Almost exactly one year ago, I was at my favourite writer’s retreat, Anam Cara, in West Cork, Ireland.  I’m due to go back in a few weeks, so I’ll write more about it then.  But one of the happiest of consequences of these stays is that I get to meet other writers and artists from around the world.  Then when I can blog about their work, it is a real treat.

J.D.Smith is a wonderful and amazingly versatile writer.  He writes poetry, essays, short stories and — yes, truth be told — some very funny erotica.  But his latest work is the newly published children’s book, The Best Mariachi in the World. I remember seeing a pdf version of this book a year ago and loving it so much that I’ve been nagging him ever since about when it would actually be launched.  Well yesterday my copy arrived in the post, and it is beautiful — in many ways. Here’s the story:
Everyone in Gustavo’s family is in a mariachi band.  Everyone except Gustavo, that is.  They all play many instruments and make wonderful music in restaurants and wedding parties.  Gustavo would love to join the band, but he can’t play any of the instruments.  What’s a wannabe mariachi to do?

Smith’s text is deceptively simple. He tells Gustavo’s story with ease, 
eloquence and humour, and in doing so reveals some of life’s most
crucial lessons — the importance of art in our lives,the need to find your
own voice, the significance of family. The text is presented primarily in 
English, but Spanish terms are sprinkled throughout, helping any age
reader to begin the study of the language.

The illustrations, drawn by Dani Jones, are beautiful as well. Works of art in themselves, 
they capture the tone exactly and help reveal the depth of emotions little Gustavo 
experiences as he finds his role in his family and his life. I was thrilled
to see the
Amazon listing say that this is “one in a series.” Bring on the Gustavo
action figure!  
Ole!