JUSTIN MATOTT  Author


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Justin Matott is best known for his "OUTRAGEOUS, EDUCATIONAL and HILARIOUS" assemblies, where he tells the stories behind the stories bound in his books, followed up by "absolutely fun and educational creative writing seminars!" 

Matott was in the corporate world when he wrote his first published adult book (though his fourth try at publishing).  Random House picked him up and he has been writing full time and doing public speaking events ever since. Justin has been a storyteller all his life. In his books he blends real life events with imagination, believing there are stories all about us, just waiting to be written down.

Published Books  For Children 

ALIENS - All Mixed Up by Justin Matott (Author), Laurie McAdam (Illustrator) Hardcover: 12 pages Publisher: Skoob Books; First edition (January 1, 2008)

ISBN-10: 1889191221

ISBN-13: 978-1889191225  

Matott grew up on Venus.... Avenue, so it is fitting that he would write an alien book!  With Vibrant illustration and clever text, the answers to those nagging questions about the ever elusive space invaders can be found within this fun book for all ages.  Who are these aliens?  Where did they come from?  Why are they here?  How do they get around?  Get ready to meet 1,728 extraterrestrials in one book that never will read the same twice.   

Editorial Reviews

GO ASK MOM! by Justin Matott (author), Lisa Tarr (illustrator), Published by Skoob Books, 8/15/06,
  ISBN 1889191175

Gabriel Peters, a misfit fourth grader with an eye patch, a bad leg, and hair that looks like he stapled a ferret to his head, is the subject of this work of "faction." Partly true because many of the ideas and instances reflect some of the author's own boyhood experiences.   Over the summer, after a horrendous school year of dealing with a mean bully on the playground or the one in his own bedroom, stealing all of his older brother's underwear in a prank that backfires, running from the infamous Mean Mrs. Rickles, searching for the "dead dog in the lake", fishing, camping and other adventures, Gabriel Peters will grow up just a bit.  A great read aloud book for the classroom or at home.

If you don't believe it...
Go Ask Mom...

A new and wacky chapter book! 
The Tales of Mr. Murphy
by Justin Matott
Hardcover: 145 pages
Publisher: Skoob Books (July 15, 2005)
ISBN: 188919106X

Narrated by a dog named Jerry, this fun chapter book chronicles the lives of Mr. Murphy and Jerry the dog in a fun and adventurous set of tales all cloaked in the mystery of the town of Shadow.

Benjamin Bailey Goes to the Zoo!
by Justin Matott Hardcover: 20 pages
Publisher: Skoob Books (July 15, 2005)
ISBN: 1889191191

Matott is venturing into the young world of board books. His first, Benjamin Bailey Goes to the Zoo is the first in a series of six books, with the very talented illustrator and designer Suzanne Staud. BENJAMIN BAILEY IS NOW AVAILABLE!

When I Was a Girl . . . I Dreamed
by Justin Matott, Mark Ludy (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Green Pastures Publishing, Inc (August 1, 2005

 ISBN-10: 0966427637 ISBN-13: 978-0966427639

 Chocolate Covered Frog Legs
by Justin Matott   Hardcover: 125 pages
Publisher: Skoob Books (July 15, 2005)
ISBN: 1889191175

Justin Matott and John Woods, Jr. have published a delightful new poetry book titled, "Chocolate Covered Frog Legs." If you liked "There's a Fly on My Toast!" you will love this new book of wacky poems!

The Sky Is Falling by Justin Matott Hardcover: 120 pages Publisher: SKOOB Books; (September 2004)
ISBN: 1889191051

At long last Matott and Woods have collaborated on something totally silly (hmm..., like There's A Fly On My Toast! wasn't?). This "chapter book" fractured fairy tale will entertain both young and old. With numerous appearances by famous "guest" characters from The Three Little Pigs to THE BIG BAD WOLF, to Rapunzel and beyond, you will smile with memory and recognition of times gone by. Narrated by two slightly sarcastic "newscaster style commentators", this fractured fairy tale will be like none you have read. ENJOY!!

