Blog Archives
Catalina Plays the What?
Catalina Plays the What? is an utterly charming children’s book that takes us on a delightful journey into the world of music, specifically focusing on the often overlooked yet magnificent double bass. Catalina, a young girl with a passion for this enormous string instrument, shares her love and knowledge with her classmates during a show-and-tell presentation. With the help of her supportive grandpa, she teaches the other children and the readers about the double bass, its different names, and the unique sounds it produces. The book is educational and heartwarming, as it beautifully captures Catalina’s growing confidence and pride in her musical abilities.
Now, let me just say I absolutely adored Catalina’s character. Her nervousness at the beginning of the presentation was so relatable, and watching her grow more confident as she talked about something she loves was just so uplifting. The way the author, Antonia Aviles, builds this progression feels real, and I found myself rooting for Catalina from the moment she sneaked a peek through the classroom door. The interactions with her grandpa were a highlight for me. His gentle encouragement and fun, supportive nature really brought a smile to my face. Their bond adds such a sweet layer to the story, making it more than just a tale about an instrument but also one about family, tradition, and passing on knowledge.
Aviles has a knack for making the technical aspects of music accessible to children without dumbing it down or making it feel like a lesson. For example, when Catalina explains the different names for the double bass depending on the genre of music, it’s done so naturally that you’re learning without even realizing it. And that moment when Catalina’s grandpa mimics the sounds of a double bass and a violin had me chuckling. It’s these little touches of humor that make the book so enjoyable for both kids and adults alike.
It’s clear that Aviles has a deep appreciation for music, and that passion shines through on every page. This picture book makes you feel the music. It’s a celebration of an instrument that might not be in the spotlight but is nonetheless vital to the world of music.
Catalina Plays the What? is a wonderful picture book for any young reader who has an interest in music or for those who might need a bit of encouragement to find their own passions. It’s perfect for parents, teachers, and music lovers who want to introduce children to the beauty of musical instruments in a fun and engaging way.
Pages: 43 | ASIN : B0D9ZDZYJ2
Drummond
Drummond is just trying to figure it all out: school, girls, whatever is going on with his parents. It has the potential to be overwhelming, but luckily most of his time is taken up thinking about his current transformation into a percussionist. He was already a drummer, but private lessons quickly pushed him toward something more serious and more dedicated, like the high school drumline. Even though he’s unsure if that’s really where he wants to be, Drummond finds himself immersed in a whole new world that he’s quickly enamored by, complete with a sense of community and new friends that quickly become like family.
Drummond: Learning to Find Himself in the Music is an insightful novel by Patrick R.F. Blakley that draws heavily on his own experiences in high school band. Throughout the story, we see how Drummond’s confidence in himself grows proportionally to his confidence as a drummer as his inner monologue maps out the workings of the teenage mind. The crux of the action falls on the shoulders of the drumline, both in lessons to prepare and the actual practices. Many of the musical details are explained in highly technical terms, although Blakley mentions that he wrote it while keeping non-musical people in mind.
The inner monologue mentioned earlier is one of the book’s highlights moves the plot along in a natural and endlessly entertaining way. Drummond’s mind is well acclimated to the musical world he is immersed in and moves with a rhythm that suits his talents well.
Blakley’s book also includes a variety of appendices and author’s notes that expand on his own personal experiences in the band, and the record of the drumline. At the same time, he was involved with and inspired by some of the characters. While this portion is written in a distinctly different tone, it’s an exceedingly interesting addition that provides a little more depth and humanity to the events. Blakley’s testimonial solidified the overarching theme of finding yourself and creating your own identity.
While I did find myself lost through some of the very technical musical lingo, I thought Drummond was a fantastic character and enjoyed every bit of growth he experienced. The awkwardness, the uncertainty, and the grounding nature of finding something you love are everyday encounters for a 13-year-old, and that relatability made the book that much more enjoyable.
Drummond: Learning to Find Himself in the Music is a beautifully written coming-of-age novel for teens and young adults. Teens looking for inspiration or anyone with a love or nostalgia for the marching band will find this book a welcome addition to their collection.
Pages: 322 | ASIN : B09TSKZJ6S
LITERARY TITAN 