David Diaz

Books by This Illustrator

César: Yes, We Can!

painting of Cesar Chavez
Illustrated by: David Diaz
Age Level: 3-6
Language: Spanish, Spanish (Bilingual Eng/Sp)

The life and times of César Chávez are vividly re-created in this collection of evocative poems. Where most biographies stick to the facts of what a person did, this one also touches on the man's character and values. Children will learn about Chávez, but, more importantly, they will learn about the important lessons he taught others even amid great challenges.

Diego: Bigger Than Life

painter
Illustrated by: David Diaz
Age Level: Middle Grade
Language: Spanish vocabulary featured

Product Description: Carmen T. Bernier-Grand's inspiring free verse and David Diaz's vivid paintings capture the defining moments and emotions of Rivera's tumultuous life, including his stormy relationship with artist Frida Kahlo and his passion for his art. Rivera's energy, physique, love for women, and work were all "bigger than life." A biography, chronology, glossary, sources, notes, and famous quotations are included.

Martín de Porres: The Rose in the Desert

Martín de Porres: The Rose in the Desert
Illustrated by: David Diaz
Age Level: 6-9
Language: Spanish vocabulary featured

Martin and his sister grew up in a Lima, Peru barrio, children of an African slave and a Spanish nobleman. Martin was apprenticed to a cirujano, would join a Dominican monastery, and later become sought after as a healer. Jewel-like illustrations complement the accessible telling to reveal a man of faith and courage, who, despite the prejudices he confronted, would become the first black saint of the Americas. Pura Belpré Award Winner for Illustration.

Me, Frida

Portrait of Frida Kahlo
Illustrated by: David Diaz
Age Level: 6-9
Language: Spanish vocabulary featured

Product Description: Like a tiny bird in a big city, Frida Kahlo feels lost and lonely when she arrives in San Francisco with her husband, the famous artist Diego Rivera. It is the first time she has left her home in Mexico. And Frida wants to be a painter too. But as Frida begins to explore San Francisco on her own, she discovers more than the beauty, diversity, and exuberance of America. She finds the inspiration she needs to become one of the most celebrated artists of all time.

Neighborhood Odes

Young boy with a piñata
By: Gary Soto
Illustrated by: David Diaz
Age Level: Middle Grade

"The Hispanic neighborhood in Soto's 21 poems is brought sharply into focus by the care with which he records images of everyday life: the music of an ice cream vendor's truck, the top of a refrigerator where old bread lies in plastic, dust released into the air when a boy strums a guitar…Diaz's woodcuts complement the poems perfectly: the silhouettes are fanciful and dynamic but do not draw attention from the words on the page." — Publishers Weekly

Rin, Rin, Rin/Do, Re, Mi

Illustrated by: David Diaz
Age Level: 3-6

Semi-abstract illustrations use bold lines and strong color to accompany and enhance the inviting text that encourages participation both in Spanish and English. Readers are invited to count, find words, and perhaps even sing (music is included) in this winning combination of words and images.

Rin, Rin, Rin/Do, Re, Mi

Illustrated by: David Diaz
Age Level: 6-9

Rin, Rin, Rin, Do, Re, Mi is a book that allows children to practice basic literacy skills in Spanish as well as in English. José-Luis Orozco is able to gracefully describe daily routines while making rhymes for children to read or sing along to. This book is based on a song written by Orozco, who is an award-winning Hispanic songwriter. The book has an accompanying CD.

Roadrunner's Dance

Roadrunner's Dance
Illustrated by: David Diaz
Age Level: 6-9

Snake terrifies children and their parents. He claims to be the "king of the road." But with gifts from the animals, Desert Woman fashions Roadrunner to defeat Snake. In the tradition of a folktale, this original story explains why rattlesnakes have their rattle and how cooperation can save the day.

The Pot That Juan Built

A man holding pot
Illustrated by: David Diaz
Age Level: 6-9
Language: Spanish vocabulary featured

This book, told in the style of "The House That Jack Built," is about a famous potter named Juan Quezada who lives in the small Mexican village of Mata Ortiz. Quezada's art has brought attention to Mata Ortiz because he creates his pottery using the same techniques that were used by the Casas Grandes Indians many years ago.

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