Finding the Beat: A Conversation Around Pete’s Beat
By Thomas Lehrich, Publisher, Red Barn Publishing
At Red Barn Publishing, we are drawn to stories that move with purpose for young readers. Pete’s Beat, the newest book by Boston-based author Matt Robinson, does that and more. In Pete’s Beat, we feel the marching rhythm that is both personal and universal. The book invites readers into Pete’s world, where sound and self-discovery intertwine and inspire.
To mark the release, I sat down with Matt to talk about the inspiration behind Pete’s Beat and what he hopes readers will take away from it.
Red Barn: Matt, what sparked the idea for Pete’s Beat?
Matt: The story grew out of my own musical experience and a fascination with how rhythm shapes our lives. When I was writing about music for Billboard magazine, I went to a music store to buy a drum that I could use when I was at festivals. Not only did the person at the store encourage me to play every instrument in the percussion section, but they also educated me about where each instrument came from and why it was important to its source culture and to musical history. I wanted to pass that learning on!
Red Barn: Pete feels genuine and has a purpose. Is there any of you in him?
Matt: Absolutely! Before I was a music writer, I was a nervous kid tapping on things and bugging the heck out of people! I probably had what we would now call ADHD and, as a teacher and parent, I know how prevalent this diagnosis is today and how much music can help.
Music helped me find my way and I hope that Pete’s story inspires others to find their way through music as well.
Red Barn: How did you find illustrator Scott Hubeny?
Matt: Scott and I taught together in the Boston area, and he is also a talented writer himself, so we forged a partnership in which we edited each other’s drafts and helped each other find opportunities to share our stories. So when Red Barn invited me to publish Pete’s Beat, Scott was my first call!
Red Barn: What do you hope readers experience when they read the book?
Matt: I hope they feel encouraged to listen to their own beat. Life and school can be noisy places, and other people can try to tell what to do and who to be. Pete’s Beat is a reminder that it’s okay to move forward in your own way.
Red Barn: We love the music activities and games in the book. Tell us a little about them.
Matt: As a parent and educator, I know the importance of reengaging children and students in multiple ways. The puzzles are meant to give readers more ways to learn about and embrace the world of percussion, and I hope it keeps readers coming back to Pete again and again!