Violin and Cello - by Catherine Greer (Hardcover)

About the Book

The experience of practicing an instrument by yourself and the mystery of unexpected friendship combine in this heartfelt 'story with music' for young readers, their families -- and music teachers everywhere!

Book Synopsis

A perfect gift for any young musician! Violin & Cello celebrates musical friends -- with a bonus duet of 'The Mystery Friends' for young violinists and cellists to play now! Children will love this heart-warming story about making music with friends. Violin & Cello follows two young musicians as they discover the secret to who is practising in the apartment next door! This picture book is perfect for young readers beginning to learn an instrument, particularly violin or cello, and for every parent or teacher helping them along the way. Catherine Greer's delightful story of musical friends and Joanna Bartel's intricate, detailed illustrations explore the lives of two young musicians -- a violinist and a cellist -- who live with their families in a large city. Award-winning Australian composer, Alexander Lau, has composed an original duet for violin and cello, 'The Mystery Friends'. The score for the allegro and adagio movements of 'The Mystery Friends' are printed in the book. This beautiful composition is simple enough to be played by young cellists and violinists. Readers of every age are sure to shout 'Encore!' when they experience this joyful celebration of friendship and classical music.

Review Quotes

"A beautiful children's book about two young string players living in an apartment building. One plays the violin, one plays the cello. They play alone. Until, one day, everything changes... Celebrate the joy of friendship and the magic of music in this glorious story that also features an original duet for young musicians to play! A great Christmas present for little ones"- Sydney String Centre

"A captivating story which is adorned with gorgeous, detailed illustrations and set against the backdrop of a stunning musical accompaniment. This package with book and printed music represents an innovative, expansive and perhaps even bold vision, leading us happily into the wider world of creative arts."- Kids' Book Review

"For such a seemingly simple book, Violin & Cello covers a lot of territory, exploring cultural diversity, life in large cities, musical terms and musical education and friendship. For me, the cherry on the top is that Lau's composition is simple enough to be played by young cellists and violinists"- Marjorie Lewis-Jones, South Sydney Herald

"How thrilling! An author who has thought to include musical children in a story book. The Picture Book Violin & Cello is for younger children who are beginning musicians and facing the idea of practising alone. A fantastic combination of three very talented artists."- Blue Wolf Reviews

"I absolutely loved this one. It's about a boy and a girl who live in neighbouring apartments but never meet, as one plays the violin and the other the cello. What happens next is a sweet discovery that music is better shared! An added bonus is the book's accompanying musical score by Alexander Lau."- One More Page Podcast

"I loved this book! What an inspirational idea for a story"- trevorcairney.blogspot

"I think kids reading this book will get a real enjoyment from the sense of community it offers."- Reading With A Chance of Tacos podcast

"Not only is this a book about music appreciation, it's also a book about persistence, friendship, and community. A highlight is the inclusion of two musical scores which eager young musicians will be able to either listen to online or attempt playing in their own place. Bartel's beautiful colour illustrations and diverse community are the icing on the cake."- Reading Time (published by The Children's Book Council of Australia)

"Reading this unique picture book with young kids starting to learn an instrument is a lovely way to inspire and encourage. Without any didactic moments, it portrays the dedication and practice that is necessary to learn an instrument, moreover, the scores the young musicians send to each other are reproduced in the book, providing an exciting and practical component to the story for children learning either the violin or cello."- Picture Book Parents

"The charm of this picture book lies in the joy that the children give and receive when they play music together."- Booklist

"This is a story that will resonate with many young readers and show them that music is indeed a universal language and can indeed act like a magic key, to which the most tightly closed heart opens"- The Bottom Shelf Edu Blog

"This is an inspiring story for any child beginning to learn a new instrument."- Mia Macrossan, Story Links

"This lovely story will creep up on the children as they see the possibilities of the two musicians, living next door to each other, but neither making the first move to share their music."- ReadPlus

"We do not know what to love most about Violin & Cello: the charming pictures, encouraging words or the delightful tunes you can learn with your best musical friend?"- Matilda Bookshop

About the Author

Catherine Greer, BA Hons, MA, is an author of fiction and non-fiction, a copywriter and an age positive advocate at the lifestyle blog LoveOurAge.com. Catherine's books include The 10 Minute Fix (2020), Love Lie Repeat (2019), and the award-winning Choosing Happiness (2006), in collaboration with Dr. S Dowrick. Catherine lives with her husband and two young adult sons in Sydney. Violin and Cello is her second collaboration with musician and co-author, Alexander Lau. The two first worked together on Catherine's growth mindset picture book, Jacaranda Snow (2018).

Alexander Lau is an emerging contemporary classical composer. He studied composition for six years under Dr Nicholas Vines. Having played violin for 15 years, Alex often writes chamber music for strings. He is also a member of the Seraphim String Trio, established in 2015. Alex's compositional style is diverse and often changes. Most recently, his works have been influenced by Jazz and American minimalism. Alex is also the composer of 'Jacaranda Snow', a piano quartet for the growth mindset picture book, Jacaranda Snow. Alex lives with his family in Sydney and currently studies at The University of NSW.

Joanna Bartel is a designer and illustrator. Previously, she has been a graphic designer for a boutique fashion label, a senior art and design teacher and an English teacher in Melbourne and Brisbane, and a copywriter and graphic designer in marketing. Now she brings her experience in Arts education, design, teaching and creative marketing to her illustration work! Joanna particularly loves character design and creating imaginative and playful images to engage children and enhance imaginative learning. While growing up, Joanna loved books, reading to her younger brothers, and writing and illustrating her own stories. Art, Design and English were always her favourite subjects at school and these interests guided her university studies and pursuit of varied roles in the creative industries. Joanna moved to Brisbane with her husband for his work in 2013 and, since becoming a mother to two small children, is now balancing family life with her other great loves of drawing and writing.