Paletero Man

A vibrant picture book celebrating the strength of community and the tastes of summer from Latin Grammy-winning musician Lucky Diaz and celebrated artist Micah Player.

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 José!

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? It will take the help of the entire community to get the tasty treat now.

Full of musicality, generosity, kindness, and ice pops, this book is sure to satisfy fans of Thank You, Omu! and Carmela Full of Wishes.

Includes Spanish words and phrases throughout, an author’s note from Lucky Diaz, and a link to a live version of the Lucky Band’s popular song that inspired the book.

A Junior Library Guild Selection!

[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