REVIEWS
THE CONTRARY
Five stars A great read! By Gayle Keith on August 31, 2015
Format: Paperback
What a great read! The characters peeked my interest from the first page. Historical and geographical details made the story believable.
"The Contrary" could be someone you know!
The twists and turns of the story maintained my excitement throughout this
imaginative tale making this highly recommended.
Five Stars
By Timothy Davis Jr. on August 21, 2015
Format: Paperback
Riveting, addictive and essential for any fictional thriller fan.
The Amazing Incredible Shrinking Piano
Christian Children's Authors
The Amazing Incredible Shrinking Piano
Posted: 03 Nov 2015 12:20 AM PST
On January 20, I posted a review of The Amazing Incredible Shrinking Violin by Thornton Cline, a gifted and talented musician, educator, and song writer who loves music and understands kids. His second book recently hit the market and is another gem!
The Amazing Incredible Shrinking Piano is about a young girl named Lily who is given a piano from her grandmother. As she tries to learn to play the piano, she continues to slam her hands against the keys when she makes mistakes. One night, Lily is warned in a dream by her grandmother to stop hitting her piano or it will shrink. When the piano begins to shrink, Lily learns how to play music without slamming the keys–even though she still makes mistakes now and then.
This heartwarming story is told with wit and humor and a bit of fantasy. Lessons on discipline and respect are woven into the story without being preachy or forced. The book includes 10 piano songs with words and music, as well as a CD of songs sung and recorded by a children’s choir.
All children will enjoy this story, but especially those who are learning to play musical instruments. This book is a welcomed addition to any home or school library.
Here’s to playing the piano without slamming the keys!
Crystal Bowman
Terrific book! Strongly recommended.
By Dorothy L. Taylor, Ph.D. on November 12, 2015
Here is the book parents with young Suzuki piano players have been waiting for! The central character of this warm-hearted story is Lily, whose grandmother gives her a piano for her seventh birthday. Lily is thrilled with the gift but quickly grows frustrated when she can't make it play. Lessons only lead to more frustration, and Lilly takes it out on the piano whenever she feels she messed up. One night, in a dream, Lily's grandmother appears and warns LIly that this is a magical piano, and that if Lily continues to abuse it, it will shrink. And shrink, it does, until it becomes unplayable. Lily is embarrassed and her piano teacher helps her out, coaching her on how to contain her frustration and calm herself. Gradually, Lily is able to do so, and she and her piano become friends. The value of this book is by no means limited to Suzuki students. Similar frustrations can arise no matter what new material is being learned.
Mr. Cline's compositions may be particularly useful to young Suzuki pianists who have become quite accomplished at the keyboard but must now learn to read music. The pieces are simple enough to serve as an introduction to music notation, while fun and interesting enough to hold attention. They can provide a bridge to a time when the student can attend lessons, read new pieces, and practice on their own without the participation, as mandated by the Suzuki method, of a parent.
Encourages a child to keep their cool as they learn to play an instrument.
By PaigeH. on November 7, 2015
Format: Paperback
I bought this for my daughter who started taking piano a year ago. It is sometimes a struggle to get her to practice but this sweet book is not only entertaining but also teaches a great lesson about keeping your cool as you learn a new skill. The CD is great because it gives you the option of being read to or for a young reader that likes to follow along with the book it includes a story with beeps in it to encourage turning the pages at the correct time. The songs written for the book include "I've Got A New Piano" "My Piano Teacher" "In My Dream" "My Piano Is Shrinking" "Count To Ten" "Piano and Friends" "I love To Play" "My Mother and Granny" "I can Play My Piano Again" and "I Am Kind To My Piano."
Great for new piano players and readers!
By M's Mommy on November 3, 2015
Format: Paperback
My 6 year old just started taking piano lessons and books have always helped encourage her through new challenges, so when I saw this book, I thought it could be a great bedtime read. She loves it! It's a relatable story, because she gets frustrated when she messes up and wants to hit the piano, but because of this book, she takes a breath and is finding more confidence in working through hard things. The audio CD included is also fabulous - my daughter can practice reading while listening to the CD on repeat! All around a great book and CD. Well done!
... is as charming and delightful as the first (The Amazing Incredible Shrinking Violin)
By Crystal Jean on October 8, 2015
Format: Paperback
Thornton Cline has added another book to his shrinking instrument series and this one is as charming and delightful as the first (The Amazing Incredible Shrinking Violin). With wit, humor, and a bit of fantasy the author spins an engaging tale, incorporating lessons on self-discipline and respect. This book can be enjoyed by all children, but especially those who play an instrument. A great addition to any home or school library! Also includes a CD.