Editorial Reviews

When I Was A Boy . . . I Dreamed by Mark Ludy, Justin Matott Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Green Pastures Publishing, Inc (August 1, 2005) ISBN-10: 0966427637 ISBN-13: 978-0966427639   

A new and exciting collaboration between Justin Matott and Mark Ludy (Ludy's previous books include The Grump and The Farmer), When I Was A Boy... I dreamed, is a heartwarming, adventurous picture book narrated by a grandfather to his grandchildren. The bond will become apparent as the grandfather leads his listeners through an assortment of dreams he had when he was "young". The tricky part is trying to decide if they were dreams or if in fact grandfather has led a very adventurous life. Another book is in the planning stage for this new duo titled Character House.

The Milestones Project: Celebrating Childhood Around the World Reading level: Ages 9-12 Edition: Hardcover: 64 pages Publisher: Tricycle Press; (October 1, 2004)

ISBN  1-58246-132-5  

ONLY TWENTY-NINE children's authors and illustrators were chosen from around the world to contribute a personal childhood "Milestone moment" to this wonderful photographic project. The contributors to this book read like a who's who of children's literature, including JK Rowling, Eric Carle, Mark Teague, Cynthia Rylant, Raffi, Mem Fox, William Joyce, James Howe (and still somewhat baffling to him, Justin Matott)! If you are known by the company you keep, Matott is in good company indeed! Matott contributes a Milestone moment with his first puppy. This is a beautiful 64 page book and A MUST in every classroom and school library! The entire goal of The Milestone Project is to diminish intolerance and indifference, starting with the children.

FROM THE JACKET: Can a book create a better world? the people behind The Milestones Project thinks so. Because reading and sharing this book, with its photographs of kids all over the world- growing, learning, doing what kids do- can stir feelings of empathy. This means that perhaps one day there will be no "us" and there will be no "them".

I Am A Poet! (Workbook) by Justin Matott Spiral-bound: 100 pages Publisher: Snorkel Books; (Oct. 2003) ISBN: 1889191027

I Am A Writer! (Workbook) by Justin Matott Spiral-bound: 100 pages Publisher: Snorkel Books; (Oct. 2003) ISBN: 1889191035

I Am An Artist! by Justin Matott Spiral-bound: 100 pages Publisher: Snorkel Books; (Oct. 2003) ISBN: 1889191167

I Can Write a Picturebook (Workbook) by Justin Matott Spiral-bound: 60 pages Publisher: Snorkel Books; (Oct. 2003) ISBN: 1889191019

These  workbooks will be a great addition to your stable of writing supplies. Matott has worked with many, many students in shaping fun poetry and has incorporated his style, illustrations by the wonderful illustrator John Woods Jr. into a helpful workbook. Enjoy!

There's A Fly On My Toast (CD Audio Book) by Justin Matott Audio CD Publisher: Snorkel Books; (October 2003)
ISBN: 1889191078  

This delightful audio book will keep the reader reaching for the book to follow along with the professional actors who perform each of the poems in wonderful VOICE!

There's A Fly On My Toast by Justin Matott, John  Woods, Jr. (Illustrator), Hardcover: 130 pages Publisher: Clove Publications, Inc.;  (September 15, 2002)
ISBN: 188919123X  

There’s a Fly on My Toast! is the long awaited collaboration from the team that brought forth the award-winning and beloved Ol’ Lady Grizelda!

For breakfast or dinner or even for lunch!
I’ll eat them forever,
munch them by the bunch!
I like it when they’re double!
I like some extra cheese!
Cheeseburgers are awesome!
I’ll have two, pretty please!

Cheeseburgers are just one of the subjects Matott writes about in this delightful book. From dogs and cats, annoying siblings, wrinkled elbows, and underwear, to many other subjects, you will surely be entertained and will nod with recognition from your own experiences as you read.

