Creating Holiday Magic | Author Matt Tavares on Tradition, Creativity, and Fatherhood episode artwork

EPISODE · Dec 5, 2025 · 50 MIN

Creating Holiday Magic | Author Matt Tavares on Tradition, Creativity, and Fatherhood

from Modern Dadhood | Unpacking Fatherhood + Parenting for Dads (and Moms!) · host Matt Tavares, Spencer Albee, Chris Ballew, Marc Checket, Caspar Babypants, Adam Flaherty

The holidays are here, and so is that energy—frantic, magical, and a tad overwhelming. But for children’s book author and illustrator Matt Tavares, it’s also the season of book signings and creative endeavors. Matt is an award-winning author and illustrator of nearly 30 books, among them the beloved Dasher series and its latest installment, Dasher and the Polar Bear. Matt joins us fresh off his book tour and right in the midst of holiday hustle to chat about raising two young adult daughters, and how storytelling and art keep the spirit of the season alive year after year. Don't miss Adam's Instant Regret which found him in an uncomfortable predicament!Topics Include:•  The journey to becoming a children's author and illustrator, even before having kids•  The creative process behind beloved holiday books like Dasher, including the origins and expansion of the series•  Navigating the collaboration and feedback loop with publishers, editors, and even family•  Exploring new genres such as graphic novels, and the role of children's reading habits in creative evolution•  The upcoming Dasher animated Christmas special for Disney+• And more!Links:Matt Tavares (homepage)Matt Tavares (Facebook)Matt Tavares (Instagram)Matt's Illustrated PrintsDasherHoopsCaspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeModern Dadhood (website)AdamFlaherty.tvStuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)MD (Instagram)MD (Facebook)MD (YouTube)MD (TikTok) #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

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The holidays are here, and so is that energy—frantic, magical, and a tad overwhelming. But for children’s book author and illustrator Matt Tavares, it’s also the season of book signings and creative endeavors. Matt is an award-winning author and illustrator of nearly 30 books, among them the beloved "Dasher" series and its latest installment, "Dasher and the Polar Bear." Matt joins us fresh off his book tour and right in the midst of holiday hustle to chat about raising two young adult daughters, and how storytelling and art keep the spirit of the season alive year after year. Don't miss Adam's "Instant Regret" which found him in an uncomfortable predicament!

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Creating Holiday Magic | Author Matt Tavares on Tradition, Creativity, and Fatherhood

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This episode was published on December 5, 2025.

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