Pelicano, Matt: - "Matt Pelicano was born near Syracuse, New York and by age 10 was already writing poems, songs, and stories. At the age of 17, Matt published his first compilation of poetry, followed by a second a year later. At age 18, Matt's poetry was featured with a centerfold spread in the New York Span and numerous inclusions in the monthly poetry journal, Omnific. One of Matt's children's books, Philbert LaRue had a Hole in his Shoe, has been compared with the works of Dr. Seuss and Shel Silverstein. The second of Matt's novels, the result of almost two years-worth of onsite research in France, A Butterfly in Paris, is an adventure story, a travel guide, and a French language primer all rolled into one.Matt's first novel, Tabouli: The Story of a Heart-Driven Diabetes Alert Dog, seeks to raise awareness of diabetes alert dogs and the vital work they perform, while encouraging those suffering with juvenile diabetes to always "follow the adventure" and live life to the fullest. Recommended by world-renown dog trainer, Debby Kay, "Tabouli perfectly captures the spirit and journey of a remarkable service dog." Tabouli has been nominated for three awards by the Dog Writer's Association of America, and was optioned by a major television network in consideration for adaptation into a made-for-tv movie. Matt's third novel, written for a more mature readership, is an extended allegorical journey through the various stages of grief. Drawing upon his own experience, The Woolems of Averlune, addresses suffering and hopelessness with an eye toward healing and regaining a sense of joy.Matt has received nationwide media attention for his writing. Some of this press coverage can be seen on his website: www.MattPelicano.com.From his youth, Matt has always loved the poetry of E.E. Cummings, Shel Silverstein, TS Eliot, Walt Whitman, Robert Frost, and William Shakespeare. His literary heroes include JRR Tolkien, CS Lewis, Oscar Wilde, Agatha Christie and David McCullough. Matt has three grown children - Andy, Joey and Megan - and lives in New York and South Carolina."