Tito Puente Mambo King, Rey del Mambo

Written by Monica Brown

Harper Collins 2013

This vibrant picture book biography of musician Tito Puente brings the remarkable story

of a talented legend to life.  From musical prodigy on the streets of Harlem to five-time Grammy Award winner; Tito’s life was full of rhythm. This Pura Belpré Illustration Honor book celebrates his dynamic career spanning half a century and crossing both musical and national borders. Tito Puente loved banging pots and pans as a child, but what he really dreamed of was having his own band one day. This is the true life story of a boy

whose passion for music turned him into the "King of Mambo."

AWARDS

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Pura Belpré Illustration Honor

2013

American Library Association Booklist

2013

School Library Journal’s Top 10

Latino-themed Books

2013

REVIEWS

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“A vibrant, reverent celebration of the godfather of salsa. López’s pictures, layered acrylics on prepared wooden boards, convey salsa’s rhythmic exuberance via a riotous palette... Multihued swirls and plumes emanate from Tito’s timbales and drumsticks; Celia Cruz soars

in a costume whose fuchsia feathers seem to morph from the sea green waves below”.

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Kirkus Reviews

“My father was an inspiration to many generations of Latin music fans worldwide. This book is a testament to that. Now his name and likeness will reach a brand-new group of young fans

who will discover his genius and talent.”

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Tito Puente Jr.