Carrie Mattern

Welcome Little Leo Carrie Mattern

Publisher Marketing: Mattern's second book focuses on the birth of a very important duckling, which was inspired by her son, Leo Robert. Mattern likens this book as a modern fairytale, complete with the scary antagonist...a hairy mole! Mattern is most proud of her partner in crime, Ms. Rebecca Bodzick, the book's talented illustrator. Bodzick and Mattern played softball together at Saginaw Valley State University, where Bodzick graduate with a Graphic Design degree. This is Bodzick's first book, and hopefully she will team up again with Carrie in the near future! Look for the small details that may mean more to the overall theme of the book than meets the eye. There is a small picture of Mattern's husband, as sergeant duck, in complete military gear. He was actually away for the birth of Little Leo, and we wanted to portray that many spouses and families deal with not only hardships at home without their significant others, but also many anniversaries and celebrations. Thank you for your service SSG Mattern. There is also a breast cancer awareness pin on one nurse, who represents a very special friend and family in Mattern's life. Thank you for your support Wendy. Finally there is a skateboarder in another picture that represents Mattern's brother who lives with his wife in California. We miss them each day. Once again, family is the most important aspect of Mattern's book. Although this bear/duck family may not seem like a typical "fairytale" family, they offer one another love, courage, and support in the times that are the most trying.