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Esquivel! Space-Age Sound Artist
Junior Library Guild SelectionTejas Star Reading List of Best Spanish/Bilingual Children's Books
Juan Garcia Esquivel was born in Mexico and grew up to the sounds of mariachi bands. He loved music and became a musical explorer. Defying convention, he created music that made people laugh and planted images in their minds. Juan's space-age lounge music--popular in the fifties and sixties--has found a new generation of listeners. And Duncan Tonatiuh's fresh and quirky illustrations bring Esquivel's spirit to life.
Juan Garcia Esquivel was born in Mexico and grew up to the sounds of mariachi bands. He loved music and became a musical explorer. Defying convention, he created music that made people laugh and planted images in their minds. Juan's space-age lounge music--popular in the fifties and sixties--has found a new generation of listeners. And Duncan Tonatiuh's fresh and quirky illustrations bring Esquivel's spirit to life.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 6, 2016
About the author
Susan Wood
6 books12 followers"The Babbling Brook."
Third grade, eight lines. First prize in a school-district-wide poetry contest.
My little ode to a runoff creek that ran through our Northern California subdivision was published in a paperback compilation of schoolkids' poems, plus posted under glass in my city's central library, blue ribbon attached, for all to see.
I was hooked.
Writing was fun to do, like stringing beads or working a puzzle, each word carefully chosen and placed just so. And now it could earn me the admiration of my peers, the approval of teachers and parents, and a niche to call my own. As the eternal new kid—Dad's climb up the corporate ladder kept us moving every couple of years—I was always struggling to fit in. Writing helped me find my place.
In sixth grade, I made my first submission to a publishing house. What did I know? It was the opening chapter of a great lost-on-a-desert-island epic, heavily influenced by Scott O'Dell's Island of the Blue Dolphins and Noel Streatfield's Ballet Shoes. Needless to say, the form rejection letter arrived a few weeks later.
I focused on other things throughout high school and college. I studied film and TV production at New York University and earned my degree. But I eventually returned to writing, as a music industry publicist in New York City. Penning press releases and artist bios led to writing newspaper and magazine articles, and, ultimately, I became an author.
I'm fascinated by the stories of people's lives, so I specialize in biography and history for young people.
My mother's a piano teacher, my father sings, one brother's a professional guitarist, and my other two brothers are drummers, so it's no surprise that I'm a huge music fan (growing up, I played piano, violin, clarinet, and bassoon, and danced ballet for many years). I love art, as well, and enjoy spending time in nature. I've written several books about music, art, conservation, and the natural world.
I also have a special interest in the Underground Railroad and the era of American slavery. My ancestors were abolitionists who housed and assisted runaway slaves in Western New York. I discovered this fact while researching my family tree; it has inspired one of my current projects, a work-in-progress historical novel for middle-grade readers.
And I'm obsessed with the UK—I dream of one day living in a quaint village in my ancestral homeland, England's Yorkshire Coast. Pinkies up!
Third grade, eight lines. First prize in a school-district-wide poetry contest.
My little ode to a runoff creek that ran through our Northern California subdivision was published in a paperback compilation of schoolkids' poems, plus posted under glass in my city's central library, blue ribbon attached, for all to see.
I was hooked.
Writing was fun to do, like stringing beads or working a puzzle, each word carefully chosen and placed just so. And now it could earn me the admiration of my peers, the approval of teachers and parents, and a niche to call my own. As the eternal new kid—Dad's climb up the corporate ladder kept us moving every couple of years—I was always struggling to fit in. Writing helped me find my place.
In sixth grade, I made my first submission to a publishing house. What did I know? It was the opening chapter of a great lost-on-a-desert-island epic, heavily influenced by Scott O'Dell's Island of the Blue Dolphins and Noel Streatfield's Ballet Shoes. Needless to say, the form rejection letter arrived a few weeks later.
I focused on other things throughout high school and college. I studied film and TV production at New York University and earned my degree. But I eventually returned to writing, as a music industry publicist in New York City. Penning press releases and artist bios led to writing newspaper and magazine articles, and, ultimately, I became an author.
I'm fascinated by the stories of people's lives, so I specialize in biography and history for young people.
My mother's a piano teacher, my father sings, one brother's a professional guitarist, and my other two brothers are drummers, so it's no surprise that I'm a huge music fan (growing up, I played piano, violin, clarinet, and bassoon, and danced ballet for many years). I love art, as well, and enjoy spending time in nature. I've written several books about music, art, conservation, and the natural world.
I also have a special interest in the Underground Railroad and the era of American slavery. My ancestors were abolitionists who housed and assisted runaway slaves in Western New York. I discovered this fact while researching my family tree; it has inspired one of my current projects, a work-in-progress historical novel for middle-grade readers.
And I'm obsessed with the UK—I dream of one day living in a quaint village in my ancestral homeland, England's Yorkshire Coast. Pinkies up!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
September 15, 2021
Fun picture book biography about the Mexican composer and musician Esquivel!. The audiobook adds a lot if you can get it.
