An introduction to the life and work of the Nobel prize-winning Colombian author describes his childhood in Aracataca, Colombia, and how the things that surrounded him inspired his imagination and his desire to become a storyteller. - (Baker & Taylor)

Can you imagine a shipwrecked sailor living on air and seaweed for eight days? Can you imagine a trail of yellow butterflies fluttering their wings to songs of love? Once, there was a little boy named Gabito who could. Gabriel Garcia Marquez is perhaps one of the most brilliant writers of our time. He is a tremendous figure, enormously talented, and unabashedly admired. This is his story, lovingly told, for children to enjoy. Using the imagery from his novels, Monica Brown traces the novelist's life in this creative nonfiction picture book from his childhood in Colombia to today. This is an inspiring story about an inspiring life, full of imagination and beauty. - (NBN)

Horn Book Guide Reviews

This bilingual picture book biography does respectful justice to its subject, exploring Marquez's early life and influences in Colombia. Brown's writing lilts with poetic cadences that reflect Marquez's spirit and soul. Colon's beautifully flowing rainbow-hued illustrations capture the spirit of magical realism that is so integral to Marquez's work. An author's note gives more biographical information. Copyright 2008 Horn Book Guide Reviews.

School Library Journal Reviews

Gr 2–4— This luminous picture book describes the Colombian author's childhood and influences. Brown does a wonderful job of articulating Garca Mrquez's complex literary style (called magical realism) in a way youngsters can grasp. Even better, she shows how his imagination was nurtured and encouraged from a very early age by the things around him. The text is written in blocks of English and Spanish with words of both languages sometimes incorporated into the page design. Coln's brilliant watercolors float off the page, anchored by his penciled outlines; his use of swirls and scratches gives depth to the clothing and backgrounds of each illustration and captures a sense of Garca Mrquez's creative imagination. Brown calls this book a character study, but it will be at home in many places in the library, including bilingual, picture book, or biography sections.—Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