Bloomington local and former middle school teacher Matt Eicheldinger has landed a deal that turns a decade of determination and storytelling into a promising series of books. The educator, who found innovative ways to engage his students at Oak Grove Middle School by sharing his own whimsical tales has now parlayed the classroom antics into "Matt Sprouts and the Curse of the Ten Broken Toes," a story that has resonated with children and publishers alike.
Eicheldinger's journey began humbly, with more than 200 rejections over 10 years, but the persistence paid off. According to a report by the City of Bloomington, after self-publishing in 2021, and selling thousands of copies while racking up indie awards, his book was picked up by Andrews McMeel Publishing, known for iconic comics like “Calvin and Hobbes,” “Big Nate,” and “Peanuts.”
"This felt like a full circle moment," Eicheldinger said, reflecting on the surreal experience of joining an esteemed publisher that had also printed the comics he adored growing up. He started the book during his tenure at Wayzata, drawing on a long-held belief that student stories mattered, and with a desire to create a space where they could be shared.
The first book in the "Matt Sprouts" series hits shelves this month with the sequel slated for a September release. Fans and future readers can catch a glimpse into the author's thoughts and experiences in an interview available on the Bloomington government website, Eicheldinger's passion for teaching and storytelling shines through in every project he undertakes.
