The Teacher Who Wrote It All Down
In his years as a teacher, Matt Eicheldinger developed a habit that would change his life: he started writing things down. From the funny, offbeat remarks of his students to the small yet powerful moments that made him pause, he filled journals with the everyday magic unfolding in his classroom. Over time, he realized these weren’t just memories—they were life lessons waiting to be uncovered.
Each entry helped him see the beauty in ordinary moments, whether it was the way a student solved a problem in an unexpected way or how a simple act of kindness rippled through the classroom. These reflections became the seeds for his books, stories that celebrate resilience, humor, and imagination.
The Story Jar
In his classroom, storytelling was more than a pastime—it was an event. At the center of it all was a jar filled with slips of paper, each bearing the title of a story from his childhood. Students eagerly awaited the moments when he would pull a slip from the jar and bring the story to life. With every tale, they laughed, listened, and begged to hear just one more.
Those moments of connection became the heart of Matt’s teaching as he realized the stories weren’t just entertaining; they were tools for learning and growth. They helped him see the power of storytelling to spark imagination, inspire creativity, and teach life lessons.
It was in those storytelling sessions, surrounded by his students, that many of Matt’s future books found their roots, including the Matt Sprouts series. Each story from the jar became a building block, not just for teaching but for writing books that celebrate the magic of everyday moments.
Now, as a New York Times bestselling author, Matt channels both the wisdom of his teaching years and the nostalgia of his youth into books that inspire, entertain, and remind us all that the best stories come from life’s most authentic moments.
The Journey of Matt Sprouts
Summer 2010: Wrote the book in under thirty days. Original purpose was to write stories from childhood, but quickly developed into a book
September 2010: First query letter sent to literacy agency
September 2010: First rejection letter received
September 2010 - December 2020: Over 200 rejections received
January 2021: Decided to self publish. Consultation with WiseInk Publication.
March 2021: Kickstarter fundraiser launched and fully funded in 24 hours.
September 2021: Indie book Matt Sprouts and The Curse of Ten Broken Toes is released!
October 2021: Thousands of copies sold, four time award winner
November 2022: Only 100 copies left
January 2023: Signed with agent Dani Segalbaum of CarolMann Agency
February 2023: Accepted two book deal with Andrews McMeel Publishing
March 2024: Matt Sprouts and The Curse of the Ten Broken Toes is released, instantly hitting the USA TODAY and New York Times Bestseller List
Matt is represented by agent Dani Segelbaum of Arc Literary Management. He is currently set to release six books in 2025-2027.