About Kaz Mataz
What We Are
We are a team of artists, writers, entrepreneurs, and advisors. We are also children, parents, and grandparents.
We work closely with our community of educators, artists, parents, and kids to bring our stories to life.
Involving kids in our process makes them excited to read and re-read books that align with their education and development, using leading practices in teaching, design, and art.
Why We Are
Most kids mentally and emotionally separate their educational, directed reading from their fun, free-time reading. This is regardless of their age or learning level.
No surprises there.
We also found big gaps between the books kids read in their free time and what they read for school.
Fun books that don't provide much learning. Or learning books that aren't much fun.
Sound familiar?
That's why we work so closely with artists, educators, parents, and kids. To make excellent books that seamlessly bridge those gaps.
Our books both nurture their limitless imaginations and stimulate their growing minds.
We put the FUN in learning fundamentals. Oh, geez. Ignore the dad joke, sorry. We have a couple of dads working here. We'll keep them in check.
Who We Are
Zach D.
Kalie E.
B.A. in Biology with a minor in Somatic Dance
Put career in child care on pause to pursue a lifelong love of creative writing, visual art, and content management
Loves hiking, camping, and being outside, especially in autumn
Adores dogs AND cats
Dislikes cloudy days and shrimp
Worked at startups and tech companies in product development
More-than-dabbles in writing, cartooning, photography, and illustration
Loves comic strips, graphic novels, and fiction books
Makes up wild stories, goofy rhymes, and Dad jokes non-stop
Loves cooking, art, music, and being a Dad
Dislikes jiggly–wiggly, squooshy foods
Josh M.
Works at small businesses, specializing in finance, accounting, and advising
Loves year-round grilling, being a husband, dad, and granddad
Makes up lots of silly songs to sing to his grandchild and wife
Enjoys sharing good food and fun with his family and friends
Likes to play golf, tennis, and pickle-ball ... with marginal skill
Doesn’t like fruit or sitting still
Max T.
Resident kid and creative consultant
Loves nature, soccer, tennis, his dogs, and playing pickleball with his Mom
Enjoys at-home science experiments with his Dad
Thinks jumping spiders are super cool and has a couple as pets
Draws non-stop when time permits
Dislikes mashed potatoes