New Picture Book on Appreciation of Music for Young Readers is Released

Cayuga, Ontario

Author Tami Kerr and illustrator Tanja Kerr come from a musically-inclined family, though their father was the only one with no musical background. As he became familiarized with musical terms, the word "crotchet" stuck due to its similarity with Crockett, the name of an American folk hero. This led him to imagine "The Adventures of Davy Crotchet," which his daughters made into a vibrantly illustrated and educational children's picture book providing information on instruments, musicians and the art of music itself.

With an art style reminiscent of the beloved Asterix and Tintin series of graphic novels, the Kerrs provide a fun-filled reading experience for entire families. The colorful pages of their book follow the musical adventures of Davy Crotchet, who spends most of his time as a quarter note, or crotchet, as he is known in England. He is born out of the attempts of a frustrated composer called Mel Odi trying to give expression to his compositions. Davy becomes so dissatisfied with the way he sounds that he finally speaks up. Mel decides to send Davy to Germany to find an old friend who makes flutes. Hopefully, Davy can bring him back a musical instrument. So begins Davy's journey with many surprises along the way.

The hero's exciting adventures tie in with historical events and developments that influenced European instrument making in the 17th century, providing readers young and old alike useful tidbits of knowledge that will help them gain a renewed appreciation for music, the instruments, and the artists who make it all possible.

For more information on this book, interested parties may log on to http://www.Xlibris.com and http://www.davycrotchet.com.

About the Author
Tami Kerr was born in Haifa, Israel but spent much of her childhood near Cape Town, South Africa where she started studying percussion at the Hugo Lambrechts Music School. Kerr went on to study at the Rotterdam Conservatory and the Yale School of Music. She currently lives in Ontario, Canada.

Tanja Ilsley (nee Kerr) is originally from Cape Town, South Africa, but also spent several of her early years in Israel. She started sketching and painting at an early age. Her art has been exhibited in Canada, South Africa, England and Germany. She continues exploring new themes and developing fresh perspectives for her artwork. She and her husband moved to England but currently live in Japan with their family.

The Adventures of Davy Crotchet * by Tami Kerr, illustrated by Tanja Kerr
Publication Date: April 21, 2014
Picture Book; $17.49; 44 pages; 9781493168019
Picture Book Hardcover; $24.99; 44 pages; 9781493168033
e-book; $3.99; 9781493168026

Members of the media who wish to review this book may request a complimentary paperback copy by contacting the publisher at (888) 795-4274 x. 7879. To purchase copies of the book for resale, please fax Xlibris at (812) 355-4079 or call (888) 795-4274 x. 7879.

For more information on self-publishing or marketing with Xlibris, visit Xlibris.com. To receive a free publishing guide, please call (888) 795-4274.

To post a comment, you must register and login.