My husband claims I have selective hearing. Honestly, he might be right. I’d like to think I’m just, um, “efficiently filtering”—yes, let’s call it that. (Do I really need a play-by-play of that recent visit to the auto shop? Could I maybe go on living without knowing all the intimate details of his fantasy football lineup?)

Jolene Gutiérrez

Sometimes, though, I mishear Ben in ways that lead to hilarious new conversations, which is exactly what happened to Denver area picture book author Jolene Gutiérrez. The idea for Mamiachi & Me: My Mami’s Mariachi Band burst forth as quick as a chord strike when Jolene misheard her husband reading a news article aloud. With her son, Dakota Gutiérrez, she turned that goof into a vibrant, heartfelt picture book celebrating mariachi culture, family and one child’s braveness.

Rosa, a young girl, is preparing for a big moment—her first time performing alongside her mami’s mariachi band. As she dresses in a traditional charra suit—a spangled cowgirl outfit—Rosa is hit with a gnarly bout of stage fright. What if she’s not ready? What if the audience doesn’t like her?

If you’re into layered picture books with rich themes that resonate with children, then there’s a lot to love here. With the support of her “mamiachi” (a clever mash-up of “mami” and “mariachi”) and her madrinas (godparents), Rosa finds the courage to let her inner light shine bright.

Mirelle Ortega’s colorful illustrations really capture the lively, celebratory nature of the music itself. Flipping through the pages, it’s easy to get lost in Rosa’s world, and at times you can practically hear the strum of the guitarrón as the excitement of a looming live performance builds.

Jolene Gutiérrez works at a primary and secondary school, and she clearly understands how children think and feel. She and Dakota have crafted a story that speaks directly to children, validating their fears while showing them a path forward. And that’s just the beginning.

Similar to her acclaimed 2023 picture book, Too Much! An Overwhelming Day, this short and super-sweet book is also about big emotions. The author captures the ways in which fear and self-doubt can totally rock a child’s world. But, with the right encouragement, especially from strong female role models, anxiety becomes a fade-out.

Mamiachi & Me  offers insight into the rich cultural traditions of mariachi music. Don’t miss the beautifully designed back pages, which are packed with information about mariachi garb and the rise of all-female mariachi groups.

This is a book that entertains, empowers, and educates—a perfectly pitched refrain of storytelling that will leave young readers (5-6 years old) feeling ready to take center stage in their own lives. — Jamie Siebrase

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Denise Vega

Who could have imagined that in the same week, two delightful picture books about mariachi would cross our desks here at Rocky Mountain Reader? Both by Denver authors.

The second is Adela’s Mariachi Band by Denise Vega, award-winning author of seven books for toddlers to teenagers, with bright and gleeful illustrations by Erika Rodriguez Medina, published in June, 2024.

Adela’s Marching Band by Denise Vega, illustrations by Erika Rodriguez Medina, Charlesbridge, recommended for ages 3 to 6

Adela adores her family’s mariachi band but laments that she’s not part of it. This picture book, suitable for readers as young as preschoolers, lays out Adela’s dilemma first by illustrating the songs the instruments make, like Papa’s la trumpeta: “Bright, sharp sounds: TOO-TOO-TOOM!/ Strong, stringy sounds: BRR-BRR-BRUUUP!” And best of all, after the last song, when tia Evelyn shouts los gritos—“AHH! AHH! AH-HA-HA IIEEE! OY! OY! OY!”—Adela shouts right back.

Adela finds that making a sound from a trumpet is too difficult. And plucking la vihuela, the traditional, round-backed guitar played by Tio Mateo in the band—”PING, PING, PING!”—is beyond her capabilities as well. But Adela finds her place onstage using her own voice, following in Tia Evelyn’s footsteps and shouting los gritos after the last song.

Adela‘s Mariachi Band, published in English and Spanish language editions, uses funny sounds and bold illustrations to introduce mariachi to young readers. And Vega’s sensitive characterization of Adela will brighten any reading time. An interesting and useful resource page at the back offers a nice introduction to the music and the tradition. Adults will enjoy reading this book aloud as much as kids will love following it on the page. — Kathryn Eastburn