The Greek edition of Musiville, my second children’s book, is now ready!
The English one is in the capable hands of Alexios Saskalidis, which means I’ll probably be able to launch it real soon – possible by the week’s end. In the meantime, here is a sneak preview of one of the suggested covers, the blurb, and some of Dimitris Fousekis’ amazing illustrations.
Musiville: Let’s Face the Music
A group of animals has evolved into musical instruments. Or is it the other way around? Whichever the case, they have now formed their own little village: Musiville.
And bands. Lots and lots of bands. Each playing its own tune. When the resulting clamor attracts an unexpected guest, Musiville’s very survival is at stake.
Who can save the village from this new threat?
The Animals
Let’s meet some of the Musiville animals!
-
- Maracerus: A close relative to the more common rhinoceros, Maracerus has a round appendix at the edge of his nose instead of a horn. When he shakes his head, it produces a maraca-like sound. Although he can’t play a melody, he is still a highly-valued member of most Latin groups.
-
- Eaglistle: A bird with a loud whistle that can be heard from great distances. They are famous for their excellent eyesight. As a result, when not playing music, they fly as lookouts over Musiville, to warn of any approaching danger. The infamous rat infestation was a big embarrassment to the Eaglistles: a small group of rats dug their way into the village, thus escaping the Eaglistles’ attention.
-
- Pelecanophone: At first glance, one might mistake a Pelecanophone for a normal pelican. However, this bird has a xylophone inside its beak. This produces a warm sound that can be heard from afar. It feeds mainly on Fishynotes, which is why it is notorious for its false notes.
-
- Pandiano: Because of its bamboo-based diet, this mammal’s teeth are so hard that they sound like a piano. Pandianos use their big cheeks to amplify the sound produced.
-
- Cymbalape: A monkey-like Symbian. His hands end in circular, flexible cymbals. Cymbalapes love speed, which is why they usually bang their cymbals together while skating.
-
- Mulltappede: Having a hundred feet, this large insect can dance for hours. Her specialty is tap-dancing. As it takes her forever to tie and untie her shoelaces, she always runs late.
-
- Hornolion: Evolution has given this unusual mammal horns instead of a mane. Until recently, Hornolions were famous for their church music. However, modern Hornolions prefer jazz.
-
- Drumopotamus: By knocking his big feet against his equally large belly, a Drumopotamus can produce a deep, deafening sound similar to a bass drum. The only thing they love more than music is water. That is why they can be found splashing in rivers, when not playing their melodies.
-
- Trumpephant: Their long trunk allows Trumpephants to produce a deafening trumpet-like sound. Trumpephants are partial to jazz.
It looks and sounds fantastic, Nicholas!
Thank you so much, Olga 🙂
Sounds like a lovely story, Nicholas 😀 Pun intended. I am sure it will do well.
Heh heh, good one. Thanks 😀
Very nice!!
Thank you! As I say, it’s tentative. I posted a poll yesterday, asking people for some help with the selection 🙂
you are very talented!
Wow, such a sweet thing to say!! Thank you 🙂
🙂
Reblogged this on theowlladyblog.
Living in a family of musicians makes this interesting to me. Can’t wait to read it to my grandchildren! ~Elle
Yay! Thank you so much 🙂
Nicholas, I love the cover, and your characters are fantastic. Dimitris illustrations are so imaginative! This book is going to be a winner! What age group are you writing for with this? I’m probably a bit older than your intended audience 😀 but I can’t wait to read it.
You’re just right for my intended audience, as all of my children’s books are multi-layered in meaning! And thank you so much 🙂
Those characters look great, Nick! I particularly like the Mulltapede who loves to tap dance but is always running late due to having so many shoe laces to tie up… LOL! Good luck with this new project!
Thank you!! 🙂
Congratulations. Love the cover and the illustrations are stunning. 🙂
Thank you so much, Tess!
You are more than welcome, Nicholas. 🙂
Looks fantastic! This is exciting. And ‘trumpephants are partial to jazz’… love it!
Heh heh, yes, the animals were a hoot to write 😀
Thank you!!
😀 😀 <3
love this cover 🙂
Yay! Thank you!
What a wondrous collection of critters! 😀
Thanks! Isn’t it just? 😀
What an adorable concept! I can’t wait to read it 🙂
Yay! Thank you! 😀
Love it, Nicholas! Congratulations! Can’t wait! I’m buying it! Chryssa
Thank you so much! 😀
How wonderful! Congrats again Nicholas. This book looks wonderful and I love the storyline of characters for children. 🙂
Yay! Thanks 🙂
OMG, I can’t wait!!! Be sure to save me an English version. Yay!!!!!!
Aw, you! I love your enthusiasm! Thank you 😀
Love the cover and the illustrations in general. My grandson saw the Runaway Smile dog on your site banner, pointed to it, and said “what’s that?” It was amazing to see how it captured his attention. He’s 2, so I’ll have to paraphrase, but I plan to bring my copy over on Thursday. He’s an instrument fanatic (knows every instrument in the orchestra) so he’s going to LOVE this new book too 🙂
That’s wonderful! I’ve had a parent read Smile to a 2-year-old. He did have to paraphrase, but the kid loved it 🙂
Looks wonderful! And the illustrations are excellent – you must be so pleased. Good luck with the launch, let me know if there’s anything I can do xx
Thank you so much for offering! Sure, a book release or a guest post sound great 🙂
Anytime, just let me know x
Thank you! 🙂
Looks like a fun one.
Thanks! I’d like to think so 🙂
Fabulous illustrations!
Yay! Thank you! Yes, Dimitris is brilliant 🙂
Can’t wait for it! I love children’s books
Love it Nick! 😀
Yay! Thank you, Jan 🙂
Congrats Nicholas! Looks like a really special book…I especially like the little guy with the piano teeth 🙂 I see a lot of children’s books in your future:) Pressing to reblog! Take care
Thank you so much! Let’s hope so 🙂
Love the animal/instrument combos in both description and picture. Sounds like this is going to be another hit. I mean, who doesn’t love animals and music? 🙂
Hey, you’re my target group 😀
Thankfully I’m a rather slow and easy target. 😉
Ha ha – my favorite kind! 😀
I have gone into ‘Marketing Mode’, NIcholas. I am thinking animated TV series, followed by a feature film. DVD sales, play figures that really make the sounds, and all sorts of spin-offs.Make sure it is fully licensed and copyrighted, as it has huge potential.
I’m excited for you!
Best wishes, Pete.
Ha ha – that’s such a lovely thing to say, Pete! It’s a deal: you handle the marketing, and I’ll do the illustrations 🙂
It will be a runaway success. You are clever. The illustrations ( and adaptations) really brilliant.
Aw, you! Thank you!! 🙂
This is funny! Looks great.
I’ll buy that for the kids. 😀
Yay! Music to this author’s ears 😀
Looks great, Nicholas. I hope it’s another brilliant success 🙂
Thank you so much, Richard! Let’s hope so 🙂
Love the cover and illustrations – so cute 😀
Thank you! Yes, Dimitris is wonderfully talented!
Looks delightful! Congrats – another gem, no doubt! 🙂
Aw, you! Thanks 🙂