About This Book
A parent would reach for Mattimeo when their child is beginning to navigate the transition from a protected, dependent childhood to the more complex responsibilities of adolescence. This book specifically addresses the emotional challenge of growing out of a rebellious or headstrong phase and finding the inner strength to step up when family or community are in danger. Through the lens of high fantasy and animal characters, the story explores themes of separation, the bonds between fathers and sons, and the resilience required to survive hardship. While the plot focuses on a group of young animals kidnapped by a villainous fox, the core of the experience for a 9 to 14 year old is the development of character. Mattimeo begins as a bratty, entitled mouse but evolves into a courageous leader. Parents will find this a rich tool for discussing accountability and the importance of heritage. It is a long, vocabulary-rich chapter book that rewards persistent readers with a deeply satisfying victory over cruelty and injustice.
