Werewolf Woes

I wrote this poem while thinking about what it might like to be a werewolf. It's a bit cheeky :)

Werewolf Woes

I always become a werewolf

when the moon begins to rise.

My clothes get ripped and torn

and then I double up in size.

Although I’ve got no clothes on

after I transform,

it’s really not a worry,

as my fur will keep me warm.

When I’m a scary werewolf

out and on the prowl,

for awhile I’m happy,

you should hear me howl.

I really like to run around

searching for my prey.

When I find a tasty meal

they never get away.

But when I’m back to normal

it’s really not much fun.

I have to get back home again

by doing a nudie run.

Facebook Page 

@authormatthewhartley

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@authormhartley

New Pirate Book

I’ve finished my new book! The Adventures of Captain Cranky – The King’s Treasure, is the first book in a series for MG readers. Here’s a blurb I wrote for it.

Pirate Captain Cranky is a wanted man.

After years of bad luck and living with the threat of mutiny, Cranky embarks on a desperate attempt to finally find his fortune and escape his pursuers.

Sailing his ship, The Spiteful through fierce storms and towering waves, Cranky and his crew struggle to stay one step ahead of The Tranquility and Captain Marshall Mellow, who’s been ordered to hunt them down.

First mate Sam Seaworth is the only one capable of keeping Cranky’s notorious temper in check and stopping it from jeopardising their mission. Also aiding Cranky in his quest are his pet kookaburra, Captain Kook, musician Sloop Dog and stowaway Shelley Sales – a skilled fighter with a mysterious past.

Cranky’s obsessed with being the richest pirate across the seven seas, but at what cost?

I don’t plan on self-publishing this book like I did with my two poetry books. I’m hoping a traditional publisher might be interested in it. Fingers crossed!

You can also see some of my work on my facebook page @authormatthewhartley. I'd love if you stopped by for a visit :)

Here's a poem from my book, The Teachers are in Trouble and Other Rhymes. Enjoy! 

Faking It

Today I really wanted to sleep,
as school just makes me blue.
And so I decided to stay at home,
telling Mum I had the flu.

Instead she pulled my bed sheets off,
she wasn’t that easy to fool.
‘You don’t have the flu,’ she said,
‘Get your butt to school.’

And so I bounded out of bed
and very soon was dressed.
I knew I’d soon be back at school
feeling pretty stressed.

I wish I didn’t feel so scared.
I wish I felt invincible.
But I absolutely cannot handle
being the school principal.

New Book

I just finished the first book in a new series I’ve been working on for middle grade readers. Can’t say too much about the book just yet, but I can reveal it’s a story about the angriest pirate who ever sailed the high seas. I can’t wait to tell you more about the series over the next couple of months!

Interview

Just Write For Kids has posted an InterviewByBook with The Teachers are in Trouble and Other Rhymes. Check it out!

http://www.justkidslit.com/interviewbybook-with-the-teachers-are-in-trouble-and-matthew-hartley/

The Forgetful Student

Here’s a poem from my book, The Teachers are in Trouble and Other Rhymes. Enjoy!

The Forgetful Student

When I arrived at school today

I felt extremely bad.

I’d forgotten to do my homework

and my teacher got quite mad.

She said, ‘You’re very forgetful,’

and she tapped me on the head.

‘Do you think you can fix the problem?’

‘Of course I can,’ I said.

When I awoke next morning,

my homework was complete.

I put it in my schoolbag,

then headed down the street.

And when I arrived at school,

I didn’t know what to say.

Not a soul turned up for class,

because it was Saturday. 

The Teachers are in Trouble and Other Rhymes is available from Amazon and all other good bookstores. 

https://www.amazon.com/Teachers-are-Trouble-Other-Rhymes/dp/0995414122/

The Little Free Library

Recently I sent my book, A Fright in the Night and Other Rhymes to the Little Free Library, which is located on Walker Dr, Soledad, California. 

The Little Free Library has various books that cater to both adults and children, and I’m thrilled that my book is amongst them.

Here's an interview with me that was put up on the libraries billboard, when I was featured as author of the week.

Matthew Hartley lives in Melbourne, Australia. 

From an early age he had a love of reading and making up his own stories. He was so eager to be an author he printed out his first book on his home computer when he was eleven. It was called Psycho Robots, and he sold several copies to students from his class.

Many years later, in 2016, he published the humorous poetry collection, A Fright in the Night and Other Rhymes. The book was filled with poems about witches, giants, vampires and many more scary creatures.

In February this year, his second book of poetry, The Teachers are in Trouble and Other Rhymes will be released. In the book you’ll find The King of Burps, the teacher who got detention and many more colorful characters.

Matthew is excited to have his book included in the Little Free Library, and hopes his stories will encourage children to read more.

He is currently working on his first chapter book series for younger readers. It’s a swashbuckling adventure on the high seas!

To learn more about Matthew’s work, check out his Facebook group. 

www.facebook.com/authormatthewhartley/

A Fright in the Night and Other Rhymes is available to purchase from Amazon.

If you’d like to check out the Little Free Libraries facebook page here’s the link:

https://www.facebook.com/kimslittlefreelibrary/