October 22, 2016
I highly recommend listening to music by Esquivel while reading this book. His music had such an interesting sound and I think it helped enhance the reading experience.
May 8, 2017
Although Susan Wood's text of this picturebook biography is not the most inspiring (it's not bad at all but it's not exceptional either), it was really interesting to learn about Esquivel!, a Mexican musical innovator and the father of space-age bachelor-pad lounge music popular in 1950s and 1960s, and to listen to his music afterwards. The author's note and resources at the end of the book were especially useful for that.
Also, although Duncan Tonatiuh's art style inspired by ancient Mexican art, especially the Mixtec codex of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, is not my favorite, I really like the colors and texture:
Also, although Duncan Tonatiuh's art style inspired by ancient Mexican art, especially the Mixtec codex of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, is not my favorite, I really like the colors and texture:
February 19, 2017
Great introduction to the uniquely gifted musician and pioneering sound artist. Energetically told with wonderfully imaginative illustrations by Duncan Tonatiuh.
June 16, 2017
Part one: DEFINITIONS
To me, knowledge is all about connecting different pieces of information together to form a web that can uphold your arguments and beliefs. Therefore, connecting new knowledge or texts to outside things is very, very important.
Text-to-self connection: this is similar to the “that’s me” activity that we did at the beginning of class -- there’s a miniature hand raising and celebration of that recognition every time we see ourselves in literature. It occurs when the student or reader sees an element within the book that sparks a memory or reminds them of themselves. This type of connection is exactly what we’re looking for when we talk about culturally responsive teaching.
Part two: CONNECTIONS
I loved the book Esquivel! and I think I ran into a problem with that; I was too busy enjoying it that I forgot to look for connections! This would be because I related to most everything in this book -- no, I’ve never hit it big on the radio or had to move to another country, but I do love music. The part about young Juan teaching himself to play piano really spoke to me, because I taught myself to sing (which is considerably easier, and most people figure it out, but I was proud of it anyway). I would wander my family’s acreage when I was a child and belt out Disney tunes and Hannah Montana until I was sure I would grow up to be her successor. I also related to the part about the band and having the conductor request strange sounds. I played the flute and piccolo in the Gretna band for seven years, and in my time we’ve clapped, hollered, squealed and hissed and called it music. And then we’d pick up our instruments and do the same! It reminded me of a particular technique called a trill, which was always the favorite of the high woodwinds. Basically, one oscillates between two notes similar in pitch at a very quick rate to create a fluttery, humming sound. I like to think that if I were in the orchestra of Esquivel!, then that’s what I’d do… which is, among the others, an example of a self-to-text connection.
To me, knowledge is all about connecting different pieces of information together to form a web that can uphold your arguments and beliefs. Therefore, connecting new knowledge or texts to outside things is very, very important.
Text-to-self connection: this is similar to the “that’s me” activity that we did at the beginning of class -- there’s a miniature hand raising and celebration of that recognition every time we see ourselves in literature. It occurs when the student or reader sees an element within the book that sparks a memory or reminds them of themselves. This type of connection is exactly what we’re looking for when we talk about culturally responsive teaching.
Part two: CONNECTIONS
I loved the book Esquivel! and I think I ran into a problem with that; I was too busy enjoying it that I forgot to look for connections! This would be because I related to most everything in this book -- no, I’ve never hit it big on the radio or had to move to another country, but I do love music. The part about young Juan teaching himself to play piano really spoke to me, because I taught myself to sing (which is considerably easier, and most people figure it out, but I was proud of it anyway). I would wander my family’s acreage when I was a child and belt out Disney tunes and Hannah Montana until I was sure I would grow up to be her successor. I also related to the part about the band and having the conductor request strange sounds. I played the flute and piccolo in the Gretna band for seven years, and in my time we’ve clapped, hollered, squealed and hissed and called it music. And then we’d pick up our instruments and do the same! It reminded me of a particular technique called a trill, which was always the favorite of the high woodwinds. Basically, one oscillates between two notes similar in pitch at a very quick rate to create a fluttery, humming sound. I like to think that if I were in the orchestra of Esquivel!, then that’s what I’d do… which is, among the others, an example of a self-to-text connection.
March 24, 2017
Read for Librarian Book Group
Never has the use of an exclamation point in a book title been more appropriate.
Never has the use of an exclamation point in a book title been more appropriate.
September 27, 2017
Fantastic. The students were so excited to listen to some of Esquivel's music.
January 12, 2020
I love everything Duncan Tonatiuh illustrates, and thought this was a really fun story (my kids were sadly a bit bored about a story of a old-time radio musician, though).
March 8, 2018
Esquivel! Space-Age Sound Artist is about the musical career of Juan Garcia Esquivel. The story starts of when Juan was six years old living in Mexico. The book explains how he took to the piano and enjoyed playing it. He had no formal training or didn’t even take classes. He would take different small jobs that would allow him to play his music. People started to take notice of how he “composed/made” music differently than others. He would vision what something would sound like and really use each instrument differently. He soon was asked to come to America in order to share his music with the people there. He kept winning awards and his band even played for 14 years in Las Vegas at the Stardust Hotel. He soon became known as Esquivel! Instead of Juan.
