Author Profile
Matthew Burgess
14 Books
Matthew Burgess is a poet, educator, and acclaimed author of children's picture books and biographies. He is well-known for his engaging narratives that explore the lives of iconic artists and creatives, such as "Make Meatballs Sing," "As Edward Imagined," and his tribute to Prince, "The Purple One." In addition to biographies, Burgess crafts heartfelt fictional stories like "The Bear and the Moon" and "Sylvester's Letter," which blend lyrical prose with poignant themes of imagination and resilience.
Long before he became a global superstar in flashy clothes, Prince was just a quiet kid growing up in Minneapolis with a universe of music trapped inside him. He started writing songs with his school friends, constantly experimenting with different sounds and instruments. He refused to let anyone put his creativity in a box.
This true story follows the electrifying rise of a musical legend who was never afraid to blaze his own trail. You will see how his fierce independence led to a massive record deal as a teenager and spectacular performances that changed pop culture forever. His incredible journey shows that being completely and unapologetically yourself is the most powerful way to make your voice heard.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
68 Pages
Sylvester misses his Greatest Grandma very much, and he has written her a deeply important letter filled with his favorite memories. But since she is no longer here, dropping it in a normal mailbox just will not do. He needs a delivery plan that is as fun and energetic as she was.
You will go along for the ride as Sylvester imagines his letter traveling with brave parachutists, speeding on a jungle train, and dodging pink dolphins in a rushing river. He knows that love is strong enough to cross any distance. This heartfelt adventure shows how creativity, humor, and imagination can help you stay connected to the people you love, no matter how far away they might be.
6-8 Years
48 Pages
Corita Kent was not your typical nun. Deeply inspired by her faith and a fierce desire for social justice, she transformed her classroom into a vibrant art studio. During a time of great change, Corita used bright colors and bold words to create stunning artwork that demanded equality and celebrated everyday joy.
This true story invites you to see the world through the eyes of a fearless educator and activist. You will learn how she encouraged her students to look closely at ordinary things and discover the beauty hiding in plain sight. Her incredible life proves that a single voice, armed with hope and a paintbrush, can challenge the rules of society and inspire people to love one another more deeply.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
80 Pages
Edward Gorey did not want to be like everyone else, and that was his greatest strength. From the time he was a young boy, Edward followed his own curious path, creating playful and slightly spooky artwork that was entirely his own. He loved the unusual and the mysterious, never giving up his unique personality just to fit in or be famous.
This fascinating true story takes you inside the mind of a true creative genius. You will learn how his wonderfully strange drawings and stories went on to inspire legendary creators and filmmakers. His journey shows that staying true to your own passions and quirks is the best way to leave a lasting mark on the world.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
49 Pages
When a bright balloon floats right into Bear's life, he discovers the sudden joy of a completely unexpected friendship. The two companions spend a wonderful time exploring together, sharing quiet moments and playful adventures. But when a mistake leads to losing his floating friend, Bear has to figure out what to do with his heavy feelings.
You will join Bear on a gentle journey of discovery, learning how to handle moments of guilt and sorrow. With a little help and a lot of heart, Bear finds a way to forgive himself and understand that true connections never really disappear. This sweet and comforting story is a beautiful reminder that even when things go wrong, there is always room for healing and hope.
6-8 Years
54 Pages
Mungo the fox has a serious craving for sweet, red berries, and he is determined to find them all by himself. One evening, he bravely leaves his cozy home and ventures deep into the shadowy forest. But the woods are big and confusing, and before long, this adventurous little fox realizes he is completely lost.
You will follow Mungo as he relies on his foxy instincts and quick thinking to navigate the strange sounds and sights of the wilderness. Being independent is full of surprises, but it also takes a lot of daring and resolve. This suspenseful journey explores the thrill of striking out on your own and the comforting relief of finally finding your way back to the warmth of home.
6-8 Years
48 Pages
Words can bounce, leap, and sing, especially when they are written by E. E. Cummings. When he was a boy, he loved to play with language, breaking the rules of grammar and punctuation to create poems that looked and sounded completely new. He found enormous magic in the smallest details of life.
