Mississippi Author Turns a Country Folktale into a Children’s Book

Matthew Lynch of Jackson, MS has been a very busy young man over the past couple of years. In April, 2006 Matthew Lynch published his first book, Closing the Racial Academic Achievement Gap and in his second book, Matthew and the Money Tree, he tackles the issues of poverty and greed.

While he was pursuing a Master’s in Elementary Education at Jackson State University, the majority of his class projects focused on literacy, and more specifically children’s literature. When he started researching this genre of literature, he came to the conclusion that there was a scarcity of quality children’s literature for, and about people of color. Mr. Lynch wanted to create a children’s book based on an authentic African American folktale. His thoughts immediately reverted back to his childhood. Growing up in Hazlehurst, MS, there was a legend in the family about an old man and a money tree. The old man had worked his entire life as a field laborer, but since he didn’t have any living relatives, he always had a surplus of money. Some nights he could be seen walking through the woods, always stopping at a certain tree. By the time he died, the old man had amassed a small fortune, but no one, not even his friends, knew exactly what happened to his money, so they theorized that he buried it beneath the aforementioned tree.

Mr. Lynch was 7 years old when he first heard the story. His mind immediately began to fantasize. He would leave home every morning looking for it, but never found the tree. Although it was frustrating, it was a way to pass time and have fun doing it. Matthew and the Money Tree is the first installment in a series of children’s books; based on Mr. Lynch’s childhood experiences. Be on the lookout for the next book about Matthew and his adventures. Matthew and the Money Tree is a wonderful tale for children and adults alike. This book teaches the moral lesson that you do not need money to be happy. Matthew is a delightful character that gives children the idea that the simple things in life are the true keys to happiness. A must have for all children.

Matthew and the Money Tree, can be ordered by visiting the following websites: www.amazon.com, ww.bn.com or www.booksamillion.com or by visiting your local bookstore. Copies are available at Lemuria Bookstore and Adihamo Bookstore in Jackson. Librarians/Bookstores can order copies through Baker & Taylor/Quality Books/Seaburn Publishers.