BOOK WEEK VISITS
Steve’s Book Week visits to William Stimpson PS in Wetherill Park, NSW and Villawood West PS, NSW
HARRY HARTOG
What a wonderful day at Harry Hartog, Narellan, as Steve signed books, posed for pictures and met so many of his readers. Sincere thanks to all the kids who dragged their mums and dads out of the house and away from their electronic devices and social media exploits for a few hours to meet Steve.
TRUMPED?!
Can you imagine it? A humble children's author in Times Square in New York and a very famous man walks up to him and says "I know you! I read your books..." And then one of his Secret Service Agents opens a bag and the President of the United States asks Steve to sign his book, then he poses for a picture? Can you imagine it? Well, it happened to Steve....or did he imagine it? You can be the judge!
LETTERS
Have you ever asked yourself how other people actually see you? Well, that is the great thing about writing for kids, because sometimes they show you exactly what they think you look like! And here is Zoe's view of what Steve looks like...not much hair, old fogey glasses, trousers don't fit properly, chubby red face... big honker of a nose...YEP! Got it right first go Zoey!
SPECIAL THANKS TO HARRY
One of Steve's most favourite things (apart from chocolate...and animals...and chocolate animals) is when one of his readers sends him a drawing. So here is the very first piece of artwork Steve received from someone who has already read The Psycho Scientist!
The artist is 9 year old Harry H, and he has drawn Liam, the main character in the book, who is also on the cover.
Great work Harry, there's no doubting that you have an artistic touch. There is every possibility that you will end up doing something very important in your life because you are a rather unique and very special person! Keep up the good work and keep testing your mum and dad too, it's character building for them!
TAABAR - INDIA
Steve & his wife Diane were invited to spend a few weeks in India to visit an orphanage called 'Taabar' in Jaipur. There is one home for boys and another for girls. Before joining Taabar the children slept outside in all weathers and spent their time begging and trying to get by on their wits. They have been abandoned by their families or have no parents at all. Like all children, they are resilient and beautiful, full of enthusiasm and keen to learn, ready for any opportunity to better themselves.
Taabar was founded by a man called Ramesh Paliwal, who still runs the organisation, along with his beautiful wife and a team of fantastic volunteers. The children eat and sleep in safety now. They are taken and picked up from school and even continue their education in the evenings with the wonderful teachers at Taabar. They are taught so many things that we all take for granted, from basic hygiene (how to wash their hands properly) to how to read and write as well as a variety of other life skills.
When they reach 18 years old the children are found jobs and learn a trade, then they go out into the world as valuable members of society, contributing to life, paying their taxes and eventually helping another generation make India a better place for everyone. The fantastic people at Taabar continue to provide comfort and support for them until they eventually establish themselves in their own homes and start their own families.
If you want to know more about Taabar, please contact Steve and he will be happy to talk to you about how you can help these fantastic people.
SOUTH AFRICA
A visit to South Africa early in 2018 by Steve and his wife Diane has resulted in Steve's books now being held by several schools. Hopefully the kids will be encouraged to read and write even more than they do now. South Africa is such an optimistic country and its future is in the hands of these kids!
SCHOOL VISITS
Steve saying hello to some little kids at school and some big kids at a posh garden party!
Hello and a big thank you to all the teachers and librarians who invited Steve to talk to their classes.
Children's literacy is a very important subject and Steve dedicates most of his free time (when he is not busy writing) to helping children with their reading and writing skills. He also visits schools around Australia to talk about many things to do with books, such as how ideas begin in the author's mind and end up as a printed book, also creative writing and the use of imagination. His talks are just like his books - full of fun, quirky and a little bit wierd. Come to think of it, that's just like him! We hope that you and your children enjoy this web site. There's a lot to look at so take your time and have fun. If you have any ideas how to improve the site (apart from blowing it up or setting fire to Steve's computer - or perhaps burying Steve and the computer in a very deep hole) please let him know. Just click on the 'Contact' tab above!
SARITA & THE FAIRFAX FAMILY
The lovely lady below is Sarita Viler and she kindly arranged for Steve to talk about children's literacy at Lady Fairfax's beautiful country estate recently.
Thank you very much Sarita and the Fairfax family!
THANK YOU
How do I begin to thank everyone concerned for keeping Lord Grott at number 1 at Collins?
So, to all of you that purchased my book, to those of you kind enough to promote it and to Krystle for working so hard to sell it, I thank you.
It's a great feeling to be number 1 at Collins, Camden!
JAI ROWELL MP'S SPEECH
Education is the cornerstone of our society. Developing the minds of children is a central tenet of this. The Wollondilly electorate is home to Steve Matthews, an author who acknowledges the importance of reading for the development of children. Recently he authored a book called Lord Grott of Grott Hall, which tells the story of a mean and unkind English Lord. The book seeks to teach children the importance of kindness and charity. Steve has authored three books in the past that were published in Australia, Canada and the United States of America. He now lives on a farm with his wife, Diane, after selling his business at age 55. I congratulate Steve on his continued contribution to the reading development of many young children in Wollondilly, Southern Highlands and children as far away as the United States and Canada'.
