“Depicts wonderful examples of kindness, community, and delicious paletas.” — Booklist (starred review)

Lucky Diaz is a GRAMMY Award-winning, multi–Latin Grammy-winning, multi–EMMY nominated author, musician, and taco lover whose storytelling spans music, television, and literature. As a first-generation Mexican-American, his work celebrates identity, joy, and community, bringing vibrant, bilingual narratives to young readers.

His debut picture book, Paletero Man, became an instant classic, earning starred reviews from Kirkus, School Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, and ALA Booklist. Recognized for its heartfelt storytelling and cultural richness, the book established Lucky as a dynamic voice in children’s literature. All his picture books including La Guitarrista and his most recent, Fix-It Familia, continue his mission of uplifting Latiné stories.

Before entering the literary world, Lucky redefined family entertainment as the frontman of Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band. His trailblazing career in children’s music earned historic Grammy and Latin Grammy wins and acclaim from Billboard, NPR, and The New York Times. His Emmy-winning PBS series, Lishy Lou and Lucky Too, showcased his creativity in children’s television.

Lucky lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Alisha, their daughter, Indiana, and their dog, Django.

Lucky's Featured Titles

Fix-It Familia

HarperCollins |
Children’s

From the creators of Paletero Man and La Guitarrista—Latin Grammy–winning musician Lucky Diaz and celebrated artist Micah Player—comes a rollicking and rhyming story about a boy and his family who have all the right tools to help their community.

No job is too big, no task is too small. We’re the Fix It Familia. We help one, we help all!

Chavo and his family are always there to lend a helping hand. So when the main parade float crashes at a neighborhood fiesta, Chavo has the perfect plan to help his community. With a load of creativity and a truck full of love, nothing can stop Chavo’s ideas from becoming reality!

This empowering tale of resilience, community, and the power of creativity is perfect for lovers of all things construction tools and trucks. Fans of Saturday by Oge Mora, The Artivist by Nikkolas Smith, and Maybe Something Beautiful by F. Isabel Campoy, Theresa Howell, and Rafael López will also love this story.

The book includes Spanish words and phrases throughout and an author’s note from Lucky Diaz about his inspiration behind the story.

La Guitarrista

HarperCollins |
Children’s

Strum! Strum! Strum! Get ready to rock with la guitarrista!

When Canta finds a guitar in the trash, she is one step closer to becoming a rock star. Even though the guitar is broken and she doesn’t know how to play, nothing can stop Canta from going after her dreams!

Perfect for fans of Because and We Will Rock Our Classmates, readers will rock out to this empowering tale of resilience, community, the power of music—and never giving up on your dreams.

The book includes Spanish words and phrases throughout, an author’s note from Lucky Diaz, and a link to the song inspired by the book.

Paletero Man

Harper Collins |
Picture Book

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!

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Live Performance

Lucky will spend the first 20-30 minutes of stage time delivering a slide lecture and then 20-30 minutes of singing songs and explaining the creative process, answering questions from audience members. Lucky has travelled the world from Shanghai to Monterrey, Mexico presenting to students in Pre-K through college. Lucky will focus on different creative topics, depending on the age group. Every age level will be excited and inspired by Lucky’s live presentation while he fields their questions!

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Songwriting for Everyone!

In this workshop, Lucky will share how and why he became a songwriter at a young age (he rode his bicycle to his first lessons)! Lucky will then discuss and play the structure of a song: chords, chorus, verse, bridge, etc. This fully interactive workshop will then take suggestions from the students as to the topics the song will be about. Together, Lucky will guide the children through the entire process of writing a song. At the end, the song will be recorded and sent as a huge, fun takeaway!

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Let’s Write a Story!

This workshop begins with Lucky discussing how and why he chooses certain topics from his life (anything from food to emotions, immigration to hot rods) for telling story. He will then delve into character, world and adventure. Together, Lucky till guide the student in their own storytelling journey. Ideas will be explored and celebrated, culminating in sharing and discussion.

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Professional Development: Integrating Music and Storytelling to Enhance Literacy

Music is a powerful tool for developing literacy, especially for young learners. This session explores how rhythm, melody, and storytelling enhance language acquisition, comprehension, and engagement.

Session Highlights:
• The impact of music on early literacy and language skills
• Strategies for incorporating songs and rhythm into reading sessions
• Using Brillo Brillo (Grammy-winning album) as an example of music-driven storytelling
• Hands-on activity: Creating simple songs based on reading materials
• Q&A and resource sharing

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Professional Development: Celebrating Cultural Diversity Through Bilingual Literature

Language and culture are deeply connected. This session explores how bilingual books enrich students’ literacy experiences and strengthen cultural identity. Educators will learn how to use bilingual literature to create an inclusive learning environment.

Session Highlights:
• The role of bilingual books in literacy and cultural identity
• Strategies for engaging dual-language learners through storytelling
• Interactive reading and discussion of Paletero Man and La Guitarrista
• Q&A and best practices for bilingual literacy

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Professional Development: Engaging Reluctant Readers Through Creative Arts

Some students struggle with reading because they don’t see themselves reflected in books or find traditional approaches uninspiring. This session introduces creative strategies—such as music, drama, and visual arts—to help reluctant readers develop a love for books.

Session Highlights:
• Understanding the challenges reluctant readers face
• How the arts can make reading more accessible and enjoyable
• Using La Guitarrista as an example of an engaging, high-energy reading experience
• Hands-on activity: Designing an interactive literacy lesson using music and storytelling
• Q&A and sharing success stories

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Professional Development: Building Community Connections Through Storytelling

Stories are bridges that connect us to our past, our families, and our communities. This session highlights ways educators can use storytelling to foster belonging, encourage collaboration, and build strong relationships between students, families, and local communities.

Session Highlights:
• The role of storytelling in fostering a sense of belonging
• Engaging families and local communities in literacy initiatives
• Using Fix-It Familia as a model for family-centered storytelling
• Workshop: Brainstorming community-based storytelling projects
• Q&A and idea exchange

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Professional Development

Each session is designed to be engaging, interactive, and tailored to the needs of the audience. Presentations can be adapted for keynote speeches, hands-on workshops, or panel discussions.

Session Options:
• Keynote Presentation: 45–60 minutes
• Interactive Workshop: 60–90 minutes
• Panel Discussion Participation: Flexible

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Harmonizing Education: A Creative Journey in Storytelling and Music

This workshop, led by Multi-GRAMMY award-winning author and musician Lucky Diaz, empowers educators to transform their classrooms through the art of storytelling and music. Participants will learn innovative techniques to engage students, foster creativity, and create an inclusive, vibrant learning environment. Ideal for educators seeking to inspire and connect with their students on a deeper level.

Lucky in the News

Lucky’s Gallery of Photos

Lucky’s Music Videos

Lucky’s Cameo

Honors, Awards & Recognition

Grammy Award Winner, 2025
Alma Flor Alda Book Award winner, 2024
Two-Time Latin Grammy Award Winner, Five-Time Nominee
Three-Time Grammy Award Nominee
Six-Time Emmy Nominee
American Library Association Notable Work-Official Selection
Parent’s Choice Gold Award Winner
National Parent Publication Gold Award
Junior Library Gold Medalist
People Magazine #1 Kids Music
Standout Indi-Rock for Kids, CNN
The Face of Kindie Music, New York Magazine
#1 Coolest Kids Music, People Magazine
Best New Artist, Kids Music, USA Today

Media Kit

By clicking the link below you will be directed to a Google Docs Folder
where you can download author photos and cover images.

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