The Best Mariachi in the World [Paperback]

J. D. Smith (Author), Dani Jones (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 30, 2008 | Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

Everyone in Gustavo s family is in a mariachi band. Everyone except Gustavo, that is. They all play violíns, trompetas and guitarrones. They all make wonderful music in restaurants and at wedding parties. Gustavo would love to join the band, but he can t play any of the instruments. What s a wannabe mariachi to do? Illustrator Dani Jones uses bright, warm colors to show the hot desert landscape. She also incorporates the styles of art and patterns from the Southwestern area to help illustrate the story. Her bold, graphic style combined with comic interpretation portrays Gustavo s full range of emotions as he pursues his mariachi dream. This is the English only version. The book is also available in Spanish only and bilingual editions.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3–Miguel, who wants to be a mariachi singer, goes to different lengths to face his fears. He can't play the trumpet, the violin, or guitar like everyone else in his family. Not finding the support he needs, he finally wanders for answers in the desert. Here the story finds its turning point. The beauty of the sound of nature, and the singing of the owl and the coyote give Miguel the strength to become a real mariachi. Moved by this magical moment, he becomes a great cantante, singer. This book sprinkles Spanish words into the English text. The target words are in red and only refer to the vocabulary related to the mariachi's world. Yet the story and illustrations stand on their own and could be used in cultural programs or for parents to experiment and learn some Spanish vocabulary and cultural traditions. The wonderful gouache, oil, and colored-pencil illustrations show the landscape of the Southwestern desert. The bold graphic style and the colorful and whimsical characters create an upbeat feeling throughout.–Irania Macias Patterson, Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, NC
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

About the Author

J D Smith is a Raven Tree Press author.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Raven Tree Pr Llc (August 30, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1887744983
• ISBN-13: 978-1887744980
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,372,443 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)