The illustrations in this book are done by Duncan Tonatiuh. He brings in bright colors in order to showcase the music Juan is trying to create. I also learned by reading his note at the end that all of his illustrations are inspired by ancient Mexican art. All of his characters are drawn from a profile viewpoint. These illustrations capture the energy and excitement that was Juan when he would create his music. It almost seemed that every page that was portraying Juan creating or thinking about his music the background of the picture would look almost watercolor-like. I found this book because it was the Pura Belpré Award in 2017. This biography is a great focus on an individual's life that will offer readers an insight into historical times and just how Juan become to be known as Esquivel!
I would recommend this book for students in grades 2-6. It could be a great book to use when doing biographies on different people. This is a great book to help students learn about musicians or famous people from other parts of the world.
The illustrations in this book are done by Duncan Tonatiuh. He brings in bright colors in order to showcase the music Juan is trying to create. I also learned by reading his note at the end that all of his illustrations are inspired by ancient Mexican art. All of his characters are drawn from a profile viewpoint. These illustrations capture the energy and excitement that was Juan when he would create his music. It almost seemed that every page that was portraying Juan creating or thinking about his music the background of the picture would look almost watercolor-like. I found this book because it was the Pura Belpré Award in 2017. This biography is a great focus on an individual's life that will offer readers an insight into historical times and just how Juan become to be known as Esquivel!
I would recommend this book for students in grades 2-6. It could be a great book to use when doing biographies on different people. This is a great book to help students learn about musicians or famous people from other parts of the world.
November 14, 2017
Esquivel tells the story of a young boy and his passion for music. Juan grew up in Mexico he was exposed to Mariachi music and he loved exploring with different sounds and creating his own beats and music. As Juan gets older new opportunities open for him and his love for music. I really like that through out the whole book we see word illustrations of the music sounds. However, I did not enjoy the illustrations they weren't appealing or eye-catching. This book did encourage me to listen to music by Esquivel which I actually enjoyed.
October 31, 2021
Copyright date: 2017
Awards: Pura belpré Award
Genre: children’s picture book, realistic fiction, music
Juan Garcia Esquivel (space-age sound artist) was just a little boy when he began to play any instruments he laid eyes on and his love for making music. This would be a fun book to read aloud for students to see another culture of music and for students to be encouraged to do the things they love to do in life.
Awards: Pura belpré Award
Genre: children’s picture book, realistic fiction, music
Juan Garcia Esquivel (space-age sound artist) was just a little boy when he began to play any instruments he laid eyes on and his love for making music. This would be a fun book to read aloud for students to see another culture of music and for students to be encouraged to do the things they love to do in life.
February 22, 2017
I know everyone loves them, but I just can't get into Tonatiuh's illustrations. This is an interesting book, but I'm not sure it's going to circ all that much.
August 1, 2016
It is always exciting to add another "famous people" in muticultural contexts. Cesar Chevaz has been nearly only Mexican icon known in the mainstream of the U.S. Juan Garcia Esquivel is a music artist who influenced Mexico TV and popping fields. The story is written with dynamical and rich language arts perspectives. Duncan Tonatiuh's illustration is as charming as usual!
February 10, 2017
2017 Pura Belpre Illustrator Honor
November 9, 2019
Juan Garcia Esquivel, born in Mexico, became known for his quirky compositions and “lounge music.” As the author defines this in a note at the end of the book:
“Lounge music is a contemporary term for a type of easy-to-listen-to music that was popular in the 1950s and 1960s. The music seemed to transport listeners to another place - a tropical island, a jungle, or outer space. It had roots in jazz and often folded in exotic sounds - rhythms, melodies, instruments, even animal calls - from faraway places. The music was relaxing - you could lounge around listening to it.”
She writes that Esquivel also was a pioneer of stereo sound, now used almost universally.
She observes that although Esquivel died in 2002, his work still inspires contemporary artists in many fields.
Juan was fascinated by music from early childhood. He taught himself to play the piano and by age fourteen, had a job performing for a local radio staton. At 17, he was offered the job of orchestra leader for the station’s popular comedy show. The author writes:
“Juan tested and mixed and blended and arranged all sorts of sounds to match the imaginary situation [being acted out by the comedy team]. He was an artist, using dips and dabs of color to create a vivid landscape. But instead of paint, Juan used sound. Weird and wild sounds! Strange and exciting sounds!”
Soon he was winning awards, and got recruited by a record company in the United States. Juan drove all the way to New York City. He loved all the new instruments he discovered there: boobams, theremins, a buzzimba, the ondioline, and a gong. “So many odd, new sounds to play with - Juan was in heaven!”
He experimented with using stereophonic sound and with having vocalists sing sounds instead of words. People loved the results. He made many records, toured, made music for television and film, and performed in Las Vegas for fourteen years.
The author writes, “Now Juan wasn’t called Juan anymore. … Now Juan was the space-age sound artist known simply as ESQUIVEL! with an exclamation point!” She adds in her note that one Chicago newspaper columnist, after hearing his show, wrote, “Esquivel is so good, he deserves two exclamation points.”
Illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh is known for creating art inspired by ancient Mexican Mixtec codices from the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. To that end he draws his figures in profile and uses the traditional shape of the number three for ears.
Tonatiuh updates his work by adding collage textures and photographic elements into his images electronically. The result is unique and appealing, and unlike any other picture book illustrator I can name. It adds so much to a story, as well as acquainting readers with an ancient tradition of art. In this book, Tonatiuh also plays with font and color to demonstrate the wild innovations of Esquivel.
At the end of the book, in addition to the notes by the author and by the illustrator, there is a page providing additional resources, including links to Youtube where you can hear Esquivel's music for yourself. I took the author's advice and listened to “Mini Skirt” and other songs, and couldn’t help bobbing with the music. Admittedly, it sounded very 50s-60s, but that just made it more fun!
Evaluation: This book demonstrates the rewards of thinking outside the box - in this case, successfully creating music from non-traditional sounds. Just as audiences in the late 18th Century thrilled to the unexpected touches of Franz Joseph Haydn's "Surprise" symphony, listeners in the 1950s and 1960s adored experiencing the inventiveness of Esquivel. Can kids pick up the similarities and differences? It would make for a great lesson and discussion session.
“Lounge music is a contemporary term for a type of easy-to-listen-to music that was popular in the 1950s and 1960s. The music seemed to transport listeners to another place - a tropical island, a jungle, or outer space. It had roots in jazz and often folded in exotic sounds - rhythms, melodies, instruments, even animal calls - from faraway places. The music was relaxing - you could lounge around listening to it.”
She writes that Esquivel also was a pioneer of stereo sound, now used almost universally.
She observes that although Esquivel died in 2002, his work still inspires contemporary artists in many fields.
Juan was fascinated by music from early childhood. He taught himself to play the piano and by age fourteen, had a job performing for a local radio staton. At 17, he was offered the job of orchestra leader for the station’s popular comedy show. The author writes:
“Juan tested and mixed and blended and arranged all sorts of sounds to match the imaginary situation [being acted out by the comedy team]. He was an artist, using dips and dabs of color to create a vivid landscape. But instead of paint, Juan used sound. Weird and wild sounds! Strange and exciting sounds!”
Soon he was winning awards, and got recruited by a record company in the United States. Juan drove all the way to New York City. He loved all the new instruments he discovered there: boobams, theremins, a buzzimba, the ondioline, and a gong. “So many odd, new sounds to play with - Juan was in heaven!”
He experimented with using stereophonic sound and with having vocalists sing sounds instead of words. People loved the results. He made many records, toured, made music for television and film, and performed in Las Vegas for fourteen years.
The author writes, “Now Juan wasn’t called Juan anymore. … Now Juan was the space-age sound artist known simply as ESQUIVEL! with an exclamation point!” She adds in her note that one Chicago newspaper columnist, after hearing his show, wrote, “Esquivel is so good, he deserves two exclamation points.”
Illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh is known for creating art inspired by ancient Mexican Mixtec codices from the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. To that end he draws his figures in profile and uses the traditional shape of the number three for ears.
Tonatiuh updates his work by adding collage textures and photographic elements into his images electronically. The result is unique and appealing, and unlike any other picture book illustrator I can name. It adds so much to a story, as well as acquainting readers with an ancient tradition of art. In this book, Tonatiuh also plays with font and color to demonstrate the wild innovations of Esquivel.
At the end of the book, in addition to the notes by the author and by the illustrator, there is a page providing additional resources, including links to Youtube where you can hear Esquivel's music for yourself. I took the author's advice and listened to “Mini Skirt” and other songs, and couldn’t help bobbing with the music. Admittedly, it sounded very 50s-60s, but that just made it more fun!
Evaluation: This book demonstrates the rewards of thinking outside the box - in this case, successfully creating music from non-traditional sounds. Just as audiences in the late 18th Century thrilled to the unexpected touches of Franz Joseph Haydn's "Surprise" symphony, listeners in the 1950s and 1960s adored experiencing the inventiveness of Esquivel. Can kids pick up the similarities and differences? It would make for a great lesson and discussion session.
October 25, 2021
Esquivel! Space-Age Sound Artist is the biographical story of Mexican born music composer Juan Garcia Esquivel. I found this award winning children’s picture book (Odyssey Award Nominee (2019), Pura Belpré Award Nominee for Illustrator (2017)) con Epic! as an ebook however, I’ve never wanted to “hear” a book more! Author Susan Wood does an amazing job describing Esquivel’s “space age” music through text by writing out each instrument’s unique sound (onomatopoeia). Illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh then emphasizes the onomatopoeia even more by drawing them in different colored typefaces to bring the eye to the sounds being described. A phenomenal example of this is on a 2 page spread in which Wood describes the “strangeness” of his sounds and how “He tinkered with tempoes, slowing songs down, then revving them up.” Meanwhile both pages are simply filled with the sounds of words like, “Zownnnn!” “Blop-Bleep-Bleep-Blop!” “Onka onk onk onk!”, each one in it’s own unique typeface and color to further emphasize how Esquivel mixed uniquely different sounds into one new piece. Due to this feature of the book, this would be an amazing book to read with students ages 7-9---to literally allow them to make music from reading!
