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

Lucky Diaz is a bilingual, songwriting, taco-eating, multi–Latin Grammy Award–winning, Grammy-nominated and six-time Emmy-nominated musician, children’s television personality, and author. His work has been praised by NPR, Billboard, People, and the New York Times. He is a Parent’s Choice Gold Award and NAPPA Award winner. In 2020, his album Buenos Diaz was named an official selection of notable works for children by the American Library Association.

Paletero Man is Lucky’s debut children’s picture book, and an Alma Flor Alda Book Award winner, illustrated by Micah Player. Paletero Man is a truly refreshing tale of determination, kindness, ice pops— and the true meaning of being part of a community. Full of musicality, generosity, kindness, and ice pops, the book also 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.

He’s also been celebrated with a Kirkus Star, SLJ Star, Publisher’s Weekly Star and Book List Star. His latest picture book, La Guitarrista released to wide acclaim in May of 2023 with Harper Collins. His next installment to his LA based stories is due in summer of 2025 entitled Fix-It Familia!

Lucky's Featured Titles

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.

Lucky in the News

Lucky’s Gallery of Photos

Lucky’s Music Videos

Lucky’s Cameo

Honors, Awards & Recognition

Alma Flor Alda Book Award winner, 2024
Two-Time Latin Grammy Award Winner, Four-Time Nominee
Grammy Award Winner, 2022
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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