This true story invites you to explore the courageous and playful world of a poet who dared to be different. You will see how he turned his childhood curiosity into some of the most famous poems ever written. His journey is a wonderful reminder that it takes bravery to grow up and become who you really are, and that your own unique voice is always worth sharing.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
64 Pages
Serafina is a cat who absolutely hates water. Whether it is a running faucet, a rainy day, or a giant ocean, she wants nothing to do with it. So when she is signed up for a swimming class, she is determined to stay perfectly dry on the edge of the pool. No one can force her into that splashing, seething water.
But when a dear old friend suddenly needs a helping hand, Serafina has to decide if she is brave enough to take the plunge. You will cheer for this funny, overdressed kitty as she faces her biggest fear. Her hilarious journey proves that trying something completely new and terrifying can sometimes lead to the most unexpected joy.
6-8 Years
21 Pages
Meet Keith Haring, a young artist who saw blank black subway walls as his own personal canvas. Long before his bold, energetic shapes became famous around the world, Keith was transforming the underground spaces of New York City into a joyful public gallery. He believed that art belonged to everyone, not just people in fancy museums.
This true story celebrates how one person's dedication to creativity and community changed the art world forever. You will discover how Keith shared his passion with kids and adults alike, leaving a legacy of hope and brightness. Even as he faced a serious illness, he kept creating. His inspiring life reminds us all that art has the power to bring people together and that your own drawings can make the world a more colorful place.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
64 Pages
On the morning of her eighth birthday, Maude carefully buries a secret treasure at the base of a blooming dogwood tree. Tucked safely inside a red tin box are a tiny toy elephant, a shiny marble, and a special bird nest. It is a quiet promise to her future self, waiting silently in the earth for many years.
Decades later, a grandmother and her granddaughter travel back to that exact same spot to unearth the hidden memories. You will feel the magic of discovering a childhood time capsule and seeing the past come alive. This radiant story celebrates the beautiful connections between generations and reminds us that the most precious gifts we can share are the stories of who we used to be.
6-8 Years
62 Pages
Nico is the new kid at school, and the busy, loud playground makes him feel completely lost. While everyone else seems to know exactly what to do and who to talk to, Nico prefers to sit quietly in the grass. He finds comfort in watching the insects and making friends with the gentle birds that land nearby.
When the other kids notice his unusual hobby, they give him the nickname Bird Boy. But instead of being upset, Nico embraces his quiet connection to nature. You will watch his confidence grow as his classmates learn to appreciate him for exactly who he is. This dreamy and heartwarming story proves that staying true to your own unique spirit is the best way to find your flock.
6-8 Years
17 Pages
Open the cover and step right into a world where everyday moments turn into pure magic. A quiet afternoon might suddenly reveal an alligator riding the train, a dragon hiding in a pinata, or a hungry yeti waiting for a snack. This enchanting collection of poems takes you on a joyful journey through all kinds of feelings and adventures. Whether you are feeling bright and cheerful or having a gloomy day, these words will lift your spirits and spark your imagination. You will find yourself exploring new places, asking big questions, and seeing the world in a completely different way. Perfect for reading aloud or exploring on your own, these pages invite you to look closer at the magic happening all around you. Get ready to take flight!
6-8 Years
129 Pages
Sometimes a bad mood strikes so hard that it completely takes over. You might look at your brother and realize he has transformed into a grumpy, stubborn curmudgeon who refuses to move. Even the promise of peanut butter sandwiches and fresh brownies cannot shake him out of his terrible funk.
You will recognize the familiar frustration of dealing with someone who simply will not budge. But when you try too hard to fix their mood, you might accidentally catch the grumps yourself. This playful and funny story explores the reality of sibling standoffs and tough days. It shows that sometimes the best way to chase away a giant bad mood is to stop fighting it and just embrace a little bit of silliness.
6-8 Years
17 Pages
The city is sizzling with summer heat, but two siblings cannot wait for the sun to set. It is the Fourth of July, and the steamy sidewalks are buzzing with neighbors getting ready for a spectacular show. Everyone is looking up at the evening sky, waiting for that first loud pop to echo through the streets.
You will feel the excitement build as brilliant flowers of fire finally blossom overhead. The bright colors and booming sounds bring the whole neighborhood together in a moment of pure wonder. This sparkling story perfectly captures the simple, joyful magic of sharing a special summer night with your family and friends.
6-8 Years
44 Pages
