PB - The Wind and Amanda's Cello + FREE Leaving Mr. Humphries (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
22.9 x 22.9 cm (9 x 9 in)
Illustrated by Gretchen Ehrsam

Josh and his teddy bear Mr. Humphries go everywhere together. But Mom sometimes says Josh is too old to need his fuzzy friend. When Mom has to go to a conference, Josh and Mr. Humphries stay with Grandpa and Aunt Judy at the cottage, where Josh and Mr. Humphries have to sleep in the spooky attic. The other grownups tell Grandpa he's not to go out in the boat alone - but Grandpa figures he won't be alone if Josh comes too. A poignant story of learning to let go.

"A beautifully written and illustrated book about what we treasure and when it comes time to let go. This is a deeply touching story of a boy and his beloved bear who has an adventure of his own. Highly recommend!" 5 stars, Laurel, Amazon

Finalist: 2014 Saskatchewan Book Award for Children's Literature
Finalist: 2014 High Plains Book Award for Children's Literature
Finalist: 2015 Shining Willow Award.