“Matt captivated the hearts and minds of the students and teachers who attended his presentations! He was personable and informative which allowed the students to feel comfortable and ask him a lot of questions. His positive energy and answers to their questions really confirmed that Matt was meant to be a writer and illustrator!” — Daly City Public Library, 2024
“The students loved seeing Matt’s writing process, especially his home office and drawing tools. They also loved hearing about how Matt does research when creating characters. It was so cool when Matt pulled a volunteer from the audience and drew her as if she were a character in one of his graphic novels!” — Ogdensburg City School District, 2024
“Matt was engaging for all age levels. Kids loved the drawing. The older kids really enjoyed learning more about the creation of Hoops. . . . Thank you to Matt for a great visit!” — Garrison Elementary School, 2024
“Matt Tavares is a wonderful author/illustrator to visit your elementary or middle school. He is very knowledgeable in his craft and can tailor his talk to any age range. He is very flexible and can adapt to changes as they present. I would happily have him back to speak to my students again!” — Epping School District, 2024
“Matt Tavares truly understands how to engage the students. His capacity to captivate the students’ interest across grade levels was impressive. He is very down to earth and willing to participate in fun activities with the kids. Matt is not only a talented author and illustrator, but also inspirational. Thank you for the work you do and time you commit to traveling across the country!” — Hollis Upper Elementary, 2024
“Matt Tavares does a great job of inspiring all ages in the audience with the stories he shared about his writing process. We were encouraged to take risk to try new things like he did with his first graphic novel Hoops (which is amazing!). He used great illustrations from his own work as a testament to how we can always improve our craft. Matt also shared some drawing tips that students were eager to try out. You won’t be disappointed!” — Prairie Trace Elementary, 2024
“I appreciated the fact that he answered the students’ questions directly and continued to reiterate to them what a process writing is even for an established, published author.” — Trantwood Elementary, 2024
“I have had rave reviews about your visit from teachers and students. Your presentations engaged and inspired the students. I have first graders who are able to quote your words because they were listening so intently. A fourth grader commented that you didn’t talk over the students’ heads, but spoke so they understood.” — Gail Nelson, School Librarian
“I don’t think I’ve ever heard such positive feedback after an author visit!” — Laura Phelps, Media Specialist, Union 47 School District
“You could tell from the questions, many from the adults, that the process was of broad interest to a broad range of ages…. Your whole program was just chock full of information and you presented it in a way that kept both the children and adults engaged.” — Nancy Denman, Head of Children’s Services, Duxbury Free Library
“Your slide presentation kept the students interested and focused, and your easy-going manner allowed students to immediately relate to you and want to know more about you…. I sent a letter to Candlewick Press letting them know how much we enjoyed our visit with you and would be happy to recommend you to other interested schools. ” — Laurie Woodfin, Media Specialist, Neary School
“Parents stopped me all over town for several days after the event to tell me how much their children enjoyed it, and how much they liked meeting you.” — Judi Paradis, Robbins Library
“You held everyone’s attention for the entire presentation and the age span was about 5 to 85! … I can’t remember another visiting author captivating young readers more than you did.” — Linda Burke, Children’s Librarian, Mattapoisett Public Library
“Thank you for coming to our school. I loved your presentation you did! I dream of publishing a book of my own some day. I like to write and draw as much as you. Do you think I’ll get a chance to make my own book? A lot of my friends can write more than me but I’m going to persevere. Anyway, thanks again!” — Hannah G, grade 4