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Frida
This long-awaited companion to Jonah Winter's acclaimed DIEGO features the paintings of young Spanish artist, Ana Juan. This stunning picture book is the perfect gift for art enthusiasts of all ages. When her mother was worn out from caring for her five sisters, her father gave her lessons in brushwork and color. When polio kept her bedridden for nine months, drawing saved her from boredom. When a bus accident left her in unimaginable agony, her paintings expressed her pain and depression - and eventually, her joys and her loves. Over and over again, Frida Kahlo turned the challenges of her life into art. Now Jonah Winter and Ana Juan have drawn on both the art and the life to create a playful, insightful tribute to one of the twentieth century's most influential artists. Viva Frida!
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2002
About the author
Jonah Winter
77 books82 followersJonah Winter is the celebrated author of many picture book biographies, including Barack, which was a New York Times bestseller. His books include Here Comes the Garbage Barge, Sonia Sotomayor, Roberto Clemente, and more. A poet and a painter, Mr. Winter divides his time between Santa Fe and a small town in Pennsylvania.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
January 29, 2022
Featured in a grandma reads session.
This is our third look at Frida Kahlo, and the best part about this picture book are the fantastical illustrations! all kinds of out of this world creatures in Kahlo's own style bring the author's words to the page. The kids loved this one.
I do, too.
This is our third look at Frida Kahlo, and the best part about this picture book are the fantastical illustrations! all kinds of out of this world creatures in Kahlo's own style bring the author's words to the page. The kids loved this one.
I do, too.
November 26, 2017
I am doing a great artist study with my kinders and I got this book to introduce them to Frida Kahlo. What a great book! The art is fantastic and gives a good intro for kids to Frida. I checked this out from the library, but this is definitely one I am going to buy for my classroom!
December 5, 2021
Reading with Lola. Great book for kids about Frida. Great illustrations!
March 7, 2011
If you want young readers to know “just the facts, ma’am,” about renowned Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo, then this is your book. The vague narrative mentions the effects of polio and a bus accident “that is too nightmarish to describe here,” on Frida’s health. In addition to this melodramatic condescension to young readers, which according to the recommended age groups (Grades 3-6) should be old enough to read less formless details of her life, Winter also fails to mention her distinct experience as a Mexican with a German father. What this biography lacks in narrative substance is to some extent redeemed by the amazing illustrations, many of which reflect the style of Frida’s exceptional and distinctive work. I can see this book used as a supplement to exposing and studying the artistic style of Frida, but I do not feel the narrative gives this amazing artist the credit she deserves
March 2, 2018
A fantastic introduction to Frida Kahlo for young children. I read this book to my preschool class. They were intrigued by the art and asked lots of questions. I know the details of Frida’s life aren’t exactly “kid friendly” but this book did a great job of telling the children about her while not describing things in detail. Frida is my favorite artist so it was really fun to share with my students!
December 1, 2015
Title: Frida
Author: Jonah Winter
Illustrator: Ana Juan
Genre: Biography (grades K-2)
Theme(s): Art, perseverance, beauty through pain.
Opening line/sentence:
Frida enters the world.
Brief Book Summary: This book explores the life of the famous female artist, Frida Kahlo. The book begins at her birth, details her journey through life including her struggles, injuries and other hardships that she endured. It explains in kid-friendly terms how she used painting and Art to express herself during her most painful moments in her life.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1:
CCBC (Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices, 2003)
Children will be fascinated by life of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo as presented in this stunning picture book biography that blends lush, highly charged art evocative of Kahlo's own work with a spare, understated narrative. Despite its restraint, the text delivers a bounty of information about Kahlo in short, beautifully weighted sentences that convey more than mere fact: "For little Frida, the world is Mexico." Kahlo was plagued by illness as a child. As a young adult, she was terribly injured in a bus accident. Art began as her diversion from loneliness and pain. It grew into a spiritual, soul-deep need that illustrator Ana Juan has captured in her fanciful, haunted paintings for this striking book. Both playful and frightening, they convey Kahlo's escape from physical trauma through her incredibly rich life of the mind, which in turn inspired the artwork she created. A brief author's note provides additional information on Kahlo's life, such as her marriage to Diego Rivera, to supplement a narrative that focuses on the relationship of this singular artist to her art. CCBC categories: Biography And Autobiography; Picture Books For Older Children; The Arts; Historical People, Places, And Events. 2002, Arthur A. Levine Books / Scholastic Press, 32 pages, $16.95. Ages 6-10.
