The Best Mariachi in the World/El Mejor Mariachi del Mundo [Paperback]

J. D. Smith (Author), Dani Jones (Illustrator), Eida de la Vega (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2008 | Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

The Best Mariachi in the World / El mejor mariachi del mundo is bilingual (English/Spanish) embedded text picture book that incorporates cultural tradition, wishes, and the happiness that can be found when a person s talent is valued. Spunk and 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 (the setting of The Best Mariachi in the World / El mejor mariachi del mundo) 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.

Editorial Reviews

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 Press C/O Delta; Bilingual edition (October 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0979446244
• ISBN-13: 978-0979446245
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,100,555 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Move over, Dora the Explorer, October 19, 2008

By 

Constant Reader (Virginia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Best Mariachi in the World/El Mejor Mariachi del Mundo (Paperback)

My daughter, who's learning Spanish in preschool, is a big fan of this bilingual book. I am too. It's a fresh spin on a classic plot: kid despairs of fitting in, then finds an unexpected talent and acceptance. Lyrically and simply written, it sprinkles Spanish vocabulary throughout in a natural-sounding way. (Thanks to context, it's easy to tell what the Spanish words mean--a good thing for not-really-bilingual parents like me.) The illustrations are adorable and convey a true sense of place.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Winner On Every Level, July 16, 2009

By 

H. Perez (Chicago, Illinois USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Best Mariachi in the World/El Mejor Mariachi del Mundo (Hardcover)

Little Gustavo is the youngest member of a musically talented family. His search for his own talent, and his identity within the family is what's at the core of J.D. Smith's wonderful, touching story. The Best Mariachi in the World succeeds on every level. Its story is timeless, and the illustrations by Dani Jones are stunning. It's a book that parents and children alike will love.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gustavo's heart goes on, June 15, 2009

By 

John Sandrolini (palm springs, ca) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Best Mariachi in the World/El Mejor Mariachi del Mundo (Hardcover)

This is a classic children's story, beautifully illustrated. Smith should be proud of this empowering tale of a child finding his own voice, literally and figuratively.

We all know the issues Gustavo has to sort out at that difficult time of life. Smith's rendering of them in prose clear and compelling enough for children to buy into is the key to this book. I loved the message and I'm sure kids across the sweep of two languages will as well. Glad I had the opportunity to enjoy this short, sweet little story. Bravo, J.D. Smith.