The Violin Man

The Violin Man
ISBN: 9780733618932
Publication Date: 1 July 2004

SHORTLISTED, CHILDREN S BOOK COUNCIL AWARDS, PICTURE BOOK OF THE YEAR A lyrical tale of love, loss and music by master storyteller and illustrator, Colin Thompson

For as long as anyone can remember, Oscar has played his violin outside the theatre. Every night, as the people queue for their tickets, Oscar fills the air with his music and the echo of his lost dreams. In the old days, his daughter, Marietta, had been there as well, dancing. For just as Oscar dreams of being a famous violinist, it was Marietta s dream to be a famous ballet dancer. But Marietta became ill and now Oscar plays alone. Some nights, though, he catches sight of Marietta s ghost, dancing under the street light.

One night, Oscar s dream comes true and he is invited to play in the theatre in front of an audience. They are swept away by his music and his skill. But under the glare of the spotlight, Oscar can t see Marietta dancing. He decides to play only outside on the pavement, where he and Marietta can perform together. Don t worry, he says. I won t leave you again.

About The Author Colin Thompson was born in London, and moved to Australia in 1995. He has worked in the theatre and as a television and film director, a printer and a graphic artist. Colin is now a full-time award-winning author. He lives in Bellingen with his wife and two dogs. Previous Books: Sailing Home, The Last Circus, The Staircase Cat, The Dog s Just Been Sick in the Honda and Other Poems, My Brother Drinks Out of the Toilet and Other Poems, Unknown, The Last Clown, One Big Happy Family, Round &; Round &; Round &; Round.