Overview

"A story to encourage all ages that even when hope has gone it can return. Lost dreams can be found and life can change for the better. The Feather is an exquisitely illustrated book that brings encouragement and hope to those of all ages who face difficult, ongoing circumstances. The feather enters the world in darkness but brings healing hope to a frail young girl. It helps her to dream again when all her own dreams have been lost. Emily had been unwell for a long time. Lying in her room she had forgotten what it felt like to be well and no longer thought about all the wonderful things in the world outside. She had lost hope she could ever be well again. But .. ""In the most still hour of the morning, that time when you talk in whispers and cast no shadow, down from the dark silent sky fell a beautiful, soft, white feather. It spun, danced and floated as if it were a living thing. Slow and fast, high and low, until the first light of the morning painted it pink and gold."" After being whisked along over meadows, flowers, streams and high mountains by the wind, the feather finally finds its way into Emily's room. It brings with it not only the fragrances of the outside world but hope. It lands on Emily's hand while she is asleep and her dreams are filled with images and the fragrances of natural wonders. When she wakes and sees the feather she knows it is special. The feather helps Emily remember and find the world she had lost."

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9780473451813

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Reviews

The Feather, by Wendy Matthews is a beautifully-crafted picture book, exquisitely illustrated by the author and aimed particularly for children who are hemmed in by illness. But its appeal will be wider. With its simple message, Never give up; never lose hope; tomorrow may bring the answer, this book will encourage any child who is doing it hard. Since Wendy knows first hand what it's like to struggle (in her case with ME) she writes with a sensitive understanding of those in similar circumstances. The Feather brings a gentle ray of hope to those who strive even to the point of despairing. Its positive theme will brighten the lives of young readers everywhere. --- Julie Belding, independent editor and publisher. This is an exquisite little book that will delight the heart of anyone reading it. It is primarily for children suffering from a long term illness but it would offer hope, joy and comfort to both children and adults alike. It makes my heart sing, the message simple but profound and the illustrations are utterly beautiful. I would call it a rare treasure, magical and a book that should be passed down through the generations. I can't wait to read it to my grandchildren. Feathers may well take on a new life! I LOVE the book, it does something to me on the inside. --- Kay Copley

"The Feather, by Wendy Matthews is a beautifully-crafted picture book, exquisitely illustrated by the author and aimed particularly for children who are hemmed in by illness. But its appeal will be wider. With its simple message, ""Never give up; never lose hope; tomorrow may bring the answer,"" this book will encourage any child who is doing it hard. Since Wendy knows first hand what it's like to struggle (in her case with ME) she writes with a sensitive understanding of those in similar circumstances. The Feather brings a gentle ray of hope to those who strive even to the point of despairing. Its positive theme will brighten the lives of young readers everywhere. --- Julie Belding, independent editor and publisher. This is an exquisite little book that will delight the heart of anyone reading it. It is primarily for children suffering from a long term illness but it would offer hope, joy and comfort to both children and adults alike. It makes my heart sing, the message simple but profound and the illustrations are utterly beautiful. I would call it a rare treasure, magical and a book that should be passed down through the generations. I can't wait to read it to my grandchildren. Feathers may well take on a new life! I LOVE the book, it does something to me on the inside. --- Kay Copley"

Author Information

Wendy has loved writing and drawing for as long as she can remember. While studying to become a Registered Nurse she also took night classes on drawing. A University Summer school on Writing and Illustrating Children's Books fueled her interest further as she has always loved children's stories. She studied Medical Illustrating at The Melbourne Insitute of Technology. In 1993 Wendy was first diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). By 2019,11 of those years had been spent bedbound. The illness in her case case takes a remitting relapsing course. Many of her paintings, drawings and stories have come from that time. Wendy likes to focus on the positives in a situation and to write stories that bring hope or allow others to see the world or people in a new way. She is married and has a blended family of 7 adult children. One of her twin daughters also has ME/CFS. Wendy, through the use of the Internet, is able to be a part of organisations and charities that help those with the illness and is an active advocate for those navigating a poorly understood disease. Wendy enjoyed using oil paints but since her illness has concentrated on using pen and ink for pointillism and line work, water colour pencils and paint for her childrens books and acrylics for wall hung work. Her paintings have been sold through exhibitions and charity events to raise funds for the charities. Wendy has loved writing and drawing for as long as she can remember. While studying to become a Registered Nurse she also took night classes on drawing. A University Summer school on Writing and Illustrating Children's Books fueled her interest further as she has always loved children's stories. She studied Medical Illustrating at The Melbourne Insitute of Technology. In 1993 Wendy was first diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). By 2019,11 of those years had been spent bedbound. The illness in her case case takes a remitting relapsing course. Many of her paintings, drawings and stories have come from that time. Wendy likes to focus on the positives in a situation and to write stories that bring hope or allow others to see the world or people in a new way. She is married and has a blended family of 7 adult children. One of her twin daughters also has ME/CFS. Wendy, through the use of the Internet, is able to be a part of organisations and charities that help those with the illness and is an active advocate for those navigating a poorly understood disease. Wendy enjoyed using oil paints but since her illness has concentrated on using pen and ink for pointillism and line work, water colour pencils and paint for her childrens books and acrylics for wall hung work. Her paintings have been sold through exhibitions and charity events to raise funds for the charities.

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