(PUBLISHER: Arthur A. Levine Books (New York:), PUBLISHED: c2002.)
Professional Recommendation/Review #2:
Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, December 1, 2001 (Vol. 69, No. 23))
A picture-book homage to the Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, whose indomitable spirit has become a revered icon for struggling women artists. The truncated text outlines her life in a simplistic style, relating her childhood illness and the almost-fatal school bus accident that left her in constant physical pain. It was her painting that saved her, becoming her imaginary friend. Instead of crying, she painted pictures of herself crying. The account ends with a description of her paintings as "exvotos": "magical scenes with words at the bottom, scenes of accidents with angels coming to the rescue. They are prayers for people who are sick." Neither her marriage to Diego Rivera nor her death is included. Like Kahlo's art, the illustrations are strikingly stylized. Done in acrylics and wax, they convey a surrealistic sensibility, using six traditional Mexican characters as a motif (e.g., skeleton, devil, jaguar) and portraying them as Kahlo's companions. The artwork lends an air of theatricality (her infamous eyebrows are depicted as the wings of a black bird) with the text scripting that effect: "She paints what she sees in her head-on top of what she sees with her eyes." The enticing cover depicts Kahlo as a child riding on a red bird while she is painting red birds in the sky. Explanatory notes from both author and illustrator provide context and import, citing biographical details and an artistic style that is a tribute to her. Her popularity has increased significantly in recent time-but who is the audience for this book? Certainly, the picture-book format can serve as an introduction to this exotic artist for young children, and kids may be intrigued by the unusual figures and inherent drama. But it is more likely that older readers may develop an artistic curiosity and appreciation for this woman's provocative work. 2002, Levine/Scholastic, $16.95. Category: Picture book/biography. Ages 6 to 10. © 2001 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.
(PUBLISHER: Scholastic ;Ragged Bears [distributor] (New York:) (Enfield:), PUBLISHED: 2007.)
Response to Two Professional Reviews:
I thoroughly agree with the points mentioned in these two reviews. This picture book does do a fabulous job of detailing the life of Frida Kahlo while making it appropriate and understandable for young children. Even though the sentences are short and simple, there is much information to be gleaned from the text about Frida's life. The illustrations are magnificent and truly convey a tribute to the surrealistic artwork that Frida became so famous for.
Evaluation of Literary Elements:
One of the things that I loved most about this book is how appropriate it is for young readers, yet is captivating for all ages. The text is easy to understand, yet is deep with meaning. The illustrations are vibrant and colorful, yet packed with symbols of death, pain and suffering. The book overall ends of a positive note and leaves young readers with a sense of hope, yet provides an incredible amount of depth for those who wish to look deeper into the meaning of life itself.
Consideration of Instructional Application:
This book would be great to use to introduce an Art unit on Frida Kahlo and her style of painting. Students can create their own self-portraits that portray their inner feelings/emotions. Students can then write a paper explaining their self-portraits and why they chose to paint themselves the way they did. For younger children, this book would be a fantastic center for a discussion on difficult or painful moments in life and how, even through suffering, we can find beauty and hope.
Author: Jonah Winter
Illustrator: Ana Juan
Genre: Biography (grades K-2)
Theme(s): Art, perseverance, beauty through pain.
Opening line/sentence:
Frida enters the world.