Perfect timing!
By Tiffany Mansfield on November 4, 2015
Format: Paperback
Great book for my 7 year old who just started piano lessons this year! It came in handy one night when she was practicing and was getting frustrated, taking it out on the piano! I grabbed the book, moved to the sofa and read to her the story of the shrinking piano. She got a small grin on her face as I read to her about Lily. Perfect timing!
Wonderful Book
The Amazing Incredible Shrinking Piano is an adorable book, with a great message for kids. It teaches them respect for instruments, as well as how to deal with anger in a calm and... Read more
Published 7 days ago by Amazon Customer
Don't let your love of music shrink!
My 8 year old daughter has fallen in love with this book! She couldn't wait to play its unique songs at the end of the book.
It's like having your own piano lesson with Mr. Cline.
Published 1 month ago by Kelly Turney
What an awesome book! Kids and parents will love this book ...
You will love this book that shows children
the importance of respecting their chosen instrument.
Published 1 month ago by Jennifer Cook
Great children's book to teach the importance of taking care of your...
This is another amazing book from Thornton Cline. It teaches the importance of not only taking care of our
instruments and respecting them, but all our possessions.
Published 1 month ago by Karla Taylor
The Amazing Magical Musical Plants
"This is a cute story that will motivate students to practice, and also enhance music instrument recognition. It is beautifully illustrated, and would have much appeal to young musicians" Glenn Martin, composer and trombonist
The Amazing Magical Musical Plants" is a delightful book that will appeal to children, parents, and teachers alike. This clever story is enhanced by fascinating artwork, making for an engaging and memorable reading experience.
Keith Christopher
Arranger and conductor
Five stars A great read! By Gayle Keith on August 31, 2015
Format: Paperback
What a great read! The characters peeked my interest from the first page. Historical and geographical details made the story believable.
"The Contrary" could be someone you know!
The twists and turns of the story maintained my excitement throughout this
imaginative tale making this highly recommended.
Five Stars
By Timothy Davis Jr. on August 21, 2015
Format: Paperback
Riveting, addictive and essential for any fictional thriller fan.
The Amazing Incredible Shrinking Piano
Christian Children's Authors
The Amazing Incredible Shrinking Piano
Posted: 03 Nov 2015 12:20 AM PST
On January 20, I posted a review of The Amazing Incredible Shrinking Violin by Thornton Cline, a gifted and talented musician, educator, and song writer who loves music and understands kids. His second book recently hit the market and is another gem!
The Amazing Incredible Shrinking Piano is about a young girl named Lily who is given a piano from her grandmother. As she tries to learn to play the piano, she continues to slam her hands against the keys when she makes mistakes. One night, Lily is warned in a dream by her grandmother to stop hitting her piano or it will shrink. When the piano begins to shrink, Lily learns how to play music without slamming the keys–even though she still makes mistakes now and then.
This heartwarming story is told with wit and humor and a bit of fantasy. Lessons on discipline and respect are woven into the story without being preachy or forced. The book includes 10 piano songs with words and music, as well as a CD of songs sung and recorded by a children’s choir.
All children will enjoy this story, but especially those who are learning to play musical instruments. This book is a welcomed addition to any home or school library.
Here’s to playing the piano without slamming the keys!
Crystal Bowman
Terrific book! Strongly recommended.
By Dorothy L. Taylor, Ph.D. on November 12, 2015
Here is the book parents with young Suzuki piano players have been waiting for! The central character of this warm-hearted story is Lily, whose grandmother gives her a piano for her seventh birthday. Lily is thrilled with the gift but quickly grows frustrated when she can't make it play. Lessons only lead to more frustration, and Lilly takes it out on the piano whenever she feels she messed up. One night, in a dream, Lily's grandmother appears and warns LIly that this is a magical piano, and that if Lily continues to abuse it, it will shrink. And shrink, it does, until it becomes unplayable. Lily is embarrassed and her piano teacher helps her out, coaching her on how to contain her frustration and calm herself. Gradually, Lily is able to do so, and she and her piano become friends. The value of this book is by no means limited to Suzuki students. Similar frustrations can arise no matter what new material is being learned.
Mr. Cline's compositions may be particularly useful to young Suzuki pianists who have become quite accomplished at the keyboard but must now learn to read music. The pieces are simple enough to serve as an introduction to music notation, while fun and interesting enough to hold attention. They can provide a bridge to a time when the student can attend lessons, read new pieces, and practice on their own without the participation, as mandated by the Suzuki method, of a parent.
Encourages a child to keep their cool as they learn to play an instrument.
By PaigeH. on November 7, 2015
Format: Paperback
I bought this for my daughter who started taking piano a year ago. It is sometimes a struggle to get her to practice but this sweet book is not only entertaining but also teaches a great lesson about keeping your cool as you learn a new skill. The CD is great because it gives you the option of being read to or for a young reader that likes to follow along with the book it includes a story with beeps in it to encourage turning the pages at the correct time. The songs written for the book include "I've Got A New Piano" "My Piano Teacher" "In My Dream" "My Piano Is Shrinking" "Count To Ten" "Piano and Friends" "I love To Play" "My Mother and Granny" "I can Play My Piano Again" and "I Am Kind To My Piano."
Great for new piano players and readers!
By M's Mommy on November 3, 2015
Format: Paperback
My 6 year old just started taking piano lessons and books have always helped encourage her through new challenges, so when I saw this book, I thought it could be a great bedtime read. She loves it! It's a relatable story, because she gets frustrated when she messes up and wants to hit the piano, but because of this book, she takes a breath and is finding more confidence in working through hard things. The audio CD included is also fabulous - my daughter can practice reading while listening to the CD on repeat! All around a great book and CD. Well done!
... is as charming and delightful as the first (The Amazing Incredible Shrinking Violin)
By Crystal Jean on October 8, 2015
Format: Paperback
Thornton Cline has added another book to his shrinking instrument series and this one is as charming and delightful as the first (The Amazing Incredible Shrinking Violin). With wit, humor, and a bit of fantasy the author spins an engaging tale, incorporating lessons on self-discipline and respect. This book can be enjoyed by all children, but especially those who play an instrument. A great addition to any home or school library! Also includes a CD.
Perfect timing!
By Tiffany Mansfield on November 4, 2015
Format: Paperback
Great book for my 7 year old who just started piano lessons this year! It came in handy one night when she was practicing and was getting frustrated, taking it out on the piano! I grabbed the book, moved to the sofa and read to her the story of the shrinking piano. She got a small grin on her face as I read to her about Lily. Perfect timing!
Wonderful Book
The Amazing Incredible Shrinking Piano is an adorable book, with a great message for kids. It teaches them respect for instruments, as well as how to deal with anger in a calm and... Read more
Published 7 days ago by Amazon Customer
Don't let your love of music shrink!
My 8 year old daughter has fallen in love with this book! She couldn't wait to play its unique songs at the end of the book.
It's like having your own piano lesson with Mr. Cline.
Published 1 month ago by Kelly Turney
What an awesome book! Kids and parents will love this book ...
You will love this book that shows children
the importance of respecting their chosen instrument.
Published 1 month ago by Jennifer Cook
Great children's book to teach the importance of taking care of your...
This is another amazing book from Thornton Cline. It teaches the importance of not only taking care of our
instruments and respecting them, but all our possessions.
Published 1 month ago by Karla Taylor
The Amazing Magical Musical Plants
"This is a cute story that will motivate students to practice, and also enhance music instrument recognition. It is beautifully illustrated, and would have much appeal to young musicians" Glenn Martin, composer and trombonist
The Amazing Magical Musical Plants" is a delightful book that will appeal to children, parents, and teachers alike. This clever story is enhanced by fascinating artwork, making for an engaging and memorable reading experience.
Keith Christopher
Arranger and conductor
PAST BOOK REVIEWS
Practice Personalities: What’s Your Type?
This book is extremely interesting and informative-it gives information not covered in any other book I have found. Thornton Cline helps unlock keys to help move any student forward. This is a must have.
– The Knife Guy
This book has been extremely helpful in designing a regimented practice approach with my students’ parents. It is easy for parents to identify their children’s needs in a different manner than what they may have originally thought, therefore making it easier to have productive and time efficient home practice sessions. Would definitely recommend!
– Lindy Donia Bennett
The Amazing Incredible Shrinking Violin
This story is fun, creative, and clever with a strong and positive message for today’s young children.
– Crystal Bowman (Best selling children’s author of over 80 published books)
Entertaining, empowering, and sure to make you smile!
–Jennifer Stirling (executive assistant for Billboard superstar violin sensation, Lindsey Stirling)
Such a beautiful story. It brought back a flood of wonderful memories when you taught my son.
– William Lee Golden (The Oak Ridge Boys)
Thornton Cline’s delightful book makes me wish that I’d practiced my clarinet more when I was a young girl.
