PB - The Wind and Amanda's Cello + FREE Nathaniel's Violin (by Alison Lohans)

Paperback
25.4 x 20.3 cm(10 x 8 in)
Illustrated by Sarah Shortliffe

"One day as Amanda sits practising her cello, a restless wind swoops inside her instrument. From that moment on, all sorts of unusual musical things occur as the wind directs Amanda's music-making.
But then, Amanda begins to outgrow her little cello..."

"A magical tale of childhood mysteries and the fear of letting go. When a stray twist of wind finds its way indoors, music practice and Nature combine to give young Amanda and her cello the power to soothe babies and settle fractious preschoolers. The wind plays inside the sound box, and with the strings, and sometimes outside them, carrying its adventurous tales into the ears willing to hear. ...Yet, as Amanda grows, the cello [becomes] too small... Every page of this simple tale was a delight. I was carried along by the whimsical story and the childlike wonder of the illustrations." Jayne B., NetGalley

"I love the opening lines of the text – the author created a treat for the senses. And the illustrations! I love the cat (who wouldn’t?!), but also the colours, and the musical instruments. I was so excited to turn every page and take in the feast of words and images...This book made me reconsider how kids experience music – they have a whimsical sort of wonder we sometimes lose as adults, and that is worth remembering (especially for those of us who teach music). Overall, a rich experience! I’ll be recommending this one." Alanna T., NetGalley

Paperback
20.3 x 25.4 cm (8 x 10 in)
Illustrated by Marlene Watson

When a mysterious old woman appears at the door wanting to buy a dozen eggs and a pint of cream, she gives Nathaniel a violin to play. And everything begins to change on the farm, despite the awful noises Nathaniel makes at first, as he teaches himself to play.

“Gently depicting the life cycle, the book amusingly reverses the usual order by having the parents learn from their son to persevere in their efforts to play the instrument, and to find new pleasure in life through music.” Quill & Quire

Finalist: Saskatchewan Book Award for Children’s Literature
Canadian Children’s Book Centre “Our Choice” Selection”
Resource Links “Best of the year" list