Tito Puente, Mambo King/Tito Puente, Rey del Mambo - by Monica Brown (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

*A Pura Belpré Honor Book!*

In this vibrant bilingual picture book biography of musician Tito Puente by award-winning author-illustrator team Monica Brown and Rafael López, readers will dance along to the beat of the mambo king's life.

Tito Puente loved banging pots and pans as a child, but what he really dreamed of was having his own band one day. From Spanish Harlem to the Grammy Awards--and all the beats in between--this is the true life story of a boy whose passion for music turned him into the King of Mambo.

Brown and López bring the remarkable story of this talented legend to life in this captivating and informative picture book.

Review Quotes

"My father was an inspiration to many generations of Latin music fans worldwide. This book is a testament to that. Now his name and likeness will reach a brand new group of young fans who will discover his genius and talent." -- Tito Puente Jr.

"Brown and Lopez collaborate in this energetic bilingual tribute to salsa drummer and band leader extraordinaire. Lopez's pictures convey salsa's rhythmic exuberance via a riotous palette. A vibrant, reverent celebration of the godfather of salsa." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Irresistible. The vibrant imagery hums right off the page, full of high-contrast color and energetic composition, and decorated with swirling, starry embellishments." -- Horn Book Magazine

"Brown's bilingual text echoes the rhythms of salsa, mambo, and jazz .Lopez's sizzling acrylics are anything but flat." -- Publishers Weekly

"Like so many of Brown's biographies, Tito's story introduces readers to a vibrant Latino figure. Award-winning illustrator López brings Tito's story to life in vibrant acrylic salsa reds and oranges, which are splashed behind every shake of Tito's hips and wink of his eyes." -- ALA Booklist