GLOUCESTER — Gloucester writer Dave Bowles’s coming-of-age story, “Mato’s Journey,” shares an vital message whereas additionally educating a lesson in regards to the birds within the reader’s personal yard.
The debut novel, printed in February, focuses on young mockingbird Mato as he learns that generally colourful feathers aren’t the one issues that make somebody particular.
“It’s for the young person that does not become the hero of the book,” stated Bowles. “At the same time, kids are learning about themselves and what value they bring to the table. Most kids want to be the quarterback, most girls want to be the head cheerleader. It doesn’t turn out that way for most of us, but what does happen is, is that we find our own way, our own happiness, and our own place in the world.”
Bowles used birds to inform the story, weaving in true-life info of nature. Each hen is precisely portrayed. From bullying different birds to migration patterns and behaviors, every hen’s persona and traits are used to assist with characterization, in addition to world-building.
“While I’m telling a story that I hope has a message for kids, while they’re learning that story they’re also learning about the birds that are right there in their backyard,” he added, noting that hen conduct in a yard may be likened to a microcosm of human conduct.
He additionally selected to provide some characters — Mato and Apani — Native American names as a method to honor those that lived within the space and informed nature tales lengthy earlier than he did.
Rebecca Kleinhample, Executive Director of the Virginia Living Museum, endorsed the ebook, calling it “… a beautiful tail of the power of authenticity and the strength biodiversity.”
Bowles stated he has all the time cherished birds, rising up watching them in Alabama, and has all the time discovered fascinating the number of traits and traits that make every hen totally different and distinctive in their very own manner.
“[Birds] are all different,” Bowles defined. “They all have their own particular roles in nature and they’re right here amongst us. And all you have to do is walk out on your back porch or open your window and listen to them sing.”
Growing up, Bowles stated he would marvel about what the birds may very well be singing about, so he had began making up tales. Ranging from rain to meals to personal private vainness, Bowles would make up tales about numerous species of songs. It was then he began to marvel in regards to the Mockingbirds tune.
“I’d watch that and think ‘gee if I was a little Mockingbird, and I’m growing up and I’m peering out of the nest, and I’m looking at the other birds in the backyard, I don’t want to be a Mockingbird.’” Bowles recalled. “But we all learn the value we have and what we bring to the world. In that fashion then, we’re all going to be ok and we’re all going to have a happy ending.”
Bowles met his illustrator, Elizabeth Lester of Yorktown, by his spouse. Bowles had completed his manuscript and was looking for an illustrator, having little luck discovering somebody he was snug with available on the market.
Lester had simply retired as an artwork instructor with York County Schools. She illustrated birds in her work recurrently, which made Bowles snug working together with her.
“I wanted an illustrator that would be able to take these birds and make them come to life,” Bowles stated.
Bowles will host shows of his ebook within the Gloucester faculty system this coming January, the place he discuss not nearly writing, however birds and the themes of the story as effectively.
“Mato’s Journey” may be bought on each Amazon and Barnes & Noble. The meant viewers is first by fifth grades. For extra about Bowles, go to his official website.