Mr. MATOTT found his ear for rhyme as a fourth grader while writing on the blackboard after school so often. One time his teacher, the mean Sister Jean Claire, returned to the room to find he had written 100 times: I will not tease the fourth grade girls, I will not pull their fourth grade curls, I will not be a bad, bad kid, and I am sorry for what I did! A week later Mr. Matott’s science fair project (beans in Dixie cups at different lighting intervals) won first prize. Soon after he was back at the blackboard writing: I will not shove beans up my nose, no matter how I think they grows, I shoved one in poor Ronnie’s ear, and now poor Ronnie cannot hear! This one got him sent to the office.

John WOODS Jr., illustrator of Ol’ Lady Grizelda, is currently at work in his studio on a Grizelda sequel as well as a few other surprises, sure to delight children, young and old!
Mr. Woods’s mother was the first to recognize his artistic talent when he was three years of age and began to draw pictures on her living room walls with large markers. Soon she set him up with paper and an easel and he began to create great works of art. As a middle school student, Mr. Woods would draw “tattoos” on the other children’s arms for a quarter apiece and give special attention to the bully’s tattoos to avoid being punched for his lunch money.

Ol' Lady Grizelda by Justin P. Matott,  John  Woods, Jr. (Illustrator), Reading level: Ages 4-8, Hardcover - 36 pages 2nd Rep edition (May 20, 1998) Clove Publications, Inc.;     ISBN: 1889191094  

Ol' Lady Grizelda is a delightful picture book meant for "children" of all ages. It is the story (told in rhyme and verse) of that certain peculiar person that each of us had on our block. The one that all of the children speculated upon, that their house was haunted or that they were awful. One day a special young boy tiptoes down to Grizelda's house to see for himself what of the rumors are true. In doing so a wonderful relationship is born between them and the reader learns to draw one's own conclusions rather than listening to the general gossip about people.

Editorial Reviews
Review from Parent Council  "In this delightful  rhyming story, a young boy learns to judge people only after he discovers that truth about them.  The boy's curiosity about an elderly neighbor leads to a fun frolic and a lesson in acceptance.  Grizelda's glossary is included to help define some of the more curious words, such as loony, funk, and muttons.  Wild, fun illustrations!" 

Highlands Ranch Herald- May 29, 1998 "A colorful, charming new children's book, "Ol' Lady Grizelda" will entertain, amuse and give a little food for thought." "This book should delight any little person in the vicinity."

Buy Colorado- May 1998
"Ol' Lady Grizelda, by Colorado writer Justin Matott, best known for his "parents" book, My Garden visits, will surely entertain, challenge and invoke your children to giggle... a fun, whimsical book told in verse and rhyme."

Drinking Fountain Joe by Justin Matott, David Schiedt Illustrator, Reading level: Ages 9-12, Hardcover - 32 pages (April 14, 2000) Clove Publications, Inc.;

ISBN: 1889191124  

Whimsically told in rhyme and verse and wonderfully illustrated, Drinking Fountain Joe is the story of an unusual sixth grade boy named Joe who is obsessed with the germs in his school. An oddball, Joe soon has the attention of the whole school including the principal in his effort to rid the school of germs and other pollutants. Teaming up with his best friend, a girl called simply Y, Joe sets out to cure the world of disease. While working Joe strokes his chin which is mysteriously covered by a beard. He makes the correlation between his "pollution solution" and the hair raising event and starts on a wonderful journey. Drinking Fountain Joe evokes the same sense of acceptance for unique people as Matott's previous imaginative and wonderful children's book OL' Lady Grizelda! At the end of the story is a hilarious glossary for the children to learn the meaning of some of the harder words, sure to bring a smile to learning!

When Did I Meet You Grandma? by Justin Matott, Laurie McAdam (Illustrator), Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover - 32 pages (June 2000) Enchanted Rock;

ISBN: 1889191116  

When Did I Meet You Grandma? is an endearing book about the relationship between a child and grandmother. Each page is wonderfully illustrated to depict a different set of grandma and child. All shapes and sizes of grandmothers, all ethnic backgrounds and all sorts of different interests are explored in this wondrous book. Included on the front page is a place for a picture of the special child or special grandmother to be adhered and the last page of the book is interactive with another place for a photo or drawing and questions to be filled out about the child's own grandma making the book complete with ALL grandmothers covered. This is a book which will be given to young and old alike!