Additionally, Wood and Tonatiuh are able to fully tell Esquivel’s life story from his start in his home town of Tampico, Mexico to Las Vegas stages without overcomplicating the story. For example, Wood is able to show how piano prodigy Esquivel learns sounds from the things he hears around him, again lifted up by Tonatiuh’s illustrations which highlight those sounds. As well,Tonatiuh pays homage to Esquivel’s Mexican heritage by drawing the characters in such a way that they mimic Aztec or Mayan as the characters are drawn either facing right or left like in Mayan and Egyptian hieroglyphs. have a unique one demenionalness to them.
As Esquivel ages, Woods and Tonatiuh continue to explain what could be difficult concepts to understand like “exotic instruments” and “stereo” by leaning heavily on the illustrations to give young readers a visual representation even if they can’t actually hear the sounds. After having described Esquivel’s ear or taste for music and how he made it, I really wanted to hear some of his actual music. I think that would be the only way to really know if Wood and Tonatiuh capture his unique style of music!
Additionally, Wood and Tonatiuh are able to fully tell Esquivel’s life story from his start in his home town of Tampico, Mexico to Las Vegas stages without overcomplicating the story. For example, Wood is able to show how piano prodigy Esquivel learns sounds from the things he hears around him, again lifted up by Tonatiuh’s illustrations which highlight those sounds. As well,Tonatiuh pays homage to Esquivel’s Mexican heritage by drawing the characters in such a way that they mimic Aztec or Mayan as the characters are drawn either facing right or left like in Mayan and Egyptian hieroglyphs. have a unique one demenionalness to them.
As Esquivel ages, Woods and Tonatiuh continue to explain what could be difficult concepts to understand like “exotic instruments” and “stereo” by leaning heavily on the illustrations to give young readers a visual representation even if they can’t actually hear the sounds. After having described Esquivel’s ear or taste for music and how he made it, I really wanted to hear some of his actual music. I think that would be the only way to really know if Wood and Tonatiuh capture his unique style of music!
February 16, 2021
This book is a biography of the Mexican musician Esquivel! It tells his story of his creative journey from an innovative young piano player to an experimental electronic musician. His compositions used interesting instruments and sound effects that gave his music a very unique feel that made him an artist that was not only featured on the radio, but also creating music used in television and movies. This book highlights the importance of creativity and originality. It also introduces readers to unique instruments, such as the theremin. The author was able to get some of his information from Esquivel, through interviews with the artist. It also uses descriptive illustrations, which include onomatopoeia for many of the instrument sounds, to help readers "hear" his professional journey. The illustrations were inspired by ancient Mexican art, specifically the Mixtec codex of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. The book also includes a resource page that has links to videos of Esquivel's work.
Esquivel! Space-Age Sound Artist would be appropriate as a read aloud text for 2nd-5th grade students. It would be a great mentor text to discuss the effect of illustrations on a reader's understanding. This book also would be a great conversation or composition starter about themes of being unique and creative. The vocabulary in the story would help students build background knowledge about music and instruments. The part about Esquivel's recording style could also be a launch/read aloud for a science lesson on sound waves. The use of onomatopoeia throughout would help in a discussion of figurative language, as well as, provide interesting opportunities to decode unfamiliar words. The resources at the end of the story give more information on interviews with Esquivel. This could be a great start to show how biographers do research, giving young writers an excellent place to start for researching and writing their own biographies. I highly recommend this text for it's unique illustrations and interesting subject, Esquivel!
Esquivel! Space-Age Sound Artist would be appropriate as a read aloud text for 2nd-5th grade students. It would be a great mentor text to discuss the effect of illustrations on a reader's understanding. This book also would be a great conversation or composition starter about themes of being unique and creative. The vocabulary in the story would help students build background knowledge about music and instruments. The part about Esquivel's recording style could also be a launch/read aloud for a science lesson on sound waves. The use of onomatopoeia throughout would help in a discussion of figurative language, as well as, provide interesting opportunities to decode unfamiliar words. The resources at the end of the story give more information on interviews with Esquivel. This could be a great start to show how biographers do research, giving young writers an excellent place to start for researching and writing their own biographies. I highly recommend this text for it's unique illustrations and interesting subject, Esquivel!
October 7, 2019
Esquivel! Space-Age Sound Artist is a children's picture book written by Susan Wood and illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh. It is a biographical picture book of Juan García Esquivel – The King of Space Age Pop.
Mid-September to Mid-October, at least in my part of the world is Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month, which I plan to read one children's book, particularly a biography, which pertains to the subject everyday this month. Therefore, I thought that this book would be apropos for today.
