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 Everyone in Gustavo s family is in a mariachi band. Everyone except Gustavo, that is. They all play violins, 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.

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.

Fun learning tool  

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