 

When Did I Meet You Grandpa? by Justin Matott, Laurie McAdam (Illustrator), Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover - 32 pages (September 15, 2000) Clove Publications, Inc.;

ISBN: 1889191140  

Book Description

When Did I Meet You Grandpa? is a celebration of Grandfathers. A delightful picture book companion to the best selling When Did I Meet You Grandma?. Sure to delight young and old alike!

 

 

 

Oliver Kringle by Justin Matott, Laurie McAdam (Illustrator), Reading level: Ages 4-8, Hardcover - 32 pages
(September 1, 2001) Clove Publications, Inc.;
ISBN: 1889191159  

Book Description
Oliver Kringle is a delightful new picture book featuring Kris Kringle's brother. Oliver is a school    bus driver new to Pine Elementary School. Penelope J. Bell is given an assignment to write an    "original" holiday story. She has heard all of the rumors that her new bus driver is Santa Claus     a.k.a. Kris Kringle and decides to interview him to find out what she can for her paper. That is    where the fun begins...

ADULT TITLES

Independence Days by Justin Matott (Nov. 2000) Brewers Publications In these 24 mostly true Declarations of Independence, Justin Matott takes his readers into the mysterious world of friendship and discovery peculiar to all of us. Wry, funny, and often sobering, his stories center around the catalyst that forges friendships, diffuses differences, and inspires revelations. Matott's down to earth writing is a wellspring of ordinary, fleeting moments that result in newfound independence. Readers will smile and shake their heads in recognition.            ISBN: 0937381756

A Harvest of Reflections : Wisdom for the Soul Through the Seasons by Justin Matott      To reap the fruits of one's labor is a privilege that every gardener cherishes and others only dream of. Now, in this exquisitely rendered book, Justin Matott shares with us the bountiful pleasures that come at the end of the gardening season. For after the harvest, there may be dormancy for a time, but there is still beautiful life--and from it, nature's wisdom becomes our own.     The ripening pumpkin reminds us to let go of summer--and to embrace the richness of autumn. In the barren winter landscape, the constant beauty of the red twig dogwood provides a greeting to visitors all year long. And the fragile white flourish of angel's trumpet salutes the soaring of the spirit.    From autumn to winter to spring, Justin embraces the changing of the seasons as he muses on childhood joys and adult regrets, and gives thanks for the abundance of his life, for friends and family, especially the gently lingering presence of his deceased mother.   In this richly illustrated memoir and gardener's notebook, Justin helps us see that through the changing seasons, in nature's garden, it is in the roots that life is stored--ready to replenish the earth and the spirits of all those who walk upon it.                    ASIN: 0345420918

My Garden Visits by Justin Matott, Victoria Kwasinski (Illustrator)  (May 30, 1996) Clove Publications, Inc. Of all human creations, a garden comes nearest to heaven. In Justin Matott's garden, sweet peas, larkspur, peppermint, peas, corn, tomatoes, and a hundred other sweetly-scented and delicious things bloom and ripen daily -- gifts of earth's bounty. One day in that garden a very special miracle occurred. Justin felt the loving presence of his mother, who had left this earth five years before. Why had she come? What could her invisible but palpable presence mean? As he sowed, weeded, and harvested, he listened to his visitor's silent communications and felt the movement of change and growth within himself. In the forget-me-not, he was reminded of the precious uniqueness of his mother -- and every other part of creation. Along with crocuses and daffodil, memories of childhood blossomed. The cycle of garden life impressed upon him the eternal flow of beginning, renewal, loss, and new beginning. At first, Justin hesitated to mention these mysterious, wordless colloquies, but when he did, family and friends urged him to write about them. So now we have this wonderful book, which invites us into the author's beautiful garden to share the love and wisdom that flowered among poppies and bean poles. Hardback ASIN: 0345412516  Paperback ISBN: 1889191086

