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Former primary school teacher Matt Goodfellow is now a full-time poet who visits schools across the country to give high-energy performances and workshops. His first poetry collection for Otter-Barry Books, Chicken on the Roof, received wide acclaim. He is also the author of Caterpillar Cake, illustrated by Krina Patel-Sage, Shu-Lin's Grandpa, illustrated by Yu Rong, and a contributor to Being Me: Poems about Thoughts, Worries and Feelings, all published by Otter-Barry Books. Matt lives in Stockport, Manchester, UK. Joe Todd-Stanton is an author/illustrator who grew up in Brighton and studied at UWE Bristol, receiving a first-class degree in Illustration. His picture book The Secret of Black Rock was longlisted for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Award and won the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize. DreamWorks Animation have optioned the motion picture rights to his Brownstone’s Mythical Collection series. He has twice been shortlisted for the Oscar’s Book Prize.
"""I am pleased to report it is EXCELLENT in every way. Told in verse, with illustrations, it focuses on a young boy going into school year 6. Think friendships, SAT’s, family life. This book will steal your heart, rearrange it and return it. Lovely references to David Almond. This is most definitely recommended to all age 8 upwards, all parents, all teachers. Simply go buy it!"" -- Fiona Sharp * Independent Book Reviews * ""A beautiful story of friendship, family, grief, falling apart and putting yourself back together again. Also a love letter to David Almond who I agree is one of the Greats of All Time."" * Manjeet Mann * ""Matt Goodfellow is a stunning poet, well known for his beautifully crafted, often poignant work, which is highly relatable. In ‘The Final Year’, he has brought all his skill with language to create a very powerful verse novel which is sensitive and incredibly relevant... There are a million more things which I could say about this incredible book… but I just suggest people read it and get it into the hands of children who will see themselves and feel understood, recognised and valued. More books like this are needed."" * Through The Bookshelf * ""Well-written, authentic and very moving. And could really help to inspire children to write their own stories in their own voices.” * David Almond * ""Written with compassion and sensitivity by Matt Goodfellow and blessed with Joe Todd-Stanton's distinctive illustrations, this eminently relatable coming-of-age verse novel revolves around Nate's troubled journey into the final year of primary school."" * Waterstones: The Children's Books You Need to Read in 2023: July - December * ""Coupled with illustrations by Joe Todd Stanton – bringing Nate’s extended family & The Beats to life. There’s a certain Ghibli-esque style to its “No Face” tendril-like arms. Some really affecting work from both creators.” Early September OBB are releasing some amazing stuff! -- Rich Charlesworth via Twitter ""Loved it, read it in one! Putting it in our Back to School bundle for September!"" -- Heath Books via Twitter ""A stunning, emotionally charge verse-novel."" -- Chris Routh * @writeaboutbooks (Twitter) * “A beautiful verse novel out with Otter Barry Books. Nate’s last year at primary school is turned upside-down by friends and family - it is heart-wrenching and heart-warming and I loved it.” -- Maz Evans ""A powerful story told in verse about Nathan’s last year of primary school. Nathan has something special in him… poetry. A powerful and absorbing read."" * Inspire: Education Library Services * ""This tender and insightful poetry novel by Matt Goodfellow is a paean to young carers, books (especially by David Almond), good teachers and wings! A sure fire book of the year."" -- Gordon Askew ""If you give this book to someone, they’ll need a big hanky with it. Written by a children’s performance poet and former schoolteacher, this tearjerker is a novel in free verse about a working-class boy’s experience of Year Six. ...With black-and-white illustrations that capture its moods, the book explores the hurt of shifting friendships — but the real whammy involves an ill child. It’s one to read aloud to leavers so they will never forget their final year."" -- Nicolette Jones * The Sunday Times - Children's Book of the Week *"
