In a tribute to her abuelo, Angela Dominguez shares the advice she grew up hearing from him: even when you’re sad or things don’t turn out the way you want them to, singing will lift your spirits and draw people closer to you. Born in Mexico, her grandfather, Apolinar Navarrete Diaz, was a mariachi musician who experienced a fair amount of adversity but never let it get in the way of his optimistic approach to life. Digitally colored pencil illustrations show two young grandchildren enjoying the company and the music of their guitar- playing grandfather, who has come from Mexico to visit them. The end pages are appealingly illustrated with promotional photographs, sheet music, and a family picture of the author/illustrator as a child with her abuelo. (Ages 3-6)

Once a year, Abuelo comes from Mexico to visit his family. He brings his guitar, his music—and his memories.

In this story inspired by the life of Apolinar Navarrete Diaz—author Angela Dominguez’s grandfather and a successful mariachi musician—Abuelo and his grandchildren sing through the bad times and the good. Lifting their voices and their spirits, they realize that true happiness comes from singing together.