A Fiddle for Angus

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.

Budge Wilson is the author of the acclaimed book The Leaving, a short story collection chosen by the American Library Association as one of the 75 Best Children’s Books of the last 25 years, winner of the American Library Association award for Best Book for Young Adults, and the School Library Journal award for Best Book of the Year. A Nova Scotia native and resident, Ms. Wilson has worked as a teacher, commercial artist, photographer, and fitness instructor, but now occupies her time with her true love, writing.

Susan Tooke is a multi-talented artist whose repertoire includes painted murals, landscapes, portraits and digital imaging montages. The New Jersey born Ms. Tooke has had exhibits across North America, and in 1998 won the Artist Showcase Award at the Manhattan Arts International Annual Competition. She is a member of the Canadian Artists’ Federation, The Canadian Conference of the Arts, and The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. Ms. Tooke resides in Halifax.