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Make Time to Stop and Listen
Maude’s Magical Ear Trumpet follows a kind, cheerful older woman who has begun to struggle with her hearing and is given a magical ear trumpet that not only lets her hear words better, but also the truth behind them. What first sparked the idea for your story?
I had the idea of writing a poem around an older lady and her relationship with the people around her. It was formed from memories of spending time with my grandmother when I was a child, and how she loved to talk – and listen – with her friends
Was empathy something you consciously set out to teach, or did it naturally grow out of the story?
I didn’t initially set out to write it as a children’s picture book; the story just revealed itself organically. I did want to include the idea that in a world of quick communications and throw-away conversations, there should always be time to stop and listen. Then, once you have heard, if you can help in any way, then you should. Sometimes, just a kind ear is all that is needed.
Why was it important for Maude’s Magical Ear Trumpet to be dyslexia friendly, and how did that goal influence your choices around language, sentence structure, and pacing?
I wanted the story to be inclusive of age, heritage, and disability. I wanted it to encompass all aspects of normal life. Part of that was to ensure that ALL children – and indeed adults – were able to read and enjoy the book. Making the text dyslexia friendly was just one way of doing this. The choice of language and structure was influenced by the story. I wanted it to flow in a way that was easy to read and follow, but with some challenging areas to push a child’s reading skills. Adding the odd word that makes the child ask, “What does that mean?” allows the act of reading to become collaborative.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am not currently working on another book, but hope to do a series of follow-up books incorporating Maude and her interactions with he friends and family.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Maude learns, with the encouragement of her friends, that she has the ability to help others with her kind and positive personality.
We all have magical powers, the ability to give the people around us that most precious of gifts – time. Time to listen, time to share and time to care.
Next time you meet someone, don’t hurry away. Stop and speak. Say hello, ask how they are and, most importantly, listen to their answer. Try to leave them with a smile on their face, as that might just make a difference to their day – and yours too!
“Maude’s Magical Ear Trumpet” is a Dyslexia friendly picture book, with text designed to help readers enjoy stories on their own or with a friend.
Maude’s Magical Ear Trumpet
Maude’s Magical Ear Trumpet by Chris Husband is a whimsical, deeply heartwarming children’s book. It offers a gentle reminder: listening can change everything. The story introduces Maude, a kind, cheerful older woman who has begun to struggle with her hearing. Her doctor provides a most unusual ear trumpet. Maude quickly learns it is no ordinary device. A magical twist transforms it into something extraordinary. The trumpet lets her hear more than words. It reveals the truth beneath them.
What follows is a tender, uplifting journey. Maude uses her new trumpet to truly listen to the people around her. She offers comfort. She gives kindness. She makes space for understanding wherever she goes.
The book’s strength is its simplicity and warmth. Short, easy-to-follow sentences keep the pace light and inviting. The language feels almost poetic. The gentle rhythm draws young readers in and helps the message land naturally. Through Maude’s encounters with her daughter, shopkeepers, friends, and neighbors, children see that listening is more than sound. It is attention. It is care. It is empathy in action.
The illustrations by Corryn Webb add another layer of charm. Each page features soft, expressive artwork that brings Maude’s world to life. Her bright coat. Her spotted hat. The quiet emotional exchanges that unfold in small, meaningful moments. The visuals support the tone beautifully and guide young readers toward what characters feel, not only what they say. That reinforcement matters. Emotions deserve notice.
One of the book’s most memorable elements is the closing revelation. The magic was never truly in the trumpet. It lived in Maude herself. Her caring heart. Her willingness to listen with intention. That message lingered with me long after the final page.
This is a lovely read that children are likely to adore. Maude’s Magical Ear Trumpet teaches empathy, compassion, and the quiet power of listening in a way that feels magical and deeply human. It leaves young readers calmer, kinder, and a little more inclined to listen closely to the world around them.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0G6GLLJ3Z
A Figment Of A Child’s Imagination
My Magical Bearded Friend follows a mysterious character who gradually appears when the sun starts to go down and disappears when the sun reappears in the morning. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The story was inspired initially by a colleague at work who has a magnificent beard. I wrote it to thank him for the help he had given me with publishing my poetry books. The story then grew into a mystery as I collaborated with Patricia (the illustrator) and we shared ideas on where the bearded man came from and how he could be a figment of a child’s imagination.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Patricia Moffett?
The experience was as magical as the story. I found her on the Reedsy website and was instantly attracted to her style of imaginative imagery. Rather than just being “the illustrator”, Patricia soon became a huge part of the formation of the story and had some brilliant ideas of where the character should go and how he should evolve with the story. Working with Patricia was a delight from start to finish and I hope to do it again sometime soon.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
The main idea we wanted to share was how things that can seem scary in the dark can actually be exciting and comforting. We wanted to show how a child can change the perspective of what they see, such as shadows and half-light, into something benign and even interesting – not at all frightening.
I wanted the text to be as interesting as the illustrations, and I wanted the words to be easy enough but maybe a little challenging in places to draw both the reader and the listener in and show them that reading can be enjoyable.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
There is no book currently in the pipeline, but I would love to produce another picture book – maybe even a follow up to the Magical Bearded Friend book.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
The magical bearded friend is a mysterious and dapper figure, with his “cane of pure walnut, and his hat as tall as a tree.’ Narrated by a little bird, passers by sometimes catch a hint of cologne, or the melodious timbre of his voice, but when they turn – poof! He’s disappeared.
Rhyming words and an engaging vocabulary will help even hesitant children work on their reading skills, while the amusing and whimsical tone and vivid, colourful illustrations will make ‘My Magical Bearded Friend’ a firm favourite at bedtime.
My Magical Bearded Friend is a mysterious character who gradually appears when the sun starts to go down and disappears when the sun reappears in the morning. The reader and listener are asked to question whether My Magical Bearded Friend is a real person or a trick of the eye. Is he tall or is he the shadow of the buildings and towers around the area at dusk? Can you smell his perfume or is it the scent of the flowers wafting on the breeze? Is he colourful and sparkling, or is he simply the reflection of the rising sun? You decide! Parents and children alike will love to read about My Magical Bearded Friend again and again.
My Magical Bearded Friend
My Magical Bearded Friend by Chris Husband is a uniquely fascinating tale of a highly illustrious bearded man that simply exudes magic. Readers are taken on a whimsical adventure showing how and what makes this gentleman so grand and appealing. Young readers will be left with the question, what is the purpose of this man?
I adored the illustrations and the poetic prose. This was a wonderful combination that is sure to capture the attention and the imagination of children. Kids will be in wonder at the magical bearded friend. I was immensely intrigued by this bearded character but want more details as to who he is, what he does, and where he is going. But that’s just me as a parent reading this to my child. I think this comes from the character being so fascinating that I want to know more.
With magnificent artwork, easy-to-read words, and a flowing rhyme, children will be delighted to read this enchanting story, or to be read this story at bedtime. My Magical Bearded Friend is a uniquely wondrous picture book.
Pages: 28 | ISBN: 1739199715
