Luna Ranchera

by Rodrigo Morlesin, Mariana Ruiz Johnson (Illustrator), Sara Lissa Paulson (Translator)

Overview

Welcome to the show! ¡Bienvenidos! This rags-to-riches tale of a doggy mother-daughter singing act in the Nuevo Wild West will enchant dog lovers, music lovers, and anyone looking for new Latinx voices.

This spellbinding original story opens in a cantina crowded with desert animals, cowboys, and cowgirls all excited to see the glamorous Luna Ranchera mother-daughter singing duo. Long ago, Luna was down on her luck, starving and struggling to feed her pups, reduced to thieving from nearby ranchers. One day, escaping another heist, Luna has to hide in the worst possible place: on top of a beehive! She howls in pain so loudly, it carries all across the desert. It turns out Luna’s musical wails are something special, captivating creatures far and wide. Her most rebellious pup, Ranchera, joins her, and soon the two become the famous howling singing act with the flea-bitten souls, Luna Ranchera! Immersive and unforgettable, with knockout, whimsical art, the tale ends with the lyrics to Luna Ranchera’s most famous song. Perfect for fans of Coco and Soul.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781662651106
Publisher:	Astra Publishing House
Publication date:	06/20/2023
Pages:	56
Sales rank:	603,260
Product dimensions:	11.25(w) x 11.06(h) x 0.47(d)
Age Range:	3 - 6 Years

About the Author

Rodrigo Morlesin is a book designer, author, translator, and children's literature expert. Rodrigo lives with his wife, his cat Lulo, and his dog, Elvis, in Mexico City. Luna Ranchera is his first picture book.

Mariana Ruiz Johnson is the author and artist of many books for children including While You Are Sleeping; Run, Little Chaski!: An Inka Trail Adventure; Shhh; Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes; and The Last Hazelnut. She lives in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with her husband, their two kids, and Cuca, an old black cat.

Editorial Reviews

A Bank Street Best Children's Book (Outstanding Merit Title)
A BolognaRagazzi BRAW Amazing Bookshelf Selection

"A strikingly original story of overcoming the odds.....This rags-to-riches story of a mother-and-daughter pair making it big will pull at readers’ heartstrings....the writing has an appealingly folksy, tall-tale feeling. Reminiscent of Raul the Third’s artwork" — Kirkus Reviews

From the Publisher

2023-04-12
Gather round and hear the story of Luna the dog and her daughter Ranchera, the most famous singing sensations in the Nuevo Wild West.

A cat stands on a stage before an audience of diverse humans and animals and tells of this doggy duo. As the story goes, Luna was forced to resort to stealing to feed herself and her puppies, including the feisty and courageous Ranchera. One night, a man shot at her, and Luna ran till her legs ached. When she stopped, she was stung by a bee and began to howl—“It was the pain of constant hunger, the pain that comes from never havin’ whatcha need.” The sorrowful sounds brought everyone from far and wide, led by Ranchera. Ranchera howled along with her mother, and their heartbreaking song was heard by humans and animals alike. After that, Luna and Ranchera became famous and sang for audiences far and wide. This rags-to-riches story of a mother-and-daughter pair making it big will pull at readers’ heartstrings. The framing device—that of the cat recounting the story for an appreciative audience—is inspired. Translated from Spanish, the writing has an appealingly folksy, tall-tale feeling. Reminiscent of Raul the Third’s artwork, the illustrations feature large-eyed, anthropomorphic animals wearing sombreros and scarves in a hip, Western-inspired desert setting. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A strikingly original story of overcoming the odds. (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews