Today, I'm happy to bring you a new release and debut picture book, LA MARIACHI by Isabel Estrada and illustrated by Addy Rivera Sonda. Find my review of this picture book about perseverance, and don't forget to enter the giveaway!
About the book:
Title: LA MARIACHI
Author: Isabel Estrada
Illustrator: Addy Rivera Sonda
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
Pub Date: July 15, 2023
Pages: 32 pages
More than anything, Tuchi longs to be a mariachi. However, when her teacher, Mr. Sanchez, announces he’s starting a mariachi group he tells her “It’s only for boys.”
But shouldn’t music belong to everyone?
When Tuchi shares her dream with her nana, she learns she’s not the first girl to be told she cannot be a mariachi. The two of them come up with a plan to make Tuchi’s dream come true.
I give LA MARIACHI ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!
What a delightful book about perseverance and determination as Tuchi becomes a La Mariachi regardless, of everyone saying it's only for boys. Set in the 70s, Tuchi finds a guitarrón and her nana teaches her to play.
The author chooses words that describe the music beautifully, " With its sweet cinnamon melodies, like silky swirls of honey poured over a stack of Mamacita’s fried buñuelos, her music would wave over the plaza too . . .And move people to sing, dance, and clap."
Besides, the masterful storytelling, the illustrations are vibrant and full of music as the artist skillfully uses a color palette that is music to one's eyes!
My favorite part about the book is the wonderful glossary in the back explaining each instrument used in a Mariachi band. This would be a great learning opportunity for children as well as a little peak in Mexican culture.
I would highly recommend this gift for any young girl who loves music and teach her that anything is possible, regardless of who you are and where you come from. Thank you Isabel for the eBook and my honest review. Be sure to check out the book and enter the giveaway for the book below!
About Isabel:
Isabel Estrada grew up in the desert borderlands of Arizona, dancing and singing her way through life. Always a dreamer, she blends her life experiences as a performing arts educator with her love of Mexican-American culture & folklore into stories. When she’s not writing, she loves to dance, cook, read, daydream, and play with her two cats, Dante and Cosmo. She also loves her volunteer work for SCBWI-Michigan as Outreach Coordinator and K.A.S.T. Co-Coordinator. LA MARIACHI is her debut storybook!
Giveaway:
One (1) signed copy of LA MARIACHI
USA Only. Ends August 15, 2023, at Midnight EST