Juan García Esquivel often simply known as Esquivel!, was a Mexican band leader, pianist, and composer for television and films. He is recognized today as one of the foremost exponents of a sophisticated style of largely instrumental music that combines elements of lounge music and jazz with Latin flavors. Esquivel is sometimes called "The King of Space Age Pop" and "The Busby Berkeley of Cocktail Music".
Wood's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Wood’s straightforward narration moves readers briskly through the musician’s life, and her descriptions of the sounds he developed should lead many of them to seek out recordings of his work (like I did). Tonatiuh's Mexican-art-inspired collages translate smoothly to the 50s and 60s, when Esquivel was at the height of his creative output, creating lounge music using newly developed stereo recording technology.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Juan García Esquivel grew up with music in Mexico, where whirling mariachi bands let out joyful yells as they stamped and strummed, and made it his life's work as a bandleader and composer. It's a welcome tribute to an underrated figure in 20th-century music.
All in all, Esquivel! Space-Age Sound Artist is a wonderful biographical picture book about Juan García Esquivel – The King of Space Age Pop.
Mid-September to Mid-October, at least in my part of the world is Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month, which I plan to read one children's book, particularly a biography, which pertains to the subject everyday this month. Therefore, I thought that this book would be apropos for today.
Juan García Esquivel often simply known as Esquivel!, was a Mexican band leader, pianist, and composer for television and films. He is recognized today as one of the foremost exponents of a sophisticated style of largely instrumental music that combines elements of lounge music and jazz with Latin flavors. Esquivel is sometimes called "The King of Space Age Pop" and "The Busby Berkeley of Cocktail Music".
Wood's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Wood’s straightforward narration moves readers briskly through the musician’s life, and her descriptions of the sounds he developed should lead many of them to seek out recordings of his work (like I did). Tonatiuh's Mexican-art-inspired collages translate smoothly to the 50s and 60s, when Esquivel was at the height of his creative output, creating lounge music using newly developed stereo recording technology.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Juan García Esquivel grew up with music in Mexico, where whirling mariachi bands let out joyful yells as they stamped and strummed, and made it his life's work as a bandleader and composer. It's a welcome tribute to an underrated figure in 20th-century music.
All in all, Esquivel! Space-Age Sound Artist is a wonderful biographical picture book about Juan García Esquivel – The King of Space Age Pop.
Read
October 22, 2019Genre: Biography
Grade Levels: 3-7
Themes: Music, Composers, Growth
Major Award: Pura Belpre Award (2017)
Summary- This is the story of a young boy who found a love for music. Juan Garcia Esquivel found this love as a young boy on an old piano at home. He loved it so much that he taught himself everything he could about music. He slowly worked up in the world from small shows to going to the United States and becoming a famous composer. He goes from being known as Juan to being called “Esquivel!” with the exclamation point.
Personal Response- I really enjoyed learning about Esquivel. Normally, I wouldn’t be very interested in reading a biography of a musical composer. However, this picturebook made it fun to learn about even for an adult like me. I did wish that there was some clear conflict he had to overcome to make the story more exciting, but this book goes to show that not all good stories have to have a huge conflict. I especially like the collage style of the images. I like how some textures such as microphones, trumpets, and tires were real life images mixed in with the hand drawings. The onomatopoeia really made this story come alive for me.
Other Info- N/A
Reader response/Classroom Connection -
1) This book could be used during a music lesson. There are lots of unfamiliar instruments mentioned that could be discussed as a class. Older students could also research these instruments on their own to create some sort of presentation for the rest of their class.
2) Students could write their own biography after reading this book. They would be asked to make a list of things they have done in their life. They could write about their whole life so far or even just a biography of one day. They would write and draw pictures in a small booklet that would then be added to the classroom library or displayed in some way.
Grade Levels: 3-7
Themes: Music, Composers, Growth
Major Award: Pura Belpre Award (2017)
Summary- This is the story of a young boy who found a love for music. Juan Garcia Esquivel found this love as a young boy on an old piano at home. He loved it so much that he taught himself everything he could about music. He slowly worked up in the world from small shows to going to the United States and becoming a famous composer. He goes from being known as Juan to being called “Esquivel!” with the exclamation point.
Personal Response- I really enjoyed learning about Esquivel. Normally, I wouldn’t be very interested in reading a biography of a musical composer. However, this picturebook made it fun to learn about even for an adult like me. I did wish that there was some clear conflict he had to overcome to make the story more exciting, but this book goes to show that not all good stories have to have a huge conflict. I especially like the collage style of the images. I like how some textures such as microphones, trumpets, and tires were real life images mixed in with the hand drawings. The onomatopoeia really made this story come alive for me.
Other Info- N/A
Reader response/Classroom Connection -
1) This book could be used during a music lesson. There are lots of unfamiliar instruments mentioned that could be discussed as a class. Older students could also research these instruments on their own to create some sort of presentation for the rest of their class.
