About this ebook
A Pura Belpré Illustrator Award Winner
Drawing inspiration from Rivera to create his own bright, beautiful art, Tonatiuh helps young readers understand the importance of Diego Rivera's artwork and to realize that they too can tell stories through art.
Diego, one of the most famous painters of the 20th century, was once just a mischievous little boy who loved to draw. But this little boy would grow up to follow his passion and greatly influence the world of art. After studying in Spain and France as a young man, Diego was excited to return to his home country of Mexico.
There, he toured from the coasts to the plains to the mountains. He met the peoples of different regions and explored the cultures, architecture, and history of those who had lived before. Returning to Mexico City, he painted great murals representing all that he had seen. He provided the Mexican people with a visual history of who they were and, most importantly, who they are.
Tonatiuh, who has also been inspired by the art and culture of his native Mexico, asks, if Diego was still painting today, what history would he tell through his artwork? What stories would he bring to life?
STARRED REVIEW: *"The author makes art both aspiration and action. . . . This book will thrill budding artists." ― Kirkus
"Young artists will find inspiration for their own creations." ― Booklist
Discover more
About the author
Duncan Tonatiuh is a Mexican American award-winning author and illustrator known for children's books that explore history, identity, and social justice. Born in Mexico City and raised in San Miguel de Allende, he later studied at Parsons School of Design and Eugene Lang College in New York City.
His distinctive illustration style, inspired by pre-Columbian art—particularly the Mixtec codices—gives his books a unique visual identity. His work often focuses on Latino heritage, immigration, and civil rights, helping young readers connect with history and see their own experiences reflected in stories.
Tonatiuh's books have received numerous honors, including the Pura Belpré Medal, the Robert F. Sibert Award, and multiple New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book selections.
