In recent months I posted book reviews on Thornton Cline’s picture books The Amazing Incredible Shrinking Violin and The Amazing Incredible Shrinking Piano. He now has a third, and I am honored to have my name on the cover as his co-author. The Amazing Magical Musical Plants has just been released and will be featured at the NAMM Show (National Association of Music Merchants) which is held every January in Anaheim, California.

Though the typical age for picture books is 4-8, Cline’s books reach a slightly older audience. They are targeted for children who are learning to play an instrument which can be any age from 4 or 5 up to 9 or 10 years of age. As a musician and music teacher, he understands the need for discipline and hard work when it comes to playing an instrument. His idea to publish instrument-themed picture books with a humorous story line is brilliant. The books have been a big hit with instrument-playing kids as well as those who teach them.

The book we co-authored begins with a frustrated band director who wants to motivate his students to practice more. When he discovers a packet of magical musical plant seeds in an old trombone case, he gets an idea. Mr. Jones plants the seeds in pots of soil and gives one to each of his students to take home. He tells the students how to care for the seeds and to play their instruments every day to make the plants grow. Some of his students laugh at his crazy idea, but some of his students take him seriously. The students soon discover what happens when they practice and when they don’t. The whimsical illustrations by Susan Oliver add to the charm of this delightful story. The book includes a CD of ten easy original songs with recorded examples of each band instrument.

Cline’s pictures books are published and marketed by CenterStream, a division of Hal Leonard, which publishes books for the music industry. From instructional and reference books and biographies, to fun song collections and DVD’s, their products offer a variety of resources to musicians. His picture books are a perfect fit for this niche market, and there will be more coming soon.

Here’s to practicing those instruments!

Crystal