Paletero Man

Description: "Ring! Ring! Ring! Can you hear his call? Paletas for one! Paletas for all! What's the best way to cool off on a hot summer day? Run quick and find Paletero Josâe! Follow along with our narrator as he passes through his busy neighborhood in search of the Paletero Man. But when he finally catches up with him, our narrator's pockets are empty. Oh no! What happened to his dinero?"--Publisher marketing.

Brief description:

Lucky Diaz is a Grammy Award-winning, multi-Latin Grammy-winning author, musician, and taco lover whose storytelling spans music, television, and literature. As a first-generation Mexican American, his work celebrates identity, joy, and community, bringing vibrant, bilingual narratives to young readers.

His debut picture book, Paletero Man, became an instant classic, earning starred reviews from Kirkus, School Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, and ALA Booklist. Recognized for its heartfelt storytelling and cultural richness, the book established Lucky as a dynamic voice in children's literature. All his picture books, including La Guitarrista and his most recent, Fix-It Familia, continue his mission of uplifting Latiné stories.

Before entering the literary world, Lucky redefined family entertainment as the frontman of Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band. His trailblazing career in children's music earned historic Grammy and Latin Grammy wins and acclaim from Billboard, NPR, and the New York Times. His Emmy-winning PBS series, Lishy Lou and Lucky Too, showcased his creativity in children's television.

Lucky lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Alisha, their daughter, Indiana, and their dog, Django.

Review Quotes:

[A] homage to Mexican culture--both in Mexico and in the U.S. The story is as delightful as a juicy paleta de horchata or melón, and highly recommended. - De Colores: The Raza Experience in Books for Children

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.

- School Library Journal (starred review)

A wonderfully executed treat of a book with a sweet community focus. - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Paletero Man is a celebration of a culturally specific experience - but the juicy and colorful world inside makes this story accessible and welcoming for all readers. - Tori Kerr of SiriusXM Kids Place Live

The unifying lure of paleta love underscores the joys all people--regardless of differences--have in common. - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Diaz's story in verse, with its chantable refrain and kid-sized dollop of tension, is a paean to Eighth Street Los Angeles food culture. Whether it's sourced from a street cart, a taqueria freezer, or the library's back room refrigerator, we all know what the storytime treat will be. - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Depicts wonderful examples of kindness, community, and delicious paletas." - Booklist (starred review)

[A] unique and entertaining children's picture book...especially recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library collections. - Midwest Book Review