Reviews |
Endorsements |
Events |
What a fantastic review by Jillian Appel in the Williamsburg Yorktown Daily:
Local Author Uses Bird Behavior to Help Tell a Coming-of-Age Story | Williamsburg Yorktown Daily (wydaily.com) A great review of Mato by Sherry Hamilton of the Gloucester Gazette Hayes author tells tale of a mockingbird, self-acceptance - Gazette Journal Mato's Journey is a story about a loveable, feisty, baby mockingbird growing up in a neighborhood back yard inhabited by a plethora of birds. Although Mato was being taught everything about being a mockingbird by his parents, Mato wants to be bright, colorful and flashy, and go to faraway places! Mato's Journey is relevant now and always will be. I happily recommend this book to readers of any age; it is poignant and beautifully written. The illustrations of Elizabeth Lester are wonderfully done and compliment the author's beautifully descriptive writing style. - Gwendolyn McClure, Licensed Master Social Worker, El Paso, Texas |
“Mato’s Journey is a beautiful tail of the power of authenticity and the strength of biodiversity.”
— Rebecca Kleinhample, executive director, Virginia Living Museum “Mato’s story is a universal one about growing up and learning to appreciate that what makes others special isn’t necessarily what makes us special. It’s a lovely book about coming into one’s own and finding out how to fit into our communities. Bowles captures well the various attitudes of Virginia’s birds from the pompous blue jay to the supportive sparrow.” — Susan Duffey, elementary school teacher, York County School Division, Virginia “Mato’s Journey is a delightful tale of a young bird’s journey from birth to adulthood. As he grows, Mato not only learns how to take care of himself, but he also learns how to manage conflict with the other birds in the backyard. This heartwarming adventure will capture the imagination of young readers who can identify with the ups and downs of growing up in a world that is exciting, confusing, and sometimes disappointing. Mato’s Journey is an inspiration for all young readers who are searching for the courage and self-determination to face life’s challenges both big and small.” — Kammie Lee, PhD, nationally certified school psychologist (NCSP) and a Virginia master naturalist, Yorktown, Virginia “Author Dave Bowles shares the beautiful story of Mato the mockingbird from inception to adulthood. Throughout this journey, the reader learns how special, talented, and resourceful the mockingbird can be. Mato begins his life wanting to be anyone but himself and, in the end, realizes there is no one else he would rather be. Readers of all ages will enjoy taking flight with Mato as he discovers the true meaning of life.” — Dr. Stephanie Hunter-Brown, Charlotte, North Carolina “Have you ever dreamt of being someone else in a more magical place? In this whimsical look at the life of Mato, a young mockingbird, author Dave Bowles and illustrator Elizabeth Lester take the reader inside the mind and heart of Mato as he discovers the world beyond his own backyard. The descriptive language and detailed artwork make this book a perfect read-aloud chapter book for K-3 students. The vivid language takes the reader high into the trees where another whole world exists. Children will learn the valuable lesson of accepting the differences in themselves and others, as well as an appreciation for our beautiful world. After reading this story, children will most certainly want to go outside, look up, and enjoy the wonder of the birds!” — Dr. Mary Ahearn, retired elementary school principal, York County, Virginia. “A thoroughly delightful read, Mato’s Journey is a coming-of-age book for all ages. A beautiful read-aloud book to the very youngest, the author enchants older children and retired backyard bird enthusiasts alike. He has very keenly aligned various personality types with many of the year-round and migratory birds of the mid-Atlantic area. As Mato grows and learns to interact with all types, he learns, among many other life lessons, that all God’s creatures are blessed with special gifts and that true love is always worth waiting for. Mato’s Journey is itself a special gift.” — Amy Brennan, master chef, photographer, and naturalist, author of For Goodness Sake: Secrets from the Chef at Wildey Inn “Mato’s Journey is a wonderful tale to capture the imagination while teaching the reader about the varied bird life all around us. Dave Bowles will turn more than a few young ones into bird watchers as they have fun trying to pick out the mockingbird, sparrow, blue jay and others in their backyard. Even more important is the timeless lesson about the significance of being yourself. We all have a part to play; we should do it to the best of our abilities.” — Dawn Brotherton, author of If I Look Like You and the Lady Tigers middle-grade series “Author Dave Bowles spins a delightful tale in his first children’s book, Mato’s Journey. Mato, a young mockingbird, is envious of practically every other bird in his neighborhood, including a mean blue jay, a conceited cardinal, a peppy hummingbird, and a friendly, playful sparrow. "Mato longs to be 'special' like so many other bird species he sees in the backyard—anything but a dull gray mockingbird! When he learns about migratory birds who travel to 'a faraway place' to avoid the cold of winter, he wants to go there too—which eventually leads to his great journey. "Mato’s Journey addresses numerous valuable topics for children, including envy, bullying and other forms of cruelty, friendship, love, family, and self-realization. The writing style reflects the author’s lifelong interest in birds, his love of the outdoors, and a keen eye for detail. The book is beautifully illustrated by artist/illustrator Elizabeth Lester. Mato’s Journey will appeal to young readers in grades two and three and adults alike.” — Zachary P. Hubbard, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret), US Army; former news correspondent, newspaper opinion columnist, contributing author for two books, and Christian blogger, Sioux Falls, South Dakota |
What a great time with the 4th and 5th grade classes at Achilles Elementary School in Gloucester, Va this week! Lots of enthusiasm about writing and learning about backyard birds.
I had a great trip to the Ripberger Library to talk about Mato and backyard birds with the Lunenberg Homeschool Cooperative. These kids ask great questions!
A thrill to introduce Mato the Mockingbird to Ms. Mannon's class at Winterpock Elementary. Great to see the kids respond to learning about different birds, how they behave, and how each one is special.
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