Frida

Frida

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4.22 of 5 stars 4.22  ·  rating details  ·  416 ratings  ·  68 reviews
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...more
Hardcover, 32 pages
Published February 1st 2002 by Arthur A. Levine Books (first published 2002)
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Nida Iftekaruddin
Grade/interest level: K-2
Reading level: 260L
Genre: Biography

Main Characters: Frida Kahlo, Father
Setting: Mexico
POV: Third Person

Summary:
Frida Kahlo grew up in Mexico with her mother, father, and five sisters. Her father taught her how to use a paintbrush, and the wonders of basic brush strokes. Her mother was tired after caring for five girls, so Frida spent her time painting. She was diagnosed with polio and was bedridden for nine months. During this time, Frida would paint to free herself from...more
David
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...more
Erica Nicol
I'm rating this a bit higher than I otherwise might because it's one of the very, very few books (possibly the only book?) about Frida Kahlo available for very young children and because the artwork is so vibrant and compelling.

The text is serviceable, but the illustrations elevate the entire story. This is a book I had purchased when I was taking a children's literature class, and one my daughter pulled off my shelf. While I have some concerns about what she will make of Frida's story as she ge...more
Barbara
Pair this one with the author's earlier biography, