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Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite
Catalina Plays The What? is a heartwarming children’s book written by Antonia Aviles, with illustrations by Jasmine T. Mills. It follows the story of Catalina, a young girl doing a show-and-tell presentation about her favorite instrument, the double bass. Catalina nervously starts her presentation but with the help of her grandfather, she gains confidence teaching her classmates why the instrument is special. She passionately explains the double bass's various names, its unique characteristics, and its role in music. She talks about its use in classical, Jazz, and blues music, engaging her classmates and sparking their curiosity. Catalina narrates how her grandfather taught her to play the instrument and their shared love for music. Finally, she plays the double bass for her class, sharing a piece she has been practicing for a long time.
Catalina Plays The What? is a beautiful story that teaches young readers about the double bass. It has confidence, family bonds, the joy of sharing knowledge, and the importance of music. Catalina’s presentation is realistic and relatable, and it will inspire children to explore their interests, especially in playing musical instruments, and encourage them to be creative. Antonia Aviles’ narration is engaging, with heartwarming messages about overcoming fears, the power of music to connect people across generations, and the joy of learning something new. Jasmine T. Mills' colorful illustrations are vibrant and appealing. The inclusion of diverse characters from different ethnicities enriches the narrative, highlighting the universal nature of music and the shared experiences that can transcend cultural boundaries. I would love to read more books featuring Catalina's classmates talking about their favorite musical instruments. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a delightful children's story that educates young readers about the beauty of music.
