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From School Library Journal --------------------------- K-Gr 2— La Música narrates this warm, lyrical tale of artistic exploration. The golden, fairylike character is born out of sound, "a single string plucked/or a note blown/or a beat rapped." Music is present in all of life's events, highs and lows, and takes part in the "Grand Harmony." For some unexplained reason, Miguel, a boy the narrator is drawn to, is forbidden to play music. He secretly practices on a makeshift guitar while his family joyfully make shoes. Noticing the colorless void that plagues Miguel when there is no music, La Música engineers a genius plan involving mariachis, a mischievous dog, and a broken guitar to make the boy's dream to play the music in his heart come true. The character Mamá Coco is referenced throughout (the mariachis are shushed by Miguel's grandmother so they don't upset Mamá Coco), and this book ties into the plot of Pixar's Coco , but knowledge of the film isn't necessary to understand the work's celebration of music, creativity, and family. Ramírez's lively and vivid art captures the frenetic flow and the languid and exultant surge that music inspires. A candy-colored palette of oranges, purples, blues, greens, and reds depict varied settings, from a Mexican village square to quiet spaces of contemplation. Readers will want to drink up every page and phrase. VERDICT A must-purchase for picture book collections.— Shelley Diaz, School Library Journal Read more ( javascript:void(0) ) About the Author ---------------- Matt de la Peña is the New York Times bestselling, Newbery Medal winning author of six young adult novels (including Mexican WhiteBoy, The Living and The Hunted) and two picture books (A Nations Hope and Last Stop on Market Street). Matt received his MFA in creative writing from San Diego State University and his BA from the University of the Pacific, where he attended school on a full athletic scholarship for basketball. de la Peña currently lives in Brooklyn, NY with his family. He teaches creative writing and visits high schools and colleges throughout the country. Read more ( javascript:void(0) )