Brief Book Summary: This book explores the life of the famous female artist, Frida Kahlo. The book begins at her birth, details her journey through life including her struggles, injuries and other hardships that she endured. It explains in kid-friendly terms how she used painting and Art to express herself during her most painful moments in her life.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1:
CCBC (Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices, 2003)
Children will be fascinated by life of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo as presented in this stunning picture book biography that blends lush, highly charged art evocative of Kahlo's own work with a spare, understated narrative. Despite its restraint, the text delivers a bounty of information about Kahlo in short, beautifully weighted sentences that convey more than mere fact: "For little Frida, the world is Mexico." Kahlo was plagued by illness as a child. As a young adult, she was terribly injured in a bus accident. Art began as her diversion from loneliness and pain. It grew into a spiritual, soul-deep need that illustrator Ana Juan has captured in her fanciful, haunted paintings for this striking book. Both playful and frightening, they convey Kahlo's escape from physical trauma through her incredibly rich life of the mind, which in turn inspired the artwork she created. A brief author's note provides additional information on Kahlo's life, such as her marriage to Diego Rivera, to supplement a narrative that focuses on the relationship of this singular artist to her art. CCBC categories: Biography And Autobiography; Picture Books For Older Children; The Arts; Historical People, Places, And Events. 2002, Arthur A. Levine Books / Scholastic Press, 32 pages, $16.95. Ages 6-10.
(PUBLISHER: Arthur A. Levine Books (New York:), PUBLISHED: c2002.)
Professional Recommendation/Review #2:
Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, December 1, 2001 (Vol. 69, No. 23))
A picture-book homage to the Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, whose indomitable spirit has become a revered icon for struggling women artists. The truncated text outlines her life in a simplistic style, relating her childhood illness and the almost-fatal school bus accident that left her in constant physical pain. It was her painting that saved her, becoming her imaginary friend. Instead of crying, she painted pictures of herself crying. The account ends with a description of her paintings as "exvotos": "magical scenes with words at the bottom, scenes of accidents with angels coming to the rescue. They are prayers for people who are sick." Neither her marriage to Diego Rivera nor her death is included. Like Kahlo's art, the illustrations are strikingly stylized. Done in acrylics and wax, they convey a surrealistic sensibility, using six traditional Mexican characters as a motif (e.g., skeleton, devil, jaguar) and portraying them as Kahlo's companions. The artwork lends an air of theatricality (her infamous eyebrows are depicted as the wings of a black bird) with the text scripting that effect: "She paints what she sees in her head-on top of what she sees with her eyes." The enticing cover depicts Kahlo as a child riding on a red bird while she is painting red birds in the sky. Explanatory notes from both author and illustrator provide context and import, citing biographical details and an artistic style that is a tribute to her. Her popularity has increased significantly in recent time-but who is the audience for this book? Certainly, the picture-book format can serve as an introduction to this exotic artist for young children, and kids may be intrigued by the unusual figures and inherent drama. But it is more likely that older readers may develop an artistic curiosity and appreciation for this woman's provocative work. 2002, Levine/Scholastic, $16.95. Category: Picture book/biography. Ages 6 to 10. © 2001 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.
(PUBLISHER: Scholastic ;Ragged Bears [distributor] (New York:) (Enfield:), PUBLISHED: 2007.)
Response to Two Professional Reviews:
I thoroughly agree with the points mentioned in these two reviews. This picture book does do a fabulous job of detailing the life of Frida Kahlo while making it appropriate and understandable for young children. Even though the sentences are short and simple, there is much information to be gleaned from the text about Frida's life. The illustrations are magnificent and truly convey a tribute to the surrealistic artwork that Frida became so famous for.
Evaluation of Literary Elements:
One of the things that I loved most about this book is how appropriate it is for young readers, yet is captivating for all ages. The text is easy to understand, yet is deep with meaning. The illustrations are vibrant and colorful, yet packed with symbols of death, pain and suffering. The book overall ends of a positive note and leaves young readers with a sense of hope, yet provides an incredible amount of depth for those who wish to look deeper into the meaning of life itself.
