Many kids learn to play an instrument while they are in elementary school. It often begins great excitement and anticipation. For many kids, however, the excitement eventually wears off when they realize they need to practice in order to gain musical skills. Some kids play an instrument for a few years, then give up because they would rather do other things. The ones who stick with it are the ones who go on to play in their high school band or orchestra, and some become musicians for life.

Thornton Cline is a gifted and talented musician, educator, and song writer who loves music and understands kids. He teaches piano, violin, and guitar at a variety of academies in Tennessee. His first children’s book, published by Centerstream Publishing, is a gem! The story is about a young boy named Austin who begs his parents to let him play the violin. After they buy him a shiny red violin, he joins the music class at school. Austin loves playing the violin, he just doesn’t want to practice. Because he doesn’t practice his violin, it begins to shrink until he cannot play it anymore and his classmates make fun of him. Of course, the story has a happy ending with a good lesson. As Austin begins to practice, his violin grows back to its normal size.

The story is very fun and well written. It delivers a strong and positive message without being preachy. It is written for the general market and is an excellent product for any elementary school or homeschool group. The book also includes 10 songs for the piano as well as a CD with narration of the story and a children’s choir performing the songs.

Whether it’s music, sports, writing, or any kind of academics, learning a skill takes time and effort and discipline. There are no shortcuts!  It’s a message that never gets old-fashioned, and a message all kids need to understand.

For more information on Thornton Cline’s music career, please visit www.clinetelmusic.com.
The Amazing Incredible Shrinking Violin is available at amazon.com 

Crystal