Presentations

	Justin Matott  provides a fun learning experience for your students. He entertains, tells gripping stories and teaches the love of writing, reading and books. a best selling, award winning author of books for children and adults, Matott spends much of his time speaking at writing conferences, schools, book groups and to adult classes. He visits many schools to share inspiration for writers and readers, conducts creative writing workshops. He also includes points of the 6 Traits Writing Program, depending on what is requested, and can tailor his presentation to meet your school standards.
	ASSEMBLIES:  Matott uses examples of his own writing (4th and 5th grade) to inspire the students that even those who have to work hard at writing can succeed (he received Cs, but worked hard to improve). Using examples of ideas behind stories, he  speaks to how editing makes writing more concise and finds enthusiasm from students and teachers wherever he goes. Emphasis is put on revision, editing and reworking drafts. (Assembly runs 45 minutes for intermediate students in 3rd through 6th grades, and 30 minutes for primary K-2nd grades.
	CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOPS:  Matott works with students to formulate characters, characteristics, plot, problems and solutions, all the while using such traits as voice and word choice to bring their work alive. The main goal of the workshop is to get the students to understand that any idea can be channeled into a story with the right amount of imagination, effort and work, Matott takes the ideas coming from the first 1/2 hour then writes 8-12 lines of rhyme to prompt the student's story, challenging each student to finish the story on his/her own.

To make the school visit truly successful the students should become familiar with Matott's books prior to his visit so they are ready to discuss and ask questions for the assemblies. Justin suggests a flyer be prepared and sent home to parents to announce the visit and details about obtaining copies of Matott's books to be autographed during the visit.

Matott offers a variety of writer's workshops, including a grandparent unit, Making SENSE of your writing (incorporating the 5 senses to bring voice to a student's writing), a creative picture book unit, a memoir unit, a poetry unit and more! Many testimonial letters and comments are available upon request.

School Visit comments: "Justin Matott shatters the mold! As an Author in Residence, Justin breaks through the barriers of formula paragraphs and prescriptive prompts for state tests to bring creativity and joy back to student writing. He delivers a program that adapts to the focus of any school curriculum and can also address specific writing skills requested by teachers. With humor and passion, students and staff are taken on a journey from first draft to published book in an interactive, energizing workshop setting." Nancy Gilmore, Principal Bradford Intermediate School Justin Matott..., I repeat, Justin Matott! This was a “repeat” performance for us. Put some spark into your next writing workshop by inviting Justin Matott to speak to your whole school or small groups. You won’t be disappointed, we weren’t and we asked him back for a second time. The students were excited, engaged, and mesmerized....again!! Renee’ Sianko, Media Specialist, Ponderosa Elementary " I was very impressed, no, I was amazed at the way he held the children’s attention!  Justin held their attention because he tapped into each child’s creative nature.  He showed us all how to use the stories of our lives as a basis for writing… Since his visit, I have used many of Justin’s ideas in our workshops… His emphasis on vocabulary development has significantly improved how we teach vocabulary during our writing workshops.   Justin has a heart to communicate.  He is passionate, funny, entertaining and very capable of teaching six trait writing.  I wholeheartedly recommend Justin Matott!" Sincerely, Chris Branson, Literacy Support Teacher, Stein Elementary School "The students and teachers thought you related well to the students and offered good information about the process an author goes through in thinking up and writing stories.  I appreciate how you changed your presentation and matched it to the grade level of the students." Sally Stevenson, Library Information Specialist, Green Mountain Elementary "Our students loved you!  Parents have said their children could'nt’t stop talking about you!" Jane Brubaker, Library Media Specialist, Aspen Creek K-8, Broomfield, CO "Wow!" "Awesome!"  "He was funny!"  These are just a few of the many positive comments I heard from students as they walked back to their classrooms after your assembly at our school.  Responses to your Creative Writing Workshop with our Fourth graders were equally zealous… Teachers felt their students walked away with a better understanding of the writing process and saw the power of the revision and editing processes. Your presence at our book fair made it a HUGE success!" Melinda Miller, Building Resource Teacher, Wildcat Mountain, Littleton, CO "He is a charismatic speaker who electrifies the students with his quick wit and spontaneity.   He excites and motivates reluctant writers as he shares his growth as a writer, including disappointments.  In his creative writing seminars he mesmerized the students with his acceptance of their ideas, and together they created the basis for a class story.  Put some pizzazz into your next writing workshop.  Invite Justin Matott to speak to your whole school or small groups.  You won’t be disappointed!" Susan Roup, Teacher, Summit View Elementary, Highlands Ranch CO "Mr. Matott started us off with a wonderful school assembly that was very fun and educational.   The highlight of Mr. Matott’s visit was the creative writing workshop… with every child participating and wanting to write more.  Even our most reluctant writers were very disappointed when the session ended.  He incorporated the six-trait writing process and encouraged our children.  I would highly recommend Justin Matott." Mary Anne Kindred, Media Specialist, Stratton Elementary, Stratton CO "He brings humor, enthusiasm for learning, an excellent rapport with kids, creativity and a passion for the writing process. His ability to engage students and keep them interested is unequaled."  Judy Bastien, Campus Middle School, Englewood, CO "I thought it was going to be boring to listen to some old guy talk about writing, but it really was fun to write a story with you. I want to be an author someday too now."    Eighth grade student "I loved your presentation!  You definitely changed my mind about writing!  The creative writing was cool too. You make writing sound much more fun!"  Sixth grade student Justin connected with our students right away with his humor and storytelling. In our class workshops, he talked with our students, not just to them. In my 25 plus years of teaching I have never seen anyone with the kind of expertise, charisma, and love of his craft that Justin possesses. What a wonderful day it was! The students couldn't get enough of him! Every student (and teacher!) deserves a day with Justin! Roy Spratt, Aurora Quest Academy Teachers and students alike are all ears when "Nathan" raises his hand to read his poetry to his sixth grade classmates during Justin Matott's Author in Residency Program. Looks of surprised gladness are exchanged between teachers as "Nathan" (who previously sought attention inappropriately or just didn't participate) proudly reads his work. Justin somehow manages to create a safe environment for all writers. Matott translates his own gift for writing and storytelling into a simple process that kids can understand. He teaches students how to plant their own seed of a story, and with the love of a gardener, he teaches them to prune, trim and transplant the ideas into a finished product. Candace Story, Library Information Specialist, Governor's Ranch Elementary, Littleton, CO

