"My Inspiration Behind Magical Matthew," by Penelope Anne Cole
My guest today is children's author Penelope Anne Cole. Penelope is currently touring the blogosphere with The National Writing for Children Center. Read how she got the inspiration to write Magical Matthew.
I’m often asked about
the inspiration for Magical Matthew.
On my daily dog walks around the neighborhood I met a wonderful mother,
Allison, who quickly became my friend. Her son, Matthew, is autistic and
struggles in school. We’d often talk about education, school problems, and
dealing with learning difficulties, since my daughter has special needs, too.
One day, when I was walking by their house, Allison told me they were
celebrating Matthew’s tenth birthday – double digits – no longer a single digit
child. How magical a milestone that is! I often let my mind wander on our walks,
so by the time we got home, I had the idea for a children’s story. It was about
a boy with magical powers who secretly fixes things for his family and friends.
Then I added other characters: a handicapped
playmate, Lily, named after their beloved cat who died recently, and Grandma
Nonie, a wise woman, who takes care of Matthew and becomes his sounding board.
I gave Matthew some problems, such as not being able to “fix” Lily so she can
walk. Later Matthew has to deal with Lily suspecting special is going on with him.
I gave him a big disappointment he had to cope with and added a surprise at the
end – which led to a second book, Magical
Mea. Then I got an idea for a third book, Magical Mea Goes to School,
and finally, Magical M and M. After
sending the story in, Allison and Matthew kept asking for updates on its
progress – none of us prepared for the 14 month wait until it was published. I
promised them a book signing. After Magical
Mea was published in May the next year, I still had to get my daughter
graduated. I finally set up the Book Launch Party for the end of June, complete
with a Magician. It was very gratifying to see Matthew going around shaking
hands and introducing himself: “Hi, I’m Matthew. I’m the Inspiration.” That was
worth everything to me.
About the book:
About the author:
Ms. Cole's Magical Matthew (2012) is the first in her Magical series. Magical Mea is second (2013). Mágico Mateo (2013) is the Spanish Version of Magical Matthew. Next is Magical Mea Goes to School, with Magical M and M to follow. Magical Matthew won a Readers' Favorite Bronze Medal, Creative Child Magazine’s Book of the Year Award, and NABE’s Pinnacle Book Achievement Award. Magical Mea won Creative Child Magazine’s Preferred Choice Award, NABE’s Pinnacle Book Achievement Award, and was a Readers' Favorite Finalist.
Connect with the author on the web:
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About the book:
Matthew
has a secret. In Magical Matthew, a young boy with magical powers secretly fixes
things for his family and friends. Later, Matthew expands his magical
good deeds by fixing things in his neighborhood. His close friend Lily suspects something is special about him. Worried
that Lily will guess his secret, Matthew confides in Grandma Nonie. Should he
share his secret with Lily? Matthew must decide whether to tell her the
truth or not.
This is a sweet story about using your gifts and
talents to help others. It also deals with differences, challenges, and changes
as one grows up.
Title: Magical Matthew, Magical Mea
Genre: Children’s books
Author: Penelope Anne Cole
Website: http://penelopeannecole.blogspot.com
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing
Purchase
link: http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com
About the author:
Before
writing and reviewing children’s books, Penelope Anne Cole taught every grade
level. She tutors elementary, middle, and high school students. Reading Santa
Clara , California
Ms. Cole's Magical Matthew (2012) is the first in her Magical series. Magical Mea is second (2013). Mágico Mateo (2013) is the Spanish Version of Magical Matthew. Next is Magical Mea Goes to School, with Magical M and M to follow. Magical Matthew won a Readers' Favorite Bronze Medal, Creative Child Magazine’s Book of the Year Award, and NABE’s Pinnacle Book Achievement Award. Magical Mea won Creative Child Magazine’s Preferred Choice Award, NABE’s Pinnacle Book Achievement Award, and was a Readers' Favorite Finalist.
Connect with the author on the web:
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