Best Mariachi in the World: El

by J.D. Smith

Book Overview

Everyone in the family is in the band, except for Gustavo. He cannot play any of the instruments. Only after he finds his voice does he become part of the group. This book presents an English story... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0979446244
• ISBN13: 9780979446245
• Release Date: September 2008
• Publisher: Raven Tree Press
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 8.7" x 10.6"
• Age Range: 9 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 7

Customer Reviews

A Winner On Every Level

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.

Gustavo's heart goes on

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.

Fun for "children" of all ages

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.

A fun book with lots of teaching options

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.

Move over, Dora the Explorer

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.