Consideration of Instructional Application:
This book would be great to use to introduce an Art unit on Frida Kahlo and her style of painting. Students can create their own self-portraits that portray their inner feelings/emotions. Students can then write a paper explaining their self-portraits and why they chose to paint themselves the way they did. For younger children, this book would be a fantastic center for a discussion on difficult or painful moments in life and how, even through suffering, we can find beauty and hope.
October 21, 2020
Frida is a painter from Mexico who turned her pain into beauty after a tragic accident. When Frida was younger, she became ill and she couldn’t move her legs. To keep herself from being depressed, she picked up drawing, then later painting. Frida was a smart girl, so smart, school was too easy for her! One day on the way home from school, Frida’s bus was hit by a trolley. Frida was again in the hospital and wasn’t able to walk without a cane. She fell back on painting to keep her occupied. Frida’s painting style was unique and this is what she is famous for. Frida painted scenes of herself receiving help at accidents and she would paint her feelings. While in the hospital she would paint on her casts. Frida had a deep love for painting since it saved her life twice.
May 6, 2018
Picked this up at the library because I've always been fascinated by Frida Kahlo and I've been on a streak of positive Mexican girl role models.
This was a really cute book but I'm almost sure it helps to be familiar with Frida and her artwork. I'm not sure if a kid would get too much out of the actual story of Frida beyond the cute story it would be to a child.
That being said, I found this story to be a little sad. When you see Frida's body pain, the fact she suffered such pain all her life, and see it in a children's book format, it makes it that much harder to think of her life and artwork without thinking of what Frida had to endure all her life.
This was a really cute book but I'm almost sure it helps to be familiar with Frida and her artwork. I'm not sure if a kid would get too much out of the actual story of Frida beyond the cute story it would be to a child.
That being said, I found this story to be a little sad. When you see Frida's body pain, the fact she suffered such pain all her life, and see it in a children's book format, it makes it that much harder to think of her life and artwork without thinking of what Frida had to endure all her life.
May 25, 2019
It annoys me that picture books of Frida Kahlo’s childhood always show her home already painted blue. It wasn’t blue until she and Diego lived there together. There’s such a thing as artistic license, but when you put it in the text, it’s just inaccurate.
The illustrations are beautiful, but Frida Kahlo and her Animalitos is a better introduction for this age group.
The illustrations are beautiful, but Frida Kahlo and her Animalitos is a better introduction for this age group.
March 2, 2020
A really brief and glossed-over introduction to the life of Frida Kahlo. The book gives some general facts, but doesn't really go into the amazing accomplishments to both art and Mexican culture that Kahlo contributed. The illustrations, however, do a wonderful job of reflecting not only Kahlo's art but also incorporated Mexican cultural icons that would have influenced Kahlo throughout her life.
Read
December 19, 2017This book is about a woman named Frida Kahlo. Frida was a great painted from mexico. the book tells the story of her life and how she became a great painter. The book also tells the story of how she got hit by a bus and she almost died. Frida is a very famous artist from Mexico.
June 11, 2018
A great introduction to Frida Kahlo, although inconsistent. Parts are glossed over, and parts are oddly focused on. But it covers many basics about the artist, and I think Kahlo would appreciate the art she inspired here.
Read
February 24, 2018A great introduction to this artist. The pictures are unique and strange and tie in with her actual art. I enjoyed reading this to my daughter to help introduce her to Frida.
March 6, 2020
I did not care for the artwork and the writing was not very exciting.
April 21, 2022
It's a picture book biography of Frida. Very simplistic yet lyrical. Decided to read it because Ana Juan was the illustrator. Winters adds an author's note that goes a little more in depth about the life of Frida, but still simplistic enough for kids 7 or younger.
October 11, 2014
Frida by Jonah Winter and illustrated by Ana Juan, is a great picturebook for any age range. The book reflects on the author’s life growing up through beautiful paintings and artistic detail. Frida Kahlo’s father, at a young age, gave her lessons in color and brushwork. Then, when Frida caught polio (which kept her in bed for months), she drew and drew which saved her from the boredom that overcame her. Unfortunately, she was left crippled after a terrible bus accident that was so unimaginably agonizing that she could not explain it through the book itself. However, through Frida’s paintings, she was able to express and relieve her pain/depression that was eventually able to bring her joy. All of her challenges and troubles turned out okay in the end as they were expressed through her artwork.
The illustrations in the book reflected events in her life that not only shows her lifestyle and culture (Mexico), but also has a lot of her imagination reflected through her pictures. There was no pattern system to her illustrations as they were very abstract and the text seemed to be placed in certain places around the illustrations. There did not seem to be any consistency from one page to another and the colors she used were very bold, bright, and vibrant. The illustrations stood out as there was a lot to take in as your eye flew all around the page. Also, the animals drawn in the background of each page that are not like regular animals bring a sense of the Mexican culture, adding to the uniqueness of the book.
The illustrations in the book reflected events in her life that not only shows her lifestyle and culture (Mexico), but also has a lot of her imagination reflected through her pictures. There was no pattern system to her illustrations as they were very abstract and the text seemed to be placed in certain places around the illustrations. There did not seem to be any consistency from one page to another and the colors she used were very bold, bright, and vibrant. The illustrations stood out as there was a lot to take in as your eye flew all around the page. Also, the animals drawn in the background of each page that are not like regular animals bring a sense of the Mexican culture, adding to the uniqueness of the book.
December 21, 2016
Awards: None
Grade Level: 1st-4th
Summary:
Frida is little girl born in Mexico. She learns how to paint from her father who works as an artist. Frida gets very sick as a child, and is bed ridden for months. To keep from being board, Frida colors, draws, and paints for most of the day. Frida gets better and can attend school again. One day when she was a teenager, her bus had an accident and Frida almost dies in the hospital. Once again while she is in the hospital, Frida paints everyday. Frida is quite injured and remains walking with a limp using a cane for the rest of her life. Because Frida is always in physical pain, most of her photos are sad. Over time her paintings become famous for her artistic technique, bold details, and subject matter.
Review:
I love that this book took such a complex artist and used language that was appropriate for young children. Frida went through most of her early life being sick or injured, and I never knew that is why her paintings are somewhat gruesome and sad. I think it's great to introduce unconventional artists like Frida to young children.
Possible In-class Uses:
1. Students could think about a time that they experienced pain or sadness, and then draw an illustration that describes what happened/how they felt. Students would be given a choice if they would like to share.
2. Students could write in their journals what they would do and how they would feel if they were not able to get out of bed for one whole month.
Grade Level: 1st-4th
Summary:
Frida is little girl born in Mexico. She learns how to paint from her father who works as an artist. Frida gets very sick as a child, and is bed ridden for months. To keep from being board, Frida colors, draws, and paints for most of the day. Frida gets better and can attend school again. One day when she was a teenager, her bus had an accident and Frida almost dies in the hospital. Once again while she is in the hospital, Frida paints everyday. Frida is quite injured and remains walking with a limp using a cane for the rest of her life. Because Frida is always in physical pain, most of her photos are sad. Over time her paintings become famous for her artistic technique, bold details, and subject matter.
Review:
I love that this book took such a complex artist and used language that was appropriate for young children. Frida went through most of her early life being sick or injured, and I never knew that is why her paintings are somewhat gruesome and sad. I think it's great to introduce unconventional artists like Frida to young children.
Possible In-class Uses:
1. Students could think about a time that they experienced pain or sadness, and then draw an illustration that describes what happened/how they felt. Students would be given a choice if they would like to share.
2. Students could write in their journals what they would do and how they would feel if they were not able to get out of bed for one whole month.
September 25, 2016
A simple biography of her early life and how her accidents inspired her to paint and how painting saved her life. Students can see and learn facts about her paintings. The illustrator explained that she used elements from Mexican folk art that Frida would have seen in her childhood.
June 11, 2016
Uninspired and staccato writing. There are many other books about Frida Kahlo that are much better.
August 11, 2016
Fascinating, inspiring and a wonder to behold.
December 29, 2017
"Pinta lo que ven sus ojos y lo que siente su corazón"
The illustrations are beautiful in this book. Shout out to Ana Juan. The book gives a brief bio of Frida's life for a two year old.
The illustrations are beautiful in this book. Shout out to Ana Juan. The book gives a brief bio of Frida's life for a two year old.
November 25, 2019
Don’t know much about Frida Kahlo. But this book is a simple, yet reverently-told introduction that makes me appreciate her a bit more.
October 6, 2019
Frida is a children's picture book written by Jonah Winter and illustrated by Ana Juan. It is a biographical picture book of Frida Kahlo – an artist.
Mid-September to Mid-October, at least in my part of the world is Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month, which I plan to read one children's book, particularly a biography, which pertains to the subject everyday this month. Therefore, I thought that this book would be apropos for today.
Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo y Calderón was a Mexican painter known for her many portraits, self-portraits, and works inspired by the nature and artifacts of Mexico. Inspired by the country's popular culture, she employed a naïve folk art style to explore questions of identity, postcolonialism, gender, class, and race in Mexican society.
Winter's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. With a spare narrative more akin to poetry than prose, the author touches on important events in his subject's childhood. Juan's illustrations are bursting with saturated color and infused with Mexican folk art motifs that also influenced Frida's own style.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Winter shows Frida's loneliness and the polio that kept her bedridden for months, as well as a bus accident, at age eighteen that nearly killed her. He then shows how, each time, art helped her to transcend her injuries and to unleash her magically surreal vision of the world in paintings.
All in all, Frida is a wonderful biographical picture book about Frida Kahlo – one of Mexico's most influential and well-known artists.
Mid-September to Mid-October, at least in my part of the world is Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month, which I plan to read one children's book, particularly a biography, which pertains to the subject everyday this month. Therefore, I thought that this book would be apropos for today.
Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo y Calderón was a Mexican painter known for her many portraits, self-portraits, and works inspired by the nature and artifacts of Mexico. Inspired by the country's popular culture, she employed a naïve folk art style to explore questions of identity, postcolonialism, gender, class, and race in Mexican society.
Winter's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. With a spare narrative more akin to poetry than prose, the author touches on important events in his subject's childhood. Juan's illustrations are bursting with saturated color and infused with Mexican folk art motifs that also influenced Frida's own style.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Winter shows Frida's loneliness and the polio that kept her bedridden for months, as well as a bus accident, at age eighteen that nearly killed her. He then shows how, each time, art helped her to transcend her injuries and to unleash her magically surreal vision of the world in paintings.
All in all, Frida is a wonderful biographical picture book about Frida Kahlo – one of Mexico's most influential and well-known artists.
November 21, 2018
Summary:
This picture book is based on the life of artist Frida Kahlo. It starts from the beginning of Frida's life and her interest for art. The story makes an emphasis on how the world around her influenced her to become an artist. Furthermore, the book mentions to the reader the many difficulties that Frida encountered when she was diagnosed with a polio at such a young age. Although this was a set back, these events helped her become the famous artist that she turned out to be. The whole book is filled with illustrations of how Frida saw the world around her at a young age and the impact it had on her when she grew.
Evaluation:
I really enjoyed this book because any young reader could pick it up and learn a lot about one of the most important artists in history. It definitely is designed for young readers not only because of the content but because of the amazing illustrations that are included in the book. The words and pictures really help the reader get an understanding of the kind of artist that Frida was. I really liked that the facts in the book were real because it helps add authenticity to the story.
Teaching Point:
As a teacher I would use this book in the classroom when teacher multi-cultural themes. Frida Kahlo is a world-wide known artist and her art really impacted art around the world. The students can learn to pick out different themes in her artwork and discuss how they might be influenced by her culture or even by her life. The students would be exposed to a culturally diverse book and art.
This picture book is based on the life of artist Frida Kahlo. It starts from the beginning of Frida's life and her interest for art. The story makes an emphasis on how the world around her influenced her to become an artist. Furthermore, the book mentions to the reader the many difficulties that Frida encountered when she was diagnosed with a polio at such a young age. Although this was a set back, these events helped her become the famous artist that she turned out to be. The whole book is filled with illustrations of how Frida saw the world around her at a young age and the impact it had on her when she grew.
Evaluation:
I really enjoyed this book because any young reader could pick it up and learn a lot about one of the most important artists in history. It definitely is designed for young readers not only because of the content but because of the amazing illustrations that are included in the book. The words and pictures really help the reader get an understanding of the kind of artist that Frida was. I really liked that the facts in the book were real because it helps add authenticity to the story.
Teaching Point:
As a teacher I would use this book in the classroom when teacher multi-cultural themes. Frida Kahlo is a world-wide known artist and her art really impacted art around the world. The students can learn to pick out different themes in her artwork and discuss how they might be influenced by her culture or even by her life. The students would be exposed to a culturally diverse book and art.
November 4, 2017
1. Awards received: This book has not received any awards.
2. Appropriate grade level(s): This book is appropriate for preschool to grade 3
3. Summary: This books focuses on the life and struggles of Frida Kahlo. This books tells of Frida’s life from birth to adulthood. As a child, Frida was plagued by polio. Her father had shared his art techniques with her at a young age, so she used art to keep her from boredom. As an adult, Frida got into a devastating bus accident, which left her crippled. Again, Frida turned to painting her emotions. This kept her from feeling lonely and being in pain.
4. I think the illustrations in the book did a great job at reflecting her lifestyle and Mexican culture, while also including illustrations reminiscent of Frida’s work. I think this book conveys Frida’s life in a way that’s simplistic enough from younger readers to understand. Although the text is easy to understand, it still holds a lot of meaning
5. Uses in the classroom:
-Talk about overcoming adversities; what the students do that makes them happy.
-Older students can be introduced to this style of art and replicate it.
2. Appropriate grade level(s): This book is appropriate for preschool to grade 3
3. Summary: This books focuses on the life and struggles of Frida Kahlo. This books tells of Frida’s life from birth to adulthood. As a child, Frida was plagued by polio. Her father had shared his art techniques with her at a young age, so she used art to keep her from boredom. As an adult, Frida got into a devastating bus accident, which left her crippled. Again, Frida turned to painting her emotions. This kept her from feeling lonely and being in pain.
4. I think the illustrations in the book did a great job at reflecting her lifestyle and Mexican culture, while also including illustrations reminiscent of Frida’s work. I think this book conveys Frida’s life in a way that’s simplistic enough from younger readers to understand. Although the text is easy to understand, it still holds a lot of meaning
5. Uses in the classroom:
-Talk about overcoming adversities; what the students do that makes them happy.
-Older students can be introduced to this style of art and replicate it.
August 10, 2020
This biography written for children and artists won a 2003 A.L.A. Notable Children's Book award. It is obvious to me why that is. This book is eye-catching on every page with fun and colorful characters that reflect Frida's artistic style. Beyond the look, this story has a message. Frida Kahlo had quite a few rough patches in her life when it came to her health. She had to spend a lot of time at home and in bed. She used her art to escape this prison. This book teaches children that they can make their lives better with their imaginations starting when they are young and even when they get older. This helps make life worth living when things don't go our way in the real world. Coping with problems in a healthy way is important.
This book is mostly accurate but the author was not held down by too many details. This account has more to do with her life as an artist as opposed to being a list of acts and dates. There is no timeline at the end of this book and you would not expect to find one. It's just not that type of biography. It doesn't need it. I would kind of like one anyway but I don't really mind. This book is more like a flight through the dreamworld that Frida created for herself and shared with the world.
This book is mostly accurate but the author was not held down by too many details. This account has more to do with her life as an artist as opposed to being a list of acts and dates. There is no timeline at the end of this book and you would not expect to find one. It's just not that type of biography. It doesn't need it. I would kind of like one anyway but I don't really mind. This book is more like a flight through the dreamworld that Frida created for herself and shared with the world.
December 4, 2019
Summary: This book introduces the reader to the famous Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. It tells us about her early life and how she was stricken with polio at the age of seven. It goes on to explain how she has endured a lot of pain throughout her lifetime and she uses her paintings to help her when she is sick and can't leave the house. Art is the way she expresses herself.
Review: I really enjoyed this book about Frida Kahlo's life. The illustrations are beautiful and colorful. I like the language in the book because it easy for young children to understand.
Book Connection: This book connect to other books I have read about Frida Kahlo. I also had the opportunity to visit her blue house in Coyoacan....there is a drawing of the house in the book and it does look like her house.
Quote:"In the hospital, it is painting that saves her once again. Painting is like her imaginary friend. It is there whenever she wants it. It keeps her company. It keeps her from giving up hope."
Review: I really enjoyed this book about Frida Kahlo's life. The illustrations are beautiful and colorful. I like the language in the book because it easy for young children to understand.
Book Connection: This book connect to other books I have read about Frida Kahlo. I also had the opportunity to visit her blue house in Coyoacan....there is a drawing of the house in the book and it does look like her house.
Quote:"In the hospital, it is painting that saves her once again. Painting is like her imaginary friend. It is there whenever she wants it. It keeps her company. It keeps her from giving up hope."
June 4, 2018
Frida is a book that retells the story of Frida Kahlo's life. Frida lived a very tragic life: she had a terrible marriage, polio, and a tragic bus accident that altered her life forever. Frida feels hopeless, but find solace in painting. Through her pain, Frida creates beautiful paintings. Although this book does not go into the nitty gritty of her life, the book retells her story in a way that is easy for kids to digest. The illustrations are classic, Mexican-vibes that are easy on the eyes. This book is important for Latino readers because our culture is often put to the side. Like I have mentioned in my review, I am a strong supporter of representation. We need more books in the classroom that reflect our students' lives and this book does so. I would recommend this book to 5th graders and higher.
August 30, 2020
Frida is a children’s book that’s a very short and easy read (target group: kids 3-8) that I reread because I liked it as a little girl. Because of that only little gets said in here, but oh my lord how big and beautiful are the ideas conveyed. The author leaves out all the “adult” stuff, like her complicated and famous relationship with Diego Rivera, and thus concentrates on Frida’s exquisite character. The reader is reminded of the difficulties in Frida’s life and how it only really matters how you face them. After reading the book I had a wonderful and strong Frida in mind, which – without a doubt – will inspire children. Not to forget Ana Juan’s illustrations which perfectly emphasis – if not carry - the ideas and Frida’s characterization. Her little creatures and the colorful, dreamy Mexican world are a pleasure to the eye and make the reading experience truly engaging.
December 2, 2020
Awards: Notable Children's Books
Grade level(s): 1st-5th
Summary: This book tells the life story of the artist Frida Kahlo, in a way that is appropriate for young readers. It discusses her life struggles and how art helped her overcome them and find happiness.
Review: This is a great book with beautiful illustrations. I love how it talks about young children suffering with depression because that us often not talked about in classrooms.
In-class uses: This book can be used to discuss mental health, and the things that can help with it. This book can be used to start a larger discussion about self care. This is a great book to use for a series of events worksheet.
Grade level(s): 1st-5th
Summary: This book tells the life story of the artist Frida Kahlo, in a way that is appropriate for young readers. It discusses her life struggles and how art helped her overcome them and find happiness.
Review: This is a great book with beautiful illustrations. I love how it talks about young children suffering with depression because that us often not talked about in classrooms.
In-class uses: This book can be used to discuss mental health, and the things that can help with it. This book can be used to start a larger discussion about self care. This is a great book to use for a series of events worksheet.
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