A truly refreshing picture book about determination, kindness, ice pops—and the true meaning of being part of a community—from Latin Grammy winning musician Lucky Diaz and celebrated artist Micah Player!
What’s the best way to cool off on a hot summer day? Run quick! And find Paletero José!
Ring! Ring! Ring!
Can you hear his call?
Paletas for one! Paletas for all!
Follow Paletero José’s call and rush along with our narrator as he passes through his vibrant and busy neighborhood in search of the Paletero Man. But when he arrives, our narrator’s pockets are empty! What happened to his dinero? It will take the help of the entire community to get the tasty treat now.
Celebrating the strength of community and the tastes of summer, fans of Thank You, Omu and Carmela Full of Wishes will be hungry for what Paletero Man has in store.
The book includes Spanish words and phrases throughout and an author’s note from Lucky Diaz about why he was inspired to write this picture book.Author’s note. Full-color illustrations were created digitally with Adobe Photoshop.
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K-Gr 2–This bright, bilingual story sparkles with celebrated musician-songwriter Diaz’s English and Spanish rhymes and Player’s bubbly, colorful digital illustrations, blending seamlessly to represent Diaz’s pride for his hometown in Los Angeles. Young readers will race alongside a Mexican American boy as he runs through his neighborhood streets to buy a cold paleta, a Mexican-style ice pop, quickly greeting local business owners on the way. As the boy rushes to find Paletero José and his paleta cart, daydreaming about the many fruity paleta flavors he will enjoy, the boy’s pocket change accidentally falls loose. The boy’s friends notice his plight and save the day, exemplifying a harmonious energy within the community that resonates through short, expressive bilingual rhymes. Similarly, illustrations fill every corner with vibrancy and amity in the people and activities depicted, honoring Eighth Street for its cultural diversity and liveliness. Along with an insightful author’s note, there is a website provided by the publisher on the book’s cover to link elementary readers to the children’s song “Paletero Man.” VERDICT Filled with life and joy, this story is an upbeat, multi-sensory experience that honors the breadth and harmony of multiculturalism in Diaz’s LA hometown. –Rachel Mulligan, Westampton, NJ