Well. That was charming and ridiculously heartwarming.
42
One of the more remarkable attributes of this remarkable man barely touched on by the article is that as well as the labouring job by day and writing by night, on Saturdays he's still playing Australian Rules football at 52 - one of the most arduous (game duration typically exceeds two hours, not including breaks), toughest (contact sport with no padding worn) sports in the world, with 10-15 km of running per match not uncommon. To be still playing in open competition at that age is almost unheard of.
25
This was so inspirational that I finally started writing the kids book idea that I had in my head for so long. Reading about a man that is the same age as me and struggling as they do everyday to make ends meet truly was a kick in the pants to just start typing and getting this project going. I am going to have to ask him if he is open to others picking a title and drawing one of the stories. Thank you.
18
This is a sweet, feel-good story, but it undercuts the real artistry that most published writers of books for young readers bring to their craft. Without wanting to undercut Mr. Zurbo and his special relationship with his child, I'd caution readers of this article that first-rate children's literature, even very brief picture book texts, takes a great deal more than one day to create.
It's harder than it looks.
23
I am saving this one. Inspiring.
15
What a beautiful man and a beautiful story. I can only wish Zurbo all the success and radiance of recognition that he and his family deserves.
Just as long as it does not interfere with his creative output!
14
Sort of insulting to all the children's authors out there who craft books as carefully as other authors do. The idea that anyone can write a children's book is why we have a plague of well-meaning but awful children's books by celebrities.
8
@carrie Anyone CAN write a book, for children or otherwise. Their quality and potential readership is another story. Authors need to worry about their own work rather than try to control who gets to enter the market. They are not gatekeepers to either writing or publishing.
42
I love this profile. Thank you.
17
This is the first article I've read in I-don't-know-how-long that not only left me feeling warm & fuzzy, but had 100% positive feedback (as of comment #30)... A positive, lovely profile that leaves its readers feeling positive & lovely. How novel.
Now, Publishing Gods: Give this man a book deal!
19
Most writers throughout history have not been "degreed" but have simply been writers. His level of formal education is not "astonishing" his consistency and grit are. He's a writer. A writer is someone who writes. Nothing more, nothing less. Perhaps the writer of this story will get it one day, then again, perhaps not.
16
What a hero.
Fellow readers, if you would like to help support Project Cielo, please consider donating to the link below.
https://www.gofundme.com/matt-zurbo039s-365-children039s-books-in-365-days
We are working with Damien to make sure that the funds reach Matt and his family.
11
Oh Tasmania!
5
I always look for ways to create special moments and memories for my 2yo daughter and baby son and here Matt Zurbo laid it on the table and says to me “get off your iPhone butt and do whatever you love and give it to her.”
I’ll buy his collection of stories just to help him keep inspiring the rest of us.
12
I feel tired just thinking about Mr. Zurbo’s days! But what an inspiration & just a lovely story. Thanks for this & I look forward to reading more on his story blog.
10
I love this story! Please share more warm and inspiring stories like this!
18
What a lovely, lovely man. Father of the Year, if ever there were one.
12
A truly beautiful story. We need more Zurbos in the world. I wish our American culture valued Zurbo, his work ethic and lifestyle more than we value Trump’s.
12
"That it comes from a bloke without a college degree, with a reputation for wilderness forestry and the occasional fistfight on the footy pitch, makes it all the more astounding."
I beg to differ. I think that a life full of authentic desire and varied experience fosters creativity. Learning about “how it’s done” in a classroom often just creates more conventional “stuff”. Look at all the movie and book clones that appear after something truly new comes out, Harry Potter being the example coming immediately to mind.
Teaching can be helpful in mastering the mechanics of an art, but I believe creativity is a wild thing, and it doesn’t surprise me one bit that Mr. Zurbo’s lifestyle has fostered it.
21
This story brings me so much joy and it is so inspiring. Amazing and creative stories.
12
What a wonderful gift of love and creativity you are creating for your daughter. We, as parents, aim to impart to our children what it is we love and value. Nicely done, sir! Ceilo will treasure your stories forever.
12
Wonderful creativity and joy living n the moment. Made me happy today - something that does not often happen with Times articles. Thank you, Zurbo!
11
Wouldn't it be lovely that years from now when his daughter is old enough that they do another cycle of writing them together? I'm really looking forward to leisurely reading the entire series as what I saw was truly amazing.
23
I can’t imagine that this good father’s work won’t be picked up by some smart publisher...my guess/hope is that Matt is already getting offers! I’ve only read two of the stories so far - love the added bonus of Matt’s description of the desired illustrations. Somebody, please, put this in book form, and give us all the gift of Cielo’s stories!
7
Amazing and quite simply, inspiring. Hope to be able to read all of his works to my grandchildren one day.
15
After reading this poignant article, I read two of Turbo's beautifully written (online) stories and plan to read all of them. He has incredible talent, but more importantly, incredible love for his daughter. I am moved by his ability to write while employed in an arduous (and low paying) day job. The lasting gift of words in stories written by her father that Cielo is receiving is a wonderful legacy. My grown children have memories of me reading to them daily when they were young and they became lifelong readers because of it, as will Cielo, thanks to her gifted father.
17
@NMV
Correction: “Zurbo”
1
Lovely idea creating so many stories for his daughter and the world. I'll have to check it out. I work as a children's librarian and I love being surrounded by stories and the children who love them.
The world would be better if we were all better storytellers to our children. If we can imagine a better world, a more fun world, a more creative world, a more peaceful world, we could then achieve it.
I heard once that a group of indigenous people living the old ways was asked if they had to choose between adding a good hunter/gatherer or a good storyteller to their group, they would choose the storyteller. I'd have to agree....
22
Lovely, absolutely inspiring. You can't buy creativity, you can only nurture it and defend it from the drudgery of life and criticism. I have always found physical work to be the mind's most wonderful workshop. While my hope for Matt Zurbo is financial success, my bigger hope is that he stay close to his recipe for creative freedom. Bravo!
34
Beautiful and inspiring story. Thank you.
11
What an inspiration! Beautiful story beautifully told.
6
Wow, this is truly wonderful, praiseworthy, and an inspiration to us all. Every one of us can start writing today—all it takes is some imagination, and the perseverance to write.
7
Hugh Jackman plys him in the movie.....or maybe cast HIM!
Creative people are child-like in good ways and use their gifts to forge a life out of their own childhood. Suddenly they have a different perception of that time and having child of one's own helps.
Glad this piece was done- he's a strong man with a big heart.
30
Great profile. His work could be made into a collection, but the stories seems scattered. Still, the motivation behind the 365 story (not books since it's online and free) challenge is wonderful.
3
This story is just beautiful. Thank you for sharing it with the world. And best of luck to Matt, Elena, and Cielo!
9
Loved this story, thank you. Hope this man's project gets published with illustrations.
34
A lovely way to celebrate a child and the love she brings in the world. She will treasure those stories all her life. I can't wait to read the ones they will write together!
7
A year ago I was invited to illustrate a children's book -- the project is still stalled with the publisher.
Reading this article is an inspiration.
What am I waiting for?
For over 30 years I've been creating bedtime stories, paper dolls, and stick puppets. Three years ago I was given 6 months to live, but will now attend a daughter's wedding in August.
On behalf of any as yet unborn grandchildren, thank you Damien Cave, Matt Zurbo, Elena, and Cielo for inspiring the books that will be.
37
Lol. "Art" as mass production minus reflection. Reminds me of the late Steve Allen and his claim that he wrote over 8,500 songs. P.S. Name two.
5
@Hugh McDonald, did you actually read any of it? I read one & it was just lovely. He never claimed they were ready for publication. In fact he admitted that most, of not all, would never be published. (Hopefully that’s not the case though!)
Still, a life lived creatively is one worth living. And art created for one’s self or one’s family is really what keeps imagination & creativity alive in the world. I am very inspired by this story.
13
Nifty!
2
lovely. thank you. t
4
Thanks for this gem of an article and link to a precious pearl string of stories. "Bare Feet" will give me a spring in my step today. I'm turning off this computer before I ready any of the usual horrid news.
6
Lovely and inspirational article--thank you.
5
Just a lovely story and his stories are amazing. Watch Cielo become a popular girl child name.
8
What'll he do afternoons?
2