YOU ARE GUARANTEED A DAY FULL OF IMAGINATION, DELIGHT, POSITIVE MODELING AND FUN! PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO READ THE QUOTES PROVIDED BY EDUCATORS ABOVE. THE CLEAREST INDICATION OF MATOTT'S SUCCESS IN SCHOOLS IS THE FACT THAT HE HAS BEEN ASKED BACK BY MANY OF THE SCHOOLS HE HAS VISITED.

The Professional Fee is $1100 for 2 assemblies and 3 workshops (The most common day usually includes an assembly for K-2 and then 3-5/6 and workshops for the secondary age students by grade groups. Matott can handle any size workshop as long as teachers are present to handle any disruptions and/or discipline issues, though usually this is not a problem because the students are so involved.)

Additional and workshops are $200 each. The day can be adjusted to suit your school's needs. Matott has done as many as 5 workshops in one day in addition to the 2 assemblies.
$500 for 2 assemblies.

For schools outside of the Denver area, the minimum is $1000 (negotiated on an individual basis at times).
Travel expense at .48 per mile driven.

For travel outside the Colorado area fees are negotiated (minimum $1000 per day) and will include lodging (hotel and meals, no school lunches please, after over 400 school lunches as an adult, Mr. Matott has finally begged for no more)! and travel expenses. Matott has visited out of state locations for a week at a time, seeing numerous schools and being involved in community meetings and events. This is a good for a school district to pool resources to pay for travel and lodging.__Ongoing programs, fellowship and resident programs available; fees negotiable.__

Books ordered by students and staff will be supplied on the day of Matott’s visit by him.

Books ordered prior and/or the day of the event at your request will also be provided directly from Matott (we will send you a book order form upon booking), so you don't have to spend time working between the publishers and distributors to bring in the books or returns either.