The Wind and Amanda’s Cello By Regina Alison Lohans
New picture book by Regina’s Alison Lohans, illustrated by Nova Scotia artist Sarah Shortliffe, tells the magical tale of what happens when the wind gets into one little girl’s cello
The Wind and Amanda’s Cello, the newest picture book by award-winning, multiple published children’s author Alison Lohans, illustrated by Nova Scotia artist Sarah Shortliffe, is a gentle and magical tale about what happens when the wind gets into one little girl’s cello.
“I’m thrilled that Shadowpaw Press is releasing The Wind and Amanda’s Cello,” Lohans says. “This book is really special to me because involvement in the arts—whether music, the written word, visual arts, drama, or dance—is soul-enriching at the deepest levels. Here, it’s gratifying to show this in action from the perspective of a young girl as she sits practising her cello, with an unexpected touch of magic from a whimsical puff of wind. Edward Willett of Shadowpaw Press has been fabulous to work with, sharing this same vision and finding great ways of bringing it alive.”
Edward Willett, publisher of Shadowpaw Press, comments, “I’m thrilled to be publishing this wonderful little book, and especially excited that I was not only able to work with Alison Lohans, whose work I’ve admired for years, but was able to find such a wonderful illustrator in Nova Scotia’s Sarah Shortliffe. It’s great to be able to bring two creative individuals from across Canada together to create something this lovely and satisfying.”
More about the book
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 . . .
Praise for The Wind and Amanda’s Cello
“A magical tale of childhood mysteries and the fear of letting go . . . 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 reviewer
“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 . . . Overall, a rich experience! I’ll be recommending this one.” – Allana Vane, writer and illustrator
About the author
Stories and music have been important in Alison Lohans’s life since early childhood. With parents who loved telling stories and singing at bedtime and always a stash of library books on hand, how could Alison not be drawn in? Starting piano at age five, she could read simple music before she could read words.
The Wind and Amanda’s Cello is Alison’s thirty-first book and came from a whimsical “What if?” idea. Her publications range from picture books and early-reader chapter books up through novels for middle-graders and young adults. She has won awards for her work and has given more than a thousand readings in schools and libraries across Canada. Alison has taught writing, and she’s taught music as well.
When Alison’s younger son, Chris, started cello lessons, she got hooked, too! She’s active in local music groups, playing recorder, cornet and cello, singing in her church choir, and once again taking piano lessons. She also loves to travel.
Alison Lohans lives in Regina, Saskatchewan, with her furry friends Sebastian and Sassy and two budgies.
Website: alisonlohans.wordpress.com
About the Illustrator
Sarah Shortliffe lives in Greenwood, NS. She is an artist, a mother, and a military wife. She was born and raised in the Maritimes and has been creating art since she was young.
Sarah holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts and a Master’s Degree in Art Conservation. Her primary objective is to transport the viewer to a fanciful and whimsical place where they can experience joy and happiness. Sarah loves using watercolours because of the bright colours they produce.
About Shadowpaw Press
Shadowpaw Press was founded in 2018 by Edward Willett. A member of Literary Press Group (Canada) and the Association of Canadian Publishers, Shadowpaw Press publishes an eclectic selection of books by both new and established authors, including adult fiction, young adult fiction, children’s books, non-fiction, and anthologies. In addition, Shadowpaw Press publishes new editions of notable, previously published books in any genre under the Shadowpaw Press Reprise imprint.
