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Joaquin Rodrigo was a brilliant Spanish composer, writing music for piano, violin, chorus, and guitar. He was also, from the age of three, almost completely blind.
This picture book follows Joaquin from carefree early childhood through his life-altering illness, his discovery of classical music, and his successful career and family life. Joaquin's story can inspire children to dream beyond the apparent limitations suggested by circumstance.
The book's back matter includes multiple activities and enrichment materials.
"Splendid contribution to increasing the awareness of Joaquin Rodrigo's unbelievable life . . . . The illustrations are beautiful, but above all, the text is most appropriate and true." -- Cecilia Rodrigo, Director, Rodrigo Foundation
About the author
Karen A. Wyle is the author of multiple novels. Many are science fiction, including The Twin-Bred Series: Books 1-3; YA novel Water to Water; and near-future novels Division, Playback Effect, Who, and Donation. Her first novel outside the SF category was the afterlife fantasy/family drama Wander Home. She then turned to historical romance with her Cowbird Creek series, including What Heals the Heart, What Frees the Heart, What Shows the Heart, and What Wakes the Heart. Her fantasy novel Far From Mortal Realms: A Novel of Humans and Fae came out on September 15, 2023. The Decision (A Novel of Germany), her first non-romance historical fiction, is scheduled to come out in the summer of 2024.Wyle has also published one nonfiction work, Closest to the Fire: A Guide to American Law and Lawyers, a resource for authors or for anyone interested in understanding more about American law.Wyle has collaborated with illustrators on five picture books: You Can't Kiss A Bubble; When It's Winter; Wind, Ocean, Grass; Where Fireflies Sleep; and A Boy Who Made Music: The Extraordinary Life of Joaquin Rodrigo.Wyle is a (quasi-retired) appellate attorney, dormant photographer, politics junkie, and mother of two wildly creative offspring. Her voice is the product of almost five decades of reading both literary and genre fiction. It is no doubt also influenced, although she hopes not fatally tainted, by her years of law practice. Wyle's near-future novels and her upcoming fantasy novel draw on her legal experience in various respects.Wyle's personal history has led her to focus on often-intertwined themes of family, communication, the impossibility of controlling events, and the persistence of unfinished business.
