Matt Bergles, PhD

I look forward to a future in which wildlife habitat conservation is a priority, not an afterthought. Through my writing, I seek a world in which abundant wildlife habitat, healthy economies, and healthy cultures are mutual and complementary priorities. Through my personal journey, I have come to fathom that there are really only three things in the universe that matter: God, love, and nature. With deep introspection, I have come to conclude that each of these is the same—one entity, or trinity if you will.

After being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2012, I understand more than ever that our time here on earth is short, and I realize that even that time is only borrowed. It is a loan to do with what we choose, so why not choose to do something worthwhile? For me, it is something that enhances this modified trinity and the wild nature inherent therein—thus, the writing of Larry Saves the Prairie.

My second book, Francis Frames the Future, was inspired by Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si, a fascinating, unapologetic critique of what humanity has done and is doing to the planet, and what needs to happen to remedy it for a better future. The encyclical is addressed to “every person on the planet” and therefore obviously crosses all political, cultural, economic, and religious boundaries.

I look forward to being inspired to write future children’s works concerning wild animals, nature, and humanity’s responsibility in accommodating them. Stay tuned.

MDP Books by Matt Bergles, PhD

Francis Frames the Future

Hi! I’m Pia. And I’m Pio. We are European turtle doves who live in Italy. We want to tell you a story about a man named Francis … Pia and Pio have come to tell you about a very special man, Pope Francis, who wants to help our planet. Just like St. Francis of...

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Larry Saves the Prairie

“Hi! I’m Annabelle. And I’m Angus. We are black-tailed prairie dogs who live in Kansas. We want to tell you a story about a real wildlife hero, our friend Larry Haverfield.” Through the voices of Annabelle and Angus, discover what almost happened to wildlife on the...

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