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From Trumpet-Playing Prodigy to Children's Book Hero

ODENTON, Md., April 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Geoffrey Gallante is like most seven-year-olds. He likes doing puzzles, playing baseball, and riding his bike. What sets Geoffrey apart from his peers, however, is his skill as a trumpet player. He's so talented and respected in the field that he's been featured on national television programs like The Tonight Show, NBC's The Today Show, and CBS' The Early Show. As if that wasn't enough, Geoffrey is now one of the stars of a new children's book called Rocko The Hero. Author Mona Smith explains how Gallante became a part of her book:

"I'm an animal lover, so I wanted to do a children's book that featured our family pet, Rocko, a lovable mutt mix. But I also knew I wanted to feature a child in the story as Rocko's sidekick. Well, I didn't have to look far, the Gallantes are very close friends of mine and Geoffrey was the perfect age. Rocko and Geoffrey have spent time walking through the local nature preserve together where most of the story takes place. I knew he would be a great addition to Rocko The Hero. So I asked the Gallantes if I could feature Geoffrey and they wholeheartedly agreed."

Geoffrey has already built quite a resume. At four years old he'd played in front of thousands at the Potomac Nationals. In addition, that same year he had a private audience with Marvin Hamlisch and played with Wynton Marsalis backstage at the Kennedy Center. Since that time Geoff has become a regular at professional sporting venues performing the National Anthem.

But the limelight hasn't affected this International Trumpet Guild member very much. For example, as his father, David, once explained, Geoff liked meeting Jay Leno, but his favorite part of the trip was being able to go to Disneyland afterward.

Smith says much of Geoff's success goes back to his parents.

"He's got a great support system. It's nice to see them nurture his ability. But unlike some 'stage parents' who won't let go, they say if the time comes when Geoff no longer wants to play, he'll be officially done. I have to say I truly admire that."

As for the book's other hero, Rocko, Smith explains that he's based on the dog her husband adopted from a shelter as a puppy.

"When I came up with the idea for the book, we thought one of the best tributes to Rocko, and all homeless animals, would be to donate to the ASPCA. They do a lot of good work for animals that don't have a voice of their own. Plus, every little bit they receive goes a long way in helping them find loving homes for displaced pets."

You can learn more about the children's book, Rocko The Hero, which will be released April 2008, by visiting http://www.rockothehero.com/.

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