2) Students could write their own biography after reading this book. They would be asked to make a list of things they have done in their life. They could write about their whole life so far or even just a biography of one day. They would write and draw pictures in a small booklet that would then be added to the classroom library or displayed in some way.
May 13, 2017
Like many youngsters, I've long been intrigued by innovators who think differently and view the world and its many delights in their own unique ways. This picture book biography offers readers a glimpse into the imagination of musician Juan Garcia Esquivel whose many accomplishments at an early age are quite impressive and foretold a bright future in music. Having learned how to play the piano at the age of six and becoming an orchestra leader at seventeen, this prodigy wasn't content to play music as it was written but would add all sorts of sounds to fit a particular situation. After moving from Mexico City to New York, he discovered various instruments that he employed to make exotic sounds that allowed listeners to imagine they had traveled to another place and time. This space-age music had a certain appeal for audiences, and this pioneer of stereo sound seems to have been a fascinating person in his own right. The hand drawn illustrations that were collaged digitally couldn't have been more perfect for this tribute to a musical innovator. Readers won't want to miss the Author's Note, the illustrator's Note, and the additional resources suggested for those who want to learn more. It might have been nice to have a CD with a sampling of this musical artist's work along with the book, but readers will be able to hear his music for themselves by going online. This title fits well in a text set devoted to music, musicians or innovators.
April 17, 2019
This picture book started following out a young boy named Juan. Him and his family lived in the city of Tampico, Mexico. At the age of six Juan was super curious about music. His family had a piano, but it was a piano that already knew what keys to play. Juan changed his piano so he could come up with the notes and he started playing all day and all night. At the age of 10, Juan was playing piano all the time and was totally captivated my music. After this Juan’s family moved to Mexico City. Juan found his first job playing piano for two pesos at a twenty-four-hour radio station at fourteen years old. The radio station always used Juan whenever they needed music created for a skit they were going to play and Juan happily would do it. Nobody had ever heard music like Juan had created and was asked to make records in America. When recording Juan would have his orchestra in two different studios at the opposite ends of the building so they could not hear each other and the recording would sound even better. After he made all these records Juan was asked to play in Las Vegas and performed here for fourteen years. I thought this book was a good way to show a different way to write a biography. When I think biography I think boring and not fun to read. This book brought Juan's story to life in such a fun way to read.
October 20, 2018
Summary: This book is a non-fiction story about Juan Garcia Esquivel. Esquivel! (with an exclamation point) was born in Mexico and fell in love with music. He began exploring and getting familiar with music since the age of 6. He eventually became so popular in the music industry that he came to the US and was able to share his unique music with a bigger audience.
Evaluation: Duncan has become one of my favorite authors and illustrators. In this book, he is only the illustrator. I love how he brings the story to life for me with the pictures and drawings. One of my favorite pages was the one where the words are literally coming off the screen as Esquivel! is conducting. Great read!
Teaching Idea: This book is another book that I would use during Hispanic Heritage Month. I think it’s perfect for grades K-5. It can be used across all grades to get the same message across of what Esquivel!’s contributions are and what he is famous for.
Evaluation: Duncan has become one of my favorite authors and illustrators. In this book, he is only the illustrator. I love how he brings the story to life for me with the pictures and drawings. One of my favorite pages was the one where the words are literally coming off the screen as Esquivel! is conducting. Great read!
Teaching Idea: This book is another book that I would use during Hispanic Heritage Month. I think it’s perfect for grades K-5. It can be used across all grades to get the same message across of what Esquivel!’s contributions are and what he is famous for.
March 10, 2019
This is an exciting biography of an innovative musician. In addition to the textual narrative that leads us eagerly through his musical career and technological-and-aural discoveries, the illustrative use of sound-related text punctuates the story with excitement. Tonatiuh's Mixtec codex-inspired illustrations are a fabulous pairing that complements the story's futuristic bent, combining traditional caricature with modern figurature and electronically-enhanced collaging from textures and photos.
I demoted this book by a star because of the way Wood mentioned one of Esquivel's pastimes as, "He especially liked pretty women." Perhaps this is a dig at something popularly known about his person, but as I only know Esquivel through this work, I am appalled by this characterization of women--as though "pretty" is the only qualifying factor for a woman to be introduced to this otherwise future-forward experience.
I demoted this book by a star because of the way Wood mentioned one of Esquivel's pastimes as, "He especially liked pretty women." Perhaps this is a dig at something popularly known about his person, but as I only know Esquivel through this work, I am appalled by this characterization of women--as though "pretty" is the only qualifying factor for a woman to be introduced to this otherwise future-forward experience.
July 29, 2022
Esquivel! Space- Age Sound Artist by Susan Wood
Illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh
Published by Charlesbridge on September 6, 2016
This a colorful and bright biographical picture book which goes over the life of Juan Esquivel and his unique Latin music. He was born in Mexico playing piano and moved to New York City where he made amazing unique noises with a variety of instruments that no one had ever heard before. He changed music as we know it. I hadn’t heard very many stories of how Latin artists influenced north American music and it was really cool to hear this story. I listened to this book is audio format which was a really cool experience because the audio book made the sound effects for me which was really cool. When the book described the music I got an audio representation. I could see how this could be super entertaining to a young kid. This could be taught in a music history unit. Really enjoyed this read!
Illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh
Published by Charlesbridge on September 6, 2016
This a colorful and bright biographical picture book which goes over the life of Juan Esquivel and his unique Latin music. He was born in Mexico playing piano and moved to New York City where he made amazing unique noises with a variety of instruments that no one had ever heard before. He changed music as we know it. I hadn’t heard very many stories of how Latin artists influenced north American music and it was really cool to hear this story. I listened to this book is audio format which was a really cool experience because the audio book made the sound effects for me which was really cool. When the book described the music I got an audio representation. I could see how this could be super entertaining to a young kid. This could be taught in a music history unit. Really enjoyed this read!
October 20, 2018
"Esquivel! Space-Age Sound Artist" is a book about the life of Esquivel! and how he grew to be famous for his music. Juan Esquivel lived in Mexico for much of his life. He never had any formal education on music, but could always be found at a piano. Due to his lack of education, Juan was unable to read notes. Instead, he based his music on sounds. This is what would eventually make his music so famous and intriguing.
In a classroom, this book can most definitely be used in a music class. There are many musical vocabulary words that children can learn and understand the meanings to. Along with this, it will provide a background to the music that Esquivel! created. This book can also be used in other areas in education, as it displays the diversity of Esquivel! and his life greatly. This book would be a good resource to have in a children's library.
In a classroom, this book can most definitely be used in a music class. There are many musical vocabulary words that children can learn and understand the meanings to. Along with this, it will provide a background to the music that Esquivel! created. This book can also be used in other areas in education, as it displays the diversity of Esquivel! and his life greatly. This book would be a good resource to have in a children's library.
August 25, 2019
Once upon a time, Juan Garcia Esquivel had a dream of becoming a musician. This extraordinarily talented artist came from a poor family and couldn't afford a piano or other instruments. To achieve his dreams, Esquivel had to be creative and creative in his resourcefulness. His talent would attract scouts and bring him to the United States. I picked up this audiobook version at the Odyssey Awards. Listening to the book, I heard about Esquivel's musical techniques and which instruments he chose. This gave the picturebook an important dimension. I especially loved the sound of the theremin and Susan's commentary about kids from the 90s rediscovering Equivel's music. They were responsible for reviving it 30 years later.
July 27, 2024
As a reader, I really loved the illustrations in this book. I loved how Esquivel was portrayed and his music through the illustrations. All of the art was funky and pleasant to look at. It is a unique art style that I had not really seen in children's book. It is more of a Mexican style art. I think that is a unique connection to Esquivel since he was Mexican. I also loved the constant comparisons of his music to outer space, rockets, and "futuristic."
As a teacher, I would use this book in my classroom to introduce my students to Mexican culture and different types of music. This book would be a great addition to a lesson about music. Students could make their own funky music using regular items around the classroom like rubber bands, beads, containers, and much more.
As a teacher, I would use this book in my classroom to introduce my students to Mexican culture and different types of music. This book would be a great addition to a lesson about music. Students could make their own funky music using regular items around the classroom like rubber bands, beads, containers, and much more.
November 26, 2017
Esquivel is a picture book about the life of Juan Esquivel. Esquivel is a musician from Mexico, who at an early age develops a passion for the sounds and explores the different beats of instruments. As he gets older he creates sounds to match the imaginary situation. His unique way of blending beats then crossed boarders into the United States, where he began experimenting with new sounds and beats. I really enjoyed how throughout the book Wood uses onomatopoeia to describe the beats and sounds of instruments. I also liked how Tonatiuh used his unique style of illustration to represent the fashion and style of the 1960s.
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July 30, 2024I really enjoyed reading Esquivel. This is a great book showing how he earned all of the things he got. I liked how it showed all the things he had to do to get where he got. He made music that people enjoyed and changed his songs to make sure people enjoyed them. I love how he studied music to find the right music.
As a teacher, I would use this book in my classroom to show how he earned all of his privileges. He worked very hard to earn everything he got and all his promotions. This could be great to show kids in the classroom that hard work pays off and if they work hard they will succeed in anything they do. This book could help boost confidence in oneself.
As a teacher, I would use this book in my classroom to show how he earned all of his privileges. He worked very hard to earn everything he got and all his promotions. This could be great to show kids in the classroom that hard work pays off and if they work hard they will succeed in anything they do. This book could help boost confidence in oneself.
May 18, 2017
When reading this book I found that it was quite enjoyable. I loved the illustrations and the meaning behind them. This book is great for kids who may like learning about music and artists. And it is great since it is a person in our history who made a change to the music scene in the 1950s-1960s. This children's book is educational and you learn about Esquivel! I also feel like it is a great book since I do not think a lot of people will know who he is and what impact he made with his music. I would recommend this book to teachers especially if you want a book about another culture or music.
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