– Michelle Medlock Adams (award-winning children’s author)
What a lovely reminder of how wonderfully talented we all are… with practice and persistence, all talents can shine.
– Juli Brenning author of Maggi & Milo on Penguin Books
Practice Personalities for Adults
Thornton Cline’s Practice Personalities books are extraordinary. Why? Certainly, he has connected students and teachers to techniques that will lead to better musicianship. But, he’s done something more important. He’s written works that teach musicians how to better understand themselves. And that better understanding will always lead to great music. Thanks. Thornton for teaching all of us who are on a quest to make fantastic music in the practice room and on the stage.
– Evan Pollack (Experience Drums, LLC Arlington, Virginia)
Thornton Cline’s “Practice Personalities for Adults’ is a must-have for anyone interested in advancing their individual skills and musical ability.
– Todd Taylor (Six time Grammy Nominee Banjo artist and Guinness World Records fastest banjo player.)
Practice Personalities is a groundbreaking book. Thornton Cline’s thoughtful approach is effective, practical, and refreshing. With its concise, detailed descriptions and instructions, easy-to-read text, and interesting interviews, “Practice Personalities” is a must-have for all–parents, teachers, and students–who wish to improve their practice experience.
– Randal Wills Olson (Co-concertmaster-Orchestra Kentucky and Instructor of Violin and Viola-Bowling Green String Academy in Kentucky)
Band of Angels
Editorial Review: The students in the Mighty Angels music class are less than enthusiastic to be performing in this year’s Christmas concert and even less inclined to work on the songs after their teacher is forced to stay home following an ill-timed car accident. Nevertheless, the show must go on with the help of a team of divinely bestowed substitutes intent on teaching the students how to use their God-given gifts.
– GreekOrthodox.info
Practice Personalities: What’s Your Type?
This book is extremely interesting and informative-it gives information not covered in any other book I have found. Thornton Cline helps unlock keys to help move any student forward. This is a must have.
– The Knife Guy
This book has been extremely helpful in designing a regimented practice approach with my students’ parents. It is easy for parents to identify their children’s needs in a different manner than what they may have originally thought, therefore making it easier to have productive and time efficient home practice sessions. Would definitely recommend!
– Lindy Donia Bennett
The Amazing Incredible Shrinking Violin
This story is fun, creative, and clever with a strong and positive message for today’s young children.
– Crystal Bowman (Best selling children’s author of over 80 published books)
Entertaining, empowering, and sure to make you smile!
–Jennifer Stirling (executive assistant for Billboard superstar violin sensation, Lindsey Stirling)
Such a beautiful story. It brought back a flood of wonderful memories when you taught my son.
– William Lee Golden (The Oak Ridge Boys)
Thornton Cline’s delightful book makes me wish that I’d practiced my clarinet more when I was a young girl.
– Michelle Medlock Adams (award-winning children’s author)
What a lovely reminder of how wonderfully talented we all are… with practice and persistence, all talents can shine.
– Juli Brenning author of Maggi & Milo on Penguin Books
Practice Personalities for Adults
Thornton Cline’s Practice Personalities books are extraordinary. Why? Certainly, he has connected students and teachers to techniques that will lead to better musicianship. But, he’s done something more important. He’s written works that teach musicians how to better understand themselves. And that better understanding will always lead to great music. Thanks. Thornton for teaching all of us who are on a quest to make fantastic music in the practice room and on the stage.
– Evan Pollack (Experience Drums, LLC Arlington, Virginia)
Thornton Cline’s “Practice Personalities for Adults’ is a must-have for anyone interested in advancing their individual skills and musical ability.
– Todd Taylor (Six time Grammy Nominee Banjo artist and Guinness World Records fastest banjo player.)
Practice Personalities is a groundbreaking book. Thornton Cline’s thoughtful approach is effective, practical, and refreshing. With its concise, detailed descriptions and instructions, easy-to-read text, and interesting interviews, “Practice Personalities” is a must-have for all–parents, teachers, and students–who wish to improve their practice experience.
– Randal Wills Olson (Co-concertmaster-Orchestra Kentucky and Instructor of Violin and Viola-Bowling Green String Academy in Kentucky)
Band of Angels
Editorial Review: The students in the Mighty Angels music class are less than enthusiastic to be performing in this year’s Christmas concert and even less inclined to work on the songs after their teacher is forced to stay home following an ill-timed car accident. Nevertheless, the show must go on with the help of a team of divinely bestowed substitutes intent on teaching the students how to use their God-given gifts.
– GreekOrthodox.info