Kids get a Lucky day at La Conner Swinomish Library

Friday was a Lucky day in La Conner, and not just because of the Northern Lights. An upbeat, hour-long morning program at La Conner-­Swinomish Library by award-winning author and musician Lucky Diaz made the day special as well.

Diaz, a bilingual force of energy, came to celebrate with area children and parents the wonder and joy that can create magic in the lives of young people.

"I do this for the kids," Diaz told the Weekly News. "I started doing this to entertain my oldest daughter. I'd make up silly songs for her and then I'd be asked to do songs for her and other kids at barbecues and gatherings."

Now he travels the world, sharing a festive message that entertains audiences and garners positive reviews from critics and media such as NPR, the New York Times, People magazine and the Washington Post.

Diaz visited as part of a project to promote literacy and while there introduced "La Guitarrista, The Rock Star," his latest children's book. He was accompanied by Allia Allen of the Central Skagit Library.

When in the recording studio and performing at concerts around the world, Diaz is joined by The Family Jam Band. Together, they've been dubbed "The Rolling Stones of kid's music."

As a duo, Diaz and Allen were able to keep the La Conner library rockin' throughout a fast-paced "children's hour" format that blended music, dancing and engaging dialogu e.

"The kids had fun. It was a great program," said librarian Katryna Barber.

Diaz shared illustrated stories projected onto a large screen, scenes drawn upon experiences from his life in Los Angeles. One page focused on a city park.

"What are some of the things we do at a park?" Diaz asked. "In LA, we have parks but here you have a mountain of parks."

Diaz grew up in Southern California, playing baseball and listening to enduring Beatles tunes. He embraced music as a youth and became a session musician in college.

His venture into children's music, inspired by his own parental journey, has been a success. Diaz is now universally considered "the face of kindie music."

His advocacy for children was on display. He took time to greet the kids who came to the library, sharing high-fives and greetings with his young fans, one of whom presented Diaz with a gift basket that included heartfelt colorful drawings.

"You're a rock star," the Grammy nominee and six-time Emmy nominated musician said.

"Thank you for coming out, friend," Diaz said to another admiring preschooler.

Diaz paused briefly before packing up for the drive to his next show.

"This is a gorgeous place," he said. "I heard it was pretty cold last week, but today is perfect."

His audience agreed, without exception.