Helen Louise MacLeod

The Boy Who Picked Dandelions Helen Louise MacLeod

"The Boy Who Picked Dandelions" is a picture book that tells how a simple action can inspire lasting relationships and create transformative opportunities. Four-year-old Jack puts a dandelion in his mother Nancy's hair as he says goodbye to her one morning. As a result of that flower, they develop a friendship with Mr. Burke, an elderly jazz enthusiast who Nancy meets at the doctor's office where she works. As Jack grows he develops a keen interest in Mr. Burke's musical knowledge and more importantly for the piano in his apartment. The elderly gentleman happily agrees to pay for lessons for the boy and let Jack practice at his home. The fatherless child and the lonely old man develop a true friendship that changes both their lives. Jack spends many, many hours playing Mr. Burke's piano. When he grows up Jack leads his own jazz quartet and composes original music including a number called "The Boy Who Picked Dandelions" as a tribute to Mr. Burke and his mother. The colorful pictures capture aspects of life during the 50's and early 60's when jazz music was a vibrant part of the urban musical landscape and an inspiration passed from one generation to another.