Product Description

Angus’ family is musical. Everyone has their own instrument and everyone knows how to make music. But Angus can only hum along to his family’s playing, and humming isn’t good enough. Angus wants to join his family’s orchestra.

When Angus’ father tells him the family will give him an instrument, he can’t choose until he hears the fiddle at a ceilidh. But fiddling is hard; he can’t make the music he wants. With patience, practice, and lots of lessons, Angus’ fingers learn how to play, and the music inside him finds a way out.

Budge Wilson’s story will ring true for every young musician and is a fitting tribute to the music makers of Cape Breton.


From the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1664047 in Books
• Published on: 2006-03-07
• Released on: 2006-03-07
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 32 pages

From School Library Journal
Gr 1-3-Young Angus, who lives in a Cape Breton village near the sea, longs to learn how to play an instrument so he can join his family's orchestra. When the day comes for the child to choose an instrument of his own, he takes the decision very seriously. Through hard work and concentration, he masters the fiddle and achieves his goal. Wilson's vivid writing draws readers in as the boy ruminates over which instrument to choose ("The sound coming out of her fiddle was the wind and the waves and every happy thing"), while Tooke's realistic, acrylic illustrations depict intense details and expressions. Looks of love and encouragement are displayed on the faces of the young musician and his family throughout the story. Ideal for budding musicians or children who require extra motivation in other areas, this book will encourage perseverance and hard work, as well as spotlight the positive effects of a loving and harmonious family.

Cathie E. Bashaw, Somers Library, NY

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Review
??a remarkable book in which a supportive family and Cape Breton?s musical heritage help to foster Angus? growth as an individual.?
?Children?s Book News

?A Canadian picture book with more than regional appeal.?
?Booklist

??charming picture book?it?s as much an hommage, in words and paintings, to Cape Breton ? its seascapes, its landscapes, its musicians and its music.?
?The Globe and Mail

?A Fiddle for Angus is a charming tale. This is a very fine book.?
?Alistair MacLeod

?Beautifully illustrated by Susan Tooke, this is a lovely story for anyone who is learning a new skill.?
?ABQLA Bulletin

?Nova Scotia writer Budge Wilson once again uses her knack for creating wonderful stories that unwind effortlessly across the page, wrapping cozily around the reader and drawing them in. This book is yet another delightful offspring of her imagination.?
?The Daily News

?[Angus] is a boy who seems real enough to step out of the page.?
?Atlantic Books Today

?Besides a heart-warming story, A Fiddle for Angus has wonderful acrylic paintings by Halifax artist Susan Tooke.?
?Winnipeg Free Press

?This is a visual treat, according to the Edmonton Public Library. The illustrations of the musical instruments in the store where Angus gets his fiddle are delicious.?
?Edmonton Journal

?The story is simple yet compelling, swept along by language that allows readers to hear the music of the ocean. Acrylics on watercolor paper, combined with the colorful writing, make A Fiddle for Angus an all-around winner.?
?The Bloomsbury Review

?This is an excellent story for children about moving from being a music student to being a musician.?
?Herald-Standard

?Susan Tooke?s illustrations of Nova Scotia scenes are a joy.?
?The Chronicle-Herald
-- Review

Review
“…a remarkable book in which a supportive family and Cape Breton’s musical heritage help to foster Angus’ growth as an individual.”
–Children’s Book News

“A Canadian picture book with more than regional appeal.”
–Booklist

“…charming picture book…it’s as much an hommage, in words and paintings, to Cape Breton – its seascapes, its landscapes, its musicians and its music.”
–The Globe and Mail

“A Fiddle for Angus is a charming tale. This is a very fine book.”
–Alistair MacLeod

“Beautifully illustrated by Susan Tooke, this is a lovely story for anyone who is learning a new skill.”
–ABQLA Bulletin

“Nova Scotia writer Budge Wilson once again uses her knack for creating wonderful stories that unwind effortlessly across the page, wrapping cozily around the reader and drawing them in. This book is yet another delightful offspring of her imagination.”
–The Daily News

“[Angus] is a boy who seems real enough to step out of the page.”
–Atlantic Books Today

“Besides a heart-warming story, A Fiddle for Angus has wonderful acrylic paintings by Halifax artist Susan Tooke.”
–Winnipeg Free Press

“This is a visual treat, according to the Edmonton Public Library. The illustrations of the musical instruments in the store where Angus gets his fiddle are delicious.”
–Edmonton Journal

“The story is simple yet compelling, swept along by language that allows readers to hear the music of the ocean. Acrylics on watercolor paper, combined with the colorful writing, make A Fiddle for Angus an all-around winner.”
–The Bloomsbury Review

“This is an excellent story for children about moving from being a music student to being a musician.”
–Herald-Standard

“Susan Tooke’s illustrations of Nova Scotia scenes are a joy.”
–The Chronicle-Herald



From the Hardcover edition.

Customer Reviews

If you love music...
There is something very magical about a child's first connection -- not exposure, mind you, but real connection -- with music. Children's writer Budge Wilson captures the feeling, as well as the frustration children can feel while grappling with techniques beyond their abilities.

The art is realistic and appealing
Ages 6-9 will find A Fiddle For Angus to be a captivating story of a young boy's determination to learn the fiddle. Susan Tooke's art is realistic and appealing as they tell of a young boy born into a musical family who learns how to participate.