Steven Sparrow and the Shade of a Great Tree

"It's an offbeat coming-of-age tale that's charming and creative...plenty of excitement and moments of delightful humor...a touching and engaging tale with a positive message. Our verdict...get it." - Kirkus Reviews

"A thoughtful and enjoyable story...narration is engaging to keep young readers hooked...adult fans of fables will also enjoy it." - Reader's Favorite (5 Stars)

Who has ever heard of a bird refusing to fly?

This isn't your usual coming-of-age tale. Steven Sparrow, a young bird with plenty to say, shocks his family by declaring he'll walk instead of fly. Yeah, that's right—a bird choosing to walk. And he's pretty stubborn about it too.

Steven has always been the family entertainer. While his siblings are stuck doing chores, he's busy charming audiences with grand stories. But his family isn't laughing when Flying Day arrives and Steven refuses to leave the nest by air. His decision sends shockwaves through the community. Walking sparrow? Who's ever heard of that?

Steven quickly learns that being earth-bound isn’t so easy when he encounters a frog with an attitude, a bird feeder run by snobby scrub jays, and a blood-thirsty cat. But Steven’s stubbornness keeps him hopping forward, determined to prove everyone wrong. He’s convinced he’s doing something legendary—at least that's what he tells himself.

Steven must also face hard truths about himself. Sure, he's clever and charming, but is that enough when he’s lost and alone? He meets Mouse, another creature who’s seen trouble and survived. Their friendship might be Steven’s best chance at making it on foot.

Steven Sparrow & the Shade of a Great Tree captures the struggle we all face trying to fit in or stand out, and what can happen when your headstrong nature puts you at odds with your community—and even your family. Can Steven stick to his decision and survive, or will he finally learn the value of compromise?

This modern fable is full of humor and heart. Steven’s snarky wit will have readers chuckling and shaking their heads. But beneath the laughs is a powerful message about the choices we make and the courage it takes to face the truth of their consequences.

Since 2000, Matthew has been an educator. He has worked in both public and private institutions, in grades six through twelve, and currently teaches at a public high school, working mostly with freshmen (9th grade). He has a B.A. in Theatre Arts (Acting & Directing, Long Beach State '94), and an M.A. in Teaching (Multicultural & Social Justice Education, Fresno State '15).Prior to education, he was the owner and operator of a party rentals business on Oahu (Jump 4 Less), a founding member of a theater company in Los Angeles (Elephant Off Main), and the lead singer and bass player in a post-punk band (The Neighbor Lees). He also played and coached volleyball, was a security guard at Knott's Berry Farm, and worked in the circulation department of a newspaper.During the pandemic, he and his wife Laurie co-hosted the Teacher Saves World! podcast. They were married in 1999 (Kailua, Hawaii), have two children, and live and work in Tulare, California.