Matylda - with a "y" - Bright and Tender is a wonderful, poignant tale of a close friendship which ended tragically.
It is about developing love for someone, or something, difficult to love. Additionally, it is about the process of grief
each individual must go through in her/his own way and how others can allow them to work through it.

Finally, it us about unselfishness of caring individuals and of redemption.
The author has created a unique, captivating story which induces the reader too become very endeared to the characters,
The reader is "drawn into the story" to the point he/she will feel he/she is there.

The writing of the author, Holly M. McGhee was very effective, coupled with the most outstanding narration of amazing Jenna Lamia.
makes this a truly DYNAMIC Children's book on CD! Jenna Lamia is, by far, the most talented and entrancing "voice" i have ever listened to on tape. Her voice for each character is very concise. She never deviates. When she speaks of the background scenes its in a separate voice, also.

The Book content will explain the Title and the Cover is sinple but "fitting'. I feel it would have more appeal to the "Browser" if there had been a few more images on the cover.

If an educator wants a beak or if a audio story is needed for Summer Reading Programs, rest assured, this young voice will captivate children more than most anyone!
This is not only an entertaining book but has a multitude of lessons one can use for several discussions.
This is a very STRONG Five Stars rated book on tale, in this reviewer's opinion
*I Won this Book on Tape in an Early Reviewer Giveaway by the Library Thing. I am remorse, because of circumstances, I was unable to listen to and review this book sooner.

. I was not asked to offer a positive review. This is my honest Review. ( )

This book is equal parts a sweet and informative look at geckos and a gutwrenching exploration of grief and loss. Highly recommended... but get ready to start bawling over a lizard tale. I definitely did. ( )

When two friends decide to get a lizard to take care of, they create stories about her and how she came into their lives. And then, everything changes. ( )

McGhee, who has authored three picture-books under the pen name Hallie Durand, has written a sweet, endearing story of love, loss, grief and healing experienced from the point of view of a ten-year-old child. McGhee authentically captures the rollercoaster ride that grief is and the amazing, lasting power of friendship. The adults in the story are relegated to mere support roles, but even so, McGhee has crafted them to be nurturing, attentive and supportive and very much a support system for the personal grief the story focuses on. I found the information about leopard geckos and their care as pets to be really fascinating, and I am not really a lizard kind of gal. ;-) Aptly titled, McGhee has written a heartwarming story about the heavy emotions of grief and suffering with a bright and tender touch. ( )

Thanks to Librarything and Candlewick press for a free copy of this book.
Matylda, Bright & Tender is the story of 4th grader Sussy, who is learning how to cope after the death of her best friend, Guy. She now must take care of herself and their pet gecko, Matylda.
Right from the start, this middle-grade novel exceeded all my expectations. It is smart, funny, heartbreaking and heartwarming, informative and sensitive in dealing with issues of friendship, death, and responsibility. I loved how all the characters in this book are portrayed, especially Sussy. I found myself getting drawn into her problems and was rooting for her to overcome her difficulties. I also liked the way the parents were portrayed, supportive and helpful. As an added bonus, I learned a lot about leopard geckos. Facts were woven into the plot in an interesting manner that didn't distract. I was always looking for books like this when I was teaching elementary school and wouldn't hesitate to recommend Matylda, Bright & Tender to teachers and students alike. ( )