the baby of the family, he got away with this.

The brothers loved the same things. But they showed their love in different ways. Matthew loved reading books and writing stories. Brian loved to draw and paint.

When Matthew was in college, he became a visiting student at Oxford University. While he was there, he made the most important discovery of the century. Maybe. It’s a long story.

If you want that whole story, click here.

When the brothers weren’t researching the (possible) find of the century, they were growing up. Now, they have families of their own, and regular grownup jobs. Matthew is a trial lawyer with a degree from Yale Law School. Brian is a professional illustrator and book designer.

But Matthew kept writing stories. And Brian kept drawing pictures. And they finally agreed on what to do about that (possible) major discovery. After all, it involves dinosaurs, the ancient world, and stories of adventure and mystery.

The result of their combined work is Red Rex.

The Mellema brothers hope the story will appeal to kids who like the same things that they did when they were young.

And they hope the kids will find the time they need to read it. Whether that’s because they finished their other work early, or because they told their mom they’re itchy.