The Adventures of Charlie the Cello: & Phil Harmonic: Volume 1 - Tapa blanda

Charlie the Cello is a very young cello. When he meets his musician, Phil Harmonic, he faces his first big adventure - meeting and play with Phil's orchestra! Midwest Book Reviews says: Inside the pages of this outstanding read we meet, Phil Harmonic. Phil is looking for a special cello that he will play at the Concert Hall. After much looking he finds the perfect one and names him, Charlie. Phil takes Charlie home and begins to practice with him. Phil takes his time, is loving and caring as he takes Charlie into the very essence of the music. Soon the big day is upon them and Charlie is afraid. He knows there are so many things that could go wrong, but Phil's love and direction pull him through and Charlie does an outstanding job. I loved this book for so many reasons. Definitely one was the exceptional way our author, Deborah Nicholson, gave the reader a tour and explanation of so many instruments. She worked different ones into the story line, telling what sounds they made, what they themselves were made of, where they came from, and the part they played in the orchestra. Each one was brought alive as they made their introductions to, Charlie. It was great and what a smart way to teach the reader. I also liked the way Ms. Nicholson showed the interaction between Charlie and Phil. Charlies fears and lack of confidence were quenched by the support, love and direction of Phil. Our author even allowed a mistake to be made during the concert and showed how victory can be present even when an error occurs. This act should definitely show adults that the same action towards children would help them overcome fear and lack of confidence in any area. The illustrations definitely brought the story to life. All in all I am happy to recommend this read. I really enjoyed it and believe the plus is that it is also a great learning experience. Shirley Priscilla Johnson/Senior Reviewer MidWest Book Review

Deborah Nicholson, has been a music student, a music teacher and a music fan. She played piano and organ as a child, clarinet and melodic percussion in school bands, as well as pots and pans in family musical gatherings. Her love of music led her to work and volunteer positions at the Calgary Epcor Centre for the Performing Arts, Children’s Festival, Theatre Calgary, Alberta Theatre Projects and Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. After leaving the Centre she found she missed the theatre, which led to the creation of the Kate Carpenter Mystery Series. Since being published, Deborah has done several workshops and readings to encourage people who dream of writing to stop dreaming and start writing. She has made numerous appearances on television including: The Breakfast Show, Shaw Television and was a featured guest star in “The Letters”. Deborah is a great supporter of charity and volunteerism and donates 10% of all profits of her novels to charity. The Pain Diaries: A Love Story is her first play. Deborah has an extensive backlist, and a couple of new novels, appearing in EBook format coming soon. Stay connected at www.deborahnicholson.com. Philip Hansen,is the Principal cellist with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and loves playing the cello for a living. He also performs with other musical friends at Phil's Café which benefits several charitable causes. Phil and Charlie the Cello (yes, Charlie is real) have been guest soloists in Russia, France, China and other countries. He loves learning new languages so he can communicate with all the great people he meets. Phil also enjoys the history of music, how it was played a long time ago, and specializes in what is called 'early' music. His 'creative love' is composing new music. When not cycling or playing with his cat Mimi, Phil dreams of being a graceful dancer. While not quite a dancer yet, he and his friends have made a CD of tango dance music call Bragatissimo. As a young man, George Yacos worked for Disney Studios in California before marrying and raising his family in Lake Arrowhead, California. George retired to Ajijic, Mexico, where he was finally able to indulge his art habit and study drawing and water colours. Upon his return to Canada, he has taught art at a summer camp at Milner Gardens and at a summer yoga camp in Qualicum Beach. George paints in oils, acrylics and water colours.