In this vibrant bilingual picture book biography of musician Tito Puente, readers will dance along to the beat of the mambo king's life. Tito Puente loved banging pots and pans as a child, but what he really dreamed of was having his own band one day. From Spanish Harlem to the Grammy Awards—and all the beats in between—this is the true life story of a boy whose passion for music turned him into the "King of Mambo." Award-winning author-illustrator duo Monica Brown and Rafael López bring the remarkable story of this talented legend to life in this Pura Belpré Honor Book. “¡Tum Tica! ¡Tum Tica! The dancers twirled, the lights swirled, and the mambo went on and on.” Like so many of Brown’s biographies, such as Waiting for the Biblioburro (2011) and Side by Side/Lado a lado: The Story of Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez/La historia de Dolores Huerta y César Chávez (2009), Tito’s story introduces readers to a vibrant Latino figure. As a baby, Puente made music with pots and pans, and he later grew up to fulfill his dreams as a musician and beloved bandleader. Award-winning illustrator López brings Tito’s story to life in vibrant acrylic salsa reds and oranges, which are splashed behind every shake of Tito’s hips and wink of his eyes. The swirling, whirling compositions add to the text’s rhythmic beat. To continue the rumba after Tito’s story has ended, the last page of the book offers a simple melody to play on its own or alongside the book. An author’s note (in both English and Spanish) sheds more light on Puente’s life. Grades K-3. --Angie Zapata “My father was an inspiration to many generations of Latin music fans worldwide. This book is a testament to that. Now his name and likeness will reach a brand new group of young fans who will discover his genius and talent.” - Tito Puente Jr. “Irresistible. The vibrant imagery hums right off the page, full of high-contrast color and energetic composition, and decorated with swirling, starry embellishments." - Horn Book Magazine "Brown’s bilingual text echoes the rhythms of salsa, mambo, and jazz .Lopez’s sizzling acrylics are anything but flat." - Publishers Weekly "Like so many of Brown’s biographies, Tito’s story introduces readers to a vibrant Latino figure. Award-winning illustrator López brings Tito’s story to life in vibrant acrylic salsa reds and oranges, which are splashed behind every shake of Tito’s hips and wink of his eyes." - ALA Booklist “Brown and Lopez collaborate in this energetic bilingual tribute to salsa drummer and band leader extraordinaire. Lopez’s pictures convey salsa’s rhythmic exuberance via a riotous palette. A vibrant, reverent celebration of the godfather of salsa.” - Kirkus Reviews Meet Tito Puente—the King of Mambo. Tum Tica! From musical prodigy on the streets of Harlem to five-time Grammy Award winner, Tito's life was full of rhythm. Drums and claves, saxophones and tambourines were all part of the fun. Tac Tic! Monica Brown and Rafael López, the award-winning creators of the Pura Belpré Honor Book my name is celia/me llamo celia, team up once again for another spectacular collaboration in this upbeat tribute to a musical legend. Tum Tic! Tom Tom! Conoce a Tito Puente, el Rey del Mambo. ¡Tum Tica! De prodigio musical en las calles de Harlem a ganador de cinco premios Grammy, la vida de Tito fue muy rítmica. Tambores y claves, saxófonos y panderetas siempre formaron parte de la diversión. ¡Tac Tic! Monica Brown y Rafael López, los creadores del libro my name is celia/me llamo celia, el cual fue galardonado con el Honor Pura Belpré, se reúnen una vez más para crear otra colaboración espectacular en este alegre homenaje a una leyenda musical. ¡Tum Tic! ¡Tom Tom! Monica Brown is the author of Small Room, Big Dreams: The Journey of Julián and Joaquin Castro ; Pelé, King of Soccer / Pelé, El rey del fútbol ; and Side by Side: The Story of Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez / Lado a lado: La historia de Dolores Huerta y César Chávez , as well as the Pura Belpré Honor Books My Name Is Celia / Me llamo Celia , Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos , and Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match / Marisol McDonald no combina . Monica lives in Flagstaff, Arizona, with her family. Find her at monicabrown.net. Monica Brown es la autora de Small Room, Big Dreams: The Journey of Julián and Joaquin Castro ; Pelé, King of Soccer / Pelé, El rey del fútbol ; y Side by Side: The Story of Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez / Lado a lado: La historia de Dolores Huerta y César Chávez y de los libros ganadores del Honor Pura Belpré My Name Is Celia / Me llamo Celia , Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos y Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match / Marisol McDonald no combina . Monica vive en Flagstaff, Arizona, con su familia. Encuéntrala en monicabrown.net. Rafael López grew up in Mexico City, where he was immersed in the rich cultural heritage and color of street life. He is the bestselling illustrator of many vibrant picture books, including the acclaimed  Dru