Dave Bowles' children’s book. “Mato’s Journey” tells the tale of a mockingbird who knows he’s supposed to be proud of who he is, but feels taunted by “the loud, flashy blue jay” and other birds because the mockingbird’s feathers are gray and dull. Also pictured is Elizabeth Lester of Yorktown, who did the book’s illustrations.

After years of pondering and planning and perfecting, Dave Bowles of Hayes, has published his first book, “Mato’s Journey.”

A chapter book geared for children in grades 1-4, “Mato’s Journey” tells the tale of a mockingbird who knows he’s supposed to be proud of who he is but feels taunted by “the loud, flashy blue jay” and other birds because his feathers are gray and dull and he can only dream of going on adventures like the migratory birds.

“However, as Mato grows up, he begins to realize that colorful feathers aren’t the only things that make a bird special,” says the description on the book jacket.

Bowles said he’s been a bird lover and...