Customer Reviews

The Best Mariachi in the World/El Mejor Mariachi del Mundo

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
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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.

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.

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.

This is a very charming story that is beautifully illustrated. I love the Spanglish version of the book. It's fun to mix up the languages as you read it aloud. The glossary in the back helps with the definitions.

Kudos to Mr. Smith and Ms. Jones for a wonderful book that can be fun for all.

This is a sweet little book. We bought the Spanish/English version, and although our daughter is still too young for it, we look forward to reading it to her. It's a book that will continue to have entertaining qualities as she grows.

This is a terrific book which can serve a variety of purposes. It would work well in a early grades or preschool classroom studying multi-cultural themes, Mexican culture or Spanish language. The story itself has lessons of trying hard, finding your own way and family. I would recommend this book for pre-k through 1st grade teachers, families looking to introduce some Spanish or anyone looking for a good story. Reading it to my active 3 year old, he was interested in the story but did not care as much about the cultural lessons - which is why I think it might be more interesting to a 4, 5, 6 aged child. Coupled with some actual music and other development, this could be a great title to use in a library story time as well.

More than anything, Gustavo wanted to be a mariachi, but he couldn't play the trumpet, the violin or anything else. He felt sad he couldn't join his family members in the band. One morning before dawn he goes outside. Admiring the stars, the saguaros, the animals, he begins to sing. Every night he gains confidence as he sings into the darkened sky, until he sings so loud everyone hears and cheers. He has found his instrument, his voice, and becomes his heart's desire--a mariachi.

This book intermingles Spanish with the primarily English text. Most of the time the Spanish is self-evident in the passage and there is a vocabulary list at the back for help. I found this more difficult than the books that have the two languages completely separated. However, I think, this too, is a good learning tool and the story is worth the work to read. See more reviews at Author's Choice Reviews http://IDealinHope.com/bookreviews