Matt Sprouts returns in his second book after the successful Matt Sprouts and the Curse of the Ten Broken Toes. There are references to the first story, but this one reads fine on its’ own.

Twelve-year-old Matt has a new challenge just as summer vacation is under way. Dad wants him to build character by getting a job. Matt finds one and it only involves taking care of a neighbor’s goat named Nora. Should work fine given Matt’s already busy schedule that includes soccer and cross country practice along with helping his bestie, Grace, with her science fair project.

Unfortunately for Matt, best laid plans go awry thanks to Nora. She frequently gets out of her pen and has some rather mysterious behaviors. There’s also a strange man named Jason who seems to be after Matt to even the score.

Matt’s first person narration is kid-like and his dealings with a younger brother and Nora are often hilarious and heartwarming. The idea that we all have a backpack that carries our true story was a perfect one to use as a way to see others more honestly. The 30 chapters move along at a nice pace with a perfect ending. An epilogue sets up book 3 which readers will anxiously be awaiting.

Matt Sprouts and The Day Nora Ate the Sun is a gift of great story telling for middle grade readers.

PAGE COUNT: 304 BOOK BIRTHDAY: September 3, 2024

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: MATT SPROUTS AND THE DAY NORA ATE THE SUN by Matt Eicheldinger

1. B.J. is a new character and his inclusion added even more mystery to the tale. The lesson of don’t always judge until you have all the facts couldn’t be more true with B.J.
2. Fun pencil like drawings often appear to break up the text. Many of them will make you smile or laugh.
3. If you have never been around a goat, you will learn a lot about their unique behavior. Nora stole the show in this one.
4. It’s a tough writing task to make all the characters memorable, but this endearing cast succeeded.
5. Understanding and its importance was the perfect theme. A great lesson for kids and adults.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Matt Eicheldinger wasn’t always a writer. He spent most of his childhood playing soccer, reading comics, and trying his best to stay out of trouble. Little did he know those moments would ultimately help craft his first novel, Matt Sprouts and the Curse of Ten Broken Toes. 

Matt lives in Minnesota with his wife and two children, and tries to create new adventures with them whenever possible. When he’s not writing, you can find him telling students stories in his classroom, or trail running along the Minnesota River Bottoms.

Matt is represented by agent Dani Segelbaum of Arc Literary Management. He is set to release five books in 2024/2025.

(For more about Matt, visit his author website)

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