AUTHOR · TORONTO · CURITIBA

Mathias Neves

Hi! I'm a Brazilian author living in Toronto, writing about mental health and belonging (or lack thereof).

Portrait of Mathias Neves

books

The shelf, so far

A Plant's Tale — cover

2023

A Plant's Tale

A gentle, whimsical adventure about courage, growth, and the roots that ground us.

"What a magical book! To be honest, I didn’t buy this book for a child, but I think the story is suitable for all ages. Pepe is a relatable character and I loved to watch him discovering the world! Can’t wait to read this to my own children!"
Going to Church Can Be Fun — cover

2023

Going to Church Can Be Fun

A warm picture book inviting little ones to participate, learn, and find their place in the church, visit after visit.

Shine Bright, Firefly — cover

2023

Shine Bright, Firefly

A colorful picture book about self-acceptance and the challenges of hiding what makes us unique. A great bedtime read-aloud!

Reading Me Free — cover

2024

Reading Me Free

In this middle grade magical realism story, an anxious reader dives into classic books and discovers her own story inside them.

"Reading this felt like someone understood what I felt. (...) I'd highly encourage parents and middle graders to read this; it's a great way to help kids feel less alone in the way they feel, and for parents to open a dialogue. Definitely a book I'd reread. "
How to Make a Sweater — cover

2025

How to Make a Sweater

A tender journey from sheep to sweater, celebrating the love behind every handmade gift.

"Quite possibly THE cutest book about knitting a sweater. From Farm to Finish, absolutely delightful."
Knitting Magic — cover

Serialized fiction · ongoing

Knitting Magic

In this ongoing webnovel, a burned-out man moves to a small town for a fresh start, only to discover his knitting needles are enchanted, guiding him to help the townspeople and rediscover himself.

"Wow! This is a great piece. it will inspire people even with your weakness or disabilities you can still be something. it's also teaches on the (…) therapeutic effect of the craft."

Writing Samples

Em Português

  • César e o Mar(ionete)

    Nessa história encantadora inspirada em O Pequeno Príncipe, um menino descobre um imenso fundo do mar atrás da porta do seu quarto de hospital.

    Read
  • Um Conto de Plantas — A Aranha

    Nesse capítulo de A Plant's Tale, Pepe (uma planta que fugiu da estufa) encontra uma amigável aranha na chegada do inverno.

    Read
  • Dorme-dorme

    Uma criança se surpreende ao encontrar sua planta favorita ao voltar da praia.

    Read

HiMama / Lillio · 2020

Stories for Early Childhood

Published on HiMama's activity database, these stories have reached thousands of childcare centers and families across North America.

  • Social Distancing

    A story created to help children navigate change and distance.

    Read
  • A Water Cycle Story

    A poetic story following water drops from rain to pond.

    Read
  • All About Me

    A rhythmic short story reminding children that everybody is different.

    Read
  • An Ice Cream Story

    These fun rhymes are perfect to read aloud in the summer.

    Read
  • A Short Story About Animals

    A story that gently teaches about animals through rhymes, with a reminder that humans are animals too.

    Read

What readers say

Praise

"This is exactly the kind of book I would've loved as an anxious kid/tween/early teen."

Reading Me Free

"As a kid who grew up with undiagnosed severe anxiety disorder, it really means a lot to me that you're making stories that address that too."

Reading Me Free

"I saw so much of myself in this book. I always escaped into the worlds of the books I read and loved as a kid."

Reading Me Free

"It's lighthearted and endearing with lovely artwork throughout (...) A nice addition to any children's library"

How to Make a Sweater

Working together

Services

· Children's story writing (English or Portuguese)

Original stories tailored to a specific age, theme, or curriculum as needed.

· Book layout

Formatting for picture books in Affinity Publisher or InDesign — perfect for self-publishing through KDP.

· Bilingual proofreading and editorial review (English and Portuguese)

A careful second pair of eyes for picture books, middle grade, and literary fiction or nonfiction.