Catalina Plays the What? follows a young girl getting ready for show-and-tell day at school who is nervous about sharing her passion for her favorite instrument, the double bass. What was the inspiration for your story?

The inspiration for Catalina Plays the What? stems from my personal connection to the world of double basses through my husband, Gary Upton, who is a luthier and has been manufacturing double basses for years. Before meeting him, like many people, I had little knowledge of this remarkable instrument, which is often overlooked in schools and society despite being the foundational cornerstone in nearly all music worldwide. Many people say, “Oh, it’s a big cello, right?” I wanted to shed light on the double bass, an instrument that deserves far more recognition, especially among young learners.

Additionally, the field of double bass is predominantly male and Caucasian, so it was important to me to feature a young girl of color as the protagonist. Representation matters deeply—when children see themselves reflected in various fields, they are more likely to feel inspired and motivated to pursue their interests. Through Catalina’s journey, I hope to encourage more girls, especially those from diverse backgrounds, to explore and embrace the double bass.

Catalina starts out nervous but builds confidence as she goes along, in part thanks to the help of her grandpa. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?

The themes of perseverance, self-confidence, and the importance of supportive relationships drive Catalina’s character development. Her initial nervousness reflects a universal experience for many children who feel uncertain when sharing something they are passionate about. However, as Catalina progresses through her presentation, her confidence builds, largely due to the steady encouragement from her grandpa. This relationship, which highlights the significant role that mentors and family members play in empowering young people to overcome their fears, is a key element in the story. I wanted to convey that with support, determination, and a belief in oneself, even the most daunting challenges can be met with success.

What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?

As a former elementary school teacher, I have a deep passion for making learning enjoyable and accessible for children. In Catalina Plays the What?, I aimed to introduce the fundamentals of the double bass in an engaging and easy way for young readers to understand. The story breaks down the different parts of the bass, its various names, and its role in different genres of music, all within the context of a fun and relatable narrative. My goal was to create an educational experience that would not only entertain but also inform children about this incredible instrument, leaving a lasting impression that learning can be both informative and entertaining.

Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?

Catalina Plays the What? is not currently part of a series, but I’ve been considering the possibility due to readers’ positive feedback and interest. Many have expressed a desire for more stories educating about musical instruments. While I haven’t yet committed to a series, I am finishing another story, Thea and Her Purple Dragon. This upcoming book delves into the complex and often painful topic of Parental Gatekeeping, exploring the deep emotional impact on children and parents when an adult fails to work together in the child’s best interest. This book aims to open a dialogue about the importance of cooperation and understanding within families, especially for the child’s well-being.

In addition to Thea and Her Purple Dragon, new readers can also explore my other works. Jayla Spreads Loving Kindness introduces children to the peaceful mindfulness practice of loving-kindness meditation, following a young girl as she practices sending love to those around her throughout her day. The book aims to teach that the more loving-kindness you send out, the happier and more peaceful you will feel. My other book, You Are Loved, tells the story of a little girl entering foster care and aims to teach children that, despite difficult circumstances, they can always find love and support in the world around them.

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