On April 17, 2026, Mater Christi School students in 4th and 5th grade had a very special treat: a live virtual visit with celebrated author-illustrator duo Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr!

The hour-long video event gave students a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to create award-winning books for young readers. Matthew and Robbi live and work in a converted barn on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, where they raise four kids, two dogs, and a steady stream of imaginative stories.

Together, they have created the beloved Cookie Chronicles middle-grade series, the Real McCoys trilogy, and picture books, including Sunrise Summer, Babies Ruin Everything, and Everywhere, Wonder. Students and families can also look forward to their forthcoming title, Life on the Moon (2026)!

Beyond their books, Matthew and Robbi are passionate advocates for educational equity through their Busload of Books program, which brings free school assemblies and book giveaways to Title I communities across the country.

We are grateful to Mrs. Faith Gong for arranging this wonderful experience, and to Matthew and Robbi for sharing their creativity, humor, and love of storytelling with our students.