Count on this fun title by Lee Matson

Those who are fans of "Geckos in the Garden" will know that I find it difficult to pass up a fun way to practice counting with little ones. Lee Matson is a writer after my own heart having created "Alexa & Pup Go to the Farm".

A farm adventure and counting book in one! Bright colourful illustrations and catchy rhymes make this a fun read. There are lots of "noise" words to make reading aloud interactive and full of giggles. A great addition to any early library at home or school.

But I was also able to learn a bit more about Lee and how he created this gem! Keep reading below!

Lee Matson, renaissance man.

Living outside London, UK, with his partner Katie and children Alexa and Archer, Lee is a Personal Trainer andSenior Wellbeing Advisor. Lee holds a Sport and Exercise Science degree. He used to play semi-pro football (soccer for my fellow North Americans) and still follows the sport. Anything sporty really.

During Covid, Lee was placed on furlough and spent all his time with Alexa (Archer appeared later). He notes they spent a lot of time watching TV, playing games, learning words and numbers, and doing lots of reading. After a while, as with most parents, Lee found himself bored with the same books and thought, "why not try something different?" This combined with a work related medical suggesting starting a new hobby to help with mental wellness during lockdown, came together when he thought he could create a book to enjoy with Alexa. 

The real Alexa reportedly loves the book and knows all of the words off by heart. She was apparently shocked when she realized she was on the front cover, and then more shocked to discover dear old dad also named on the front cover! When the books first arrived, Lee says she walked around with it telling her whole family she was famous.

So why this creation? Lee knew that kids like Alexa love bright colours, animals, funny things and weird noises. Taking these ingredients, he mixed up a combination of these elements. I am so glad he did! Onomatopoeia keeps the kids interested and they can do the sounds as well.

Lee's favourite bit in the book is when the sheep knit a hat for pup and it is far too long and covers pup. Kids have fun stopping here to find where Pup is hiding. His publisher produced the illustrations, and Lee was pleased with how they turned out. 

Lee enjoyed working with Austin Macauley Publishing.

Lee would love for you to follow him on Instagram as he tries to build his audience. You can find him on instagram @alexa_and_pup where you can see what else he and Alexa and now Archer are getting up to!

Thank you, Lee, for the opportunity to read and review your book and help share the word about it! A great first title and I am waiting for more!

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