Thomas Langmaack
The case of the hidden
2 Part Series
Welcome to the Musical Adventure of Cara and Donny!
Join Cara the Cat and Donny the Dog, along with their amazing friends, on an exciting journey where music and adventure come alive. From learning notes and rhythms to searching for hidden treasures, these stories inspire young readers with fun, friendship, and creativity. Great for kids who love music and making discoveries!
Book Description
The Case of the Hidden Treasure
This is a children’s novel to accompany the method book below (Cara and Donny’s Musical Adventure).
Parents will love reading to their child or having their child read on their own and learn about music or develop an interest in music.
For teachers in the classroom, it solves the problem of the requirement to teach math and language arts through music.
This novel, about the story of a cat and dog who meet and greet other characters, is also a music guide that assists in learning and reinforcing concepts learned in the method book as well as school!
The story line takes the characters from the method book and creates a novel with exciting adventure and incorporates musical concepts, terms and musical challenges into the fabric of the story.
For example, when the cat runs down the hill picking up speed, the musical term accelerando is introduced. When she begins to stop, the term ritardando is introduced. The terms are in context and highlighted at the bottom of the page.
A unique concept in music learning music, this novel is sure to be a hit with your child or class!
The Case Of The Hidden Treasure
Chapters
01
Chapters
Cara was only in the neighborhood for a month and she had not met any friends yet! One day she decided to go out for a walk and see what was up in the neighborhood.
02
Chapters
She was just about to fall asleep when she heard this awful noise. It was a dog barking and making a racket. She looked out of the train car and saw this dog running around in circles and barking like, well, barking like a DOG!
03
Chapters
Donny and Cara walked for a while and finally arrived at a park. They walked in the park and Donny knew of a lake where there were vines hanging over it
04
Chapters
Turns out, the scarecrow, named Scotty, came to life when he was hit by lightning. He fills them in with the importance of honesty and not stealing the things they don’t own.
05
Chapters
Freddy the Frog joins the friends group and helps them with the treasure hunt while finding the wild food. Being funny and resourceful, Freddy adds quite a lot to the team.
06
Chapters
Teamwork lessons come from disagreements about interpreting the map. A tough road that exercises their brains with problem-solving.
Video Trailer
The Case of the Hidden Treasure
This book offers the reader a wonderful chance to meet new characters they will relate to and learn lessons about life and music. The author offers a unique and original way to learn music using a theatrical approach. All readers can enjoy the antics of the characters as well, even without an interest in music. When your child opens this book, they enter a world where the story of beautiful friendships and kindness overflows like a river. Enjoy!
Book Description
The Case Of The Hidden Treasure finding the treasure
Cara the Cat, Donny the Dog, and their expanding group of friends take readers on an exciting musical adventure. It begins when Cara and Donny find a mysterious treasure map. The friends encounter thrilling challenges throughout their journey, explore new lands, and strengthen their bonds through shared experiences.
This story is full of adventure and life lessons while seamlessly teaching children the basics of musical concepts and fostering values such as teamwork, friendship, honesty, and perseverance.
This delightful blend of music education and storytelling makes The Case of the Hidden Treasure an engaging and enriching read for young learners.
The Case Of The Hidden Treasure finding the treasure
Chapters
01
Chapters
The group, Cary, Donny, and Erma, gets introduced to Gary the Goat, a prankster who joins the adventure when he scares Cara and Donny with a joke about a beer. It’s also made more exciting by his mischievous but friendly nature.
02
Chapters
When hunger strikes, the group of friends uses the map to begin the food search. The group meets with unexpected challenges while exploring fields, learning about farming, and enjoying along the way.
03
Chapters
Donny and Cara walked for a while and finally arrived at a park. They walked in the park and Donny knew of a lake where there were vines hanging over it
04
Chapters
Turns out, the scarecrow, named Scotty, came to life when he was hit by lightning. He fills them in with the importance of honesty and not stealing the things they don’t own.
05
Chapters
Freddy the Frog joins the friends group and helps them with the treasure hunt while finding the wild food. Being funny and resourceful, Freddy adds quite a lot to the team.
06
Chapters
Teamwork lessons come from disagreements about interpreting the map. A tough road that exercises their brains with problem-solving.
Video Trailer
Adventure Awaits: Cara and Donny's Treasure Hunt
Join Cara the Cat, Donny the Dog, and their friends as they discover the secrets of a magical treasure map. The story is packed with fun, friendship, and surprises but also full of challenges to overcome and hard lessons to learn. Dive into their worlds and learn about the magic of teamwork and music along the way!
Book Description
CARA AND DONNY'S MUSICAL ADVENTURE
The method book is a new and unique approach to teaching music and reading notation.
This approach is meant to develop confidence and a love of reading music through the elements of fun and engagement.
Each note is represented by an animal character and there is a story line where the characters have adventure, meet new “notes” and learn from each other.
The students are intrigued and are excited to learn the next character and music serves like the score of a movie.
Introduction of other aspects of music theory (repeats, crescendos, etc.) are introduced sooner than usual to give more of a challenge as the note reading is simpler.
It is for the treble clef only as I’ve found students are intimidated and confused by the approach that starts with both clefs.
I use colored notes and there are black note challenges throughout to transition to traditional notation.
The Bass clef is handled in another book and the use of more traditional books work well with this method book for the bass clef.
There is also a nursery rhyme book with stories as well for songs to play (coming soon).
CARE AND DONNY MUSICAL ADVENTURE
Meet the Fun-loving Character!
Cara the Cat
Cara is a curious and adventurous cat. Starting her journey as shy and lonely, Cara soon finds joy in exploring her surroundings. She loves to initiate adventure and convinces others to join her.
Donny the Dog
Meet the playful and energetic dog, Donny. He just loves to jump, roll around, and have fun. Donny’s enthusiasm brings energy to the group, making him a perfect companion for Cara.
Erma the Ermine
Erma is thoughtful but reserved ermine. Feeling lonely and unwanted at the beginning, Erma grows with confidence over time and gets along with Cara and Donny. She teaches us lessons of inclusion and friendship.
Freddy the Frog
Freddy is the happy-go-lucky character, always active and helpful. Freddy loves to bring smiles to his friend’s faces and is known for his Rib-it Rib-it (friendly) nature. He quickly befriends Cara, Donny, and Erma, joining them in their never-ending adventure and dancing sessions.
Gary the Goat
Gary is the friendly goat who loves to do tricks. Gary’s cheeky tricks and big personality keep everyone on their toes, bringing excitement and fun to their adventure. He just always wants to have fun and make new friends.
Video Trailer
Cara and Donny's Musical Adventure - What's Inside the Book?
Catchy little melodies, lots of laughter, and some very good lessons lead Cara, the curious cat and Donny, the playful dog, on an adventurous trip. While sifting through their musical neighborhood, they make new musical families and learn how they can get along in harmony.
With interactive games, drawing prompts, and challenges, young minds will remain engaged while building the fundamentals. Using a character-driven approach, musical notes come to life through Cara, Donny, and their friends, helping to make abstract ideas understandable.
Meet the Author
Thomas Langmaack
Passionately inspired as a music educator and storyteller, Thomas Langmaack uses the power of music and adventure to invite young learners on their educational journey. With a lifelong love for piano and percussion, Thomas combines him musical prowess with creative storytelling to craft engaging tales like Cara and Donny’s Musical Adventure and The Case of the Hidden Treasure. Through his imaginative world and relatable characters, Thomas makes learning music fun and unforgettable for kids.
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