The Sound in the Woods was honored with a First-Place award at the Writer’s Day Contest presented by the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators of Los Angeles.
AWARD-WINNING STORY
“The Sound in the Woods is a lovely and moving piece of writing… The sense of place, the woods, and sense of time – summer, ground the story and make it an earthy experience. The father-child relationship is warmly satisfying. The subject matter is unique, introducing children to the art of making an instrument in a highly personal and accessible way.”
—Judge, Writer’s Day Contest, SCBWI – Los Angeles
AWARD-WINNING STORY
The Sound in the Woods was honored with a First-Place award at the Writer’s Day Contest presented by the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators of Los Angeles.
“The Sound in the Woods is a lovely and moving piece of writing… The sense of place, the woods, and sense of time – summer, ground the story and make it an earthy experience. The father-child relationship is warmly satisfying. The subject matter is unique, introducing children to the art of making an instrument in a highly personal and accessible way.”
—Judge, Writer’s Day Contest, SCBWI – Los Angeles
ABOUT THE BOOK
For centuries within the red spruce tree forest of the Dolomite Mountains, the beautiful art of violin making has been passed down by way of families, often from father to son. Through the eyes of a young boy as he begins his long-awaited journey toward becoming a violin maker, and the steady guiding hands of his father, The Sound in the Woods illuminates all the time-honored traditions and treasures of this beloved trade.
As the story moves from summer to autumn across the woods whose strong tall trees are shaped and shined into a wondrous instrument, we are reminded of our rhythmic companionship with the natural world and its importance in the creation of music.
Award-winning author Tamara S. Wolfe has created an enchanting lyrical narrative nestled within the vibrant watercolor paintings of acclaimed artist Bradley H. Clark, in celebration of all the moments to delight in along the way to building something magnificent.
ABOUT THE BOOK
For centuries within the red spruce tree forest of the Dolomite Mountains, the beautiful art of violin making has been passed down by way of families, often from father to son. Through the eyes of a young boy as he begins his long-awaited journey toward becoming a violin maker, and the steady guiding hands of his father, The Sound in the Woods illuminates all the time-honored traditions and treasures of this beloved trade.
As the story moves from summer to autumn across the woods whose strong tall trees are shaped and shined into a wondrous instrument, we are reminded of our rhythmic companionship with the natural world and its importance in the creation of music.
Award-winning author Tamara S. Wolfe has created an enchanting lyrical narrative nestled within the vibrant watercolor paintings of acclaimed artist Bradley H. Clark, in celebration of all the moments to delight in along the way to building something magnificent.
EVERY STORY BEGINS WITH AN INSPIRATION
How a Violin Maker Shaped The Sound in the Woods
~by Tamara S. Wolfe
One of the favorite chapters in my life was during the years I served in the symphony world, putting pen to paper to author all sorts of printed pieces that brought people into the magic of music, and savoring hundreds of concerts from both behind and in front of the stage. I witnessed how music lit up a child’s face with joy and promise, and how instruments from centuries past merged with great artists to reach and restore the soul of every listener. I was especially drawn to the violin upon hearing Joshua Bell as he transported otherworldly sounds from his instrument. So when I took the leap into the children’s book writing world, it was these moments that inspired The Sound in the Woods.
EVERY STORY BEGINS WITH AN INSPIRATION
How a Violin Maker Shaped The Sound in the Woods
~by Tamara S. Wolfe
One of the favorite chapters in my life was during the years I served in the symphony world, putting pen to paper to author all sorts of printed pieces that brought people into the magic of music, and savoring hundreds of concerts from both behind and in front of the stage. I witnessed how music lit up a child’s face with joy and promise, and how instruments from centuries past merged with great artists to reach and restore the soul of every listener. I was especially drawn to the violin upon hearing Joshua Bell as he transported otherworldly sounds from his instrument. So when I took the leap into the children’s book writing world, it was these moments that inspired The Sound in the Woods.
A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR, Tamara S. Wolfe
After living among the avocado orchards in California and the emerald green in Oregon, I returned home to the majestic mountains of Utah. Growing up with the Utah Symphony I dreamed of becoming a concert pianist. While Chopin and Bach brought me much joy, my only claim to fame was winning my school’s music competition – I was six. But little did I imagine that a few years beyond earning an MBA from UCLA, I would serve as director of marketing for a renowned symphony orchestra where the inspiration for The Sound in the Woods was born.
My hope for every child – may this book be an enduring reminder that you have an artist inside, and any dream you dare to dream can be yours.
And my thanks for the artists – luthier David Gusset and painter Bradley H. Clark who have given their gifts and dedication throughout the making of The Sound in the Woods. I hope you take a moment to read my reflections of their artistry, below…
Luthier David Gusset
The Sound in the Woods is a culmination of my love of classical music and writing. But the story would not have been possible without luthier David Gusset, who invited me into his workshop where he shared every artful and scientific step in crafting one of his warm, richly toned violins. David was one of the first graduates of the Violin Making School of America in Salt Lake City, Utah. He also became the first American to win the Antonio Stradivari Triennial Violin Making Competition in Cremona, Italy, with his violin now housed in the Antonio Stradivari Museum in Cremona. David’s masterworks will forever be known for their ‘exceptional beauty, craftsmanship, and tone’ by the world’s leading violin experts. It is my hope that every child and adult alike finds the many treasures I discovered from David, within The Sound in the Woods. You can explore David’s artistry at Gusset Violins.
Painter Bradley H. Clark
When Bradley Clark said ‘yes’ to creating the art for The Sound in the Woods and relayed it would be a labor of love, my heart leaped! Bradley, who is one of the most exquisite traditional watercolor painters of our time, made his mark in the art world across the New York landscape, with commissions by the Big Apple’s biggest publishing houses including HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, Random House, MacMillan and St. Martin’s Press. He has also been honored by the Art Directors Club of New York, and featured in Watercolor Magazine, The Art of Business. But it is his careful and involved method of studio painting, breathtaking plein-air scenery and brilliant career as a symphonic vocalist for the illustrious Utah Symphony, that formed the eloquent trio for bringing his splendid artistry to this book. You can explore Bradley’s art at Bradley Clark Art.
A 'Thank You' Gift for Symphony Donors and Volunteers
Symphonies across the country are giving heartfelt ‘Thank You’ gifts to those who contribute through donations or volunteering. The Sound in the Woods offers an enduring gift for those who support your symphony…
This book was made using the offset printing process and the 1868 Smyth Sewn bindery method to preserve the beauty and integrity of the artwork, and to ensure the book remains strong throughout the test of time.
If your symphony would like to purchase The Sound in the Woods for those who contribute to ensuring the music never ends, please reach out to author Tamara by email: thesoundinthewoods@protonmail.com or call: (801) 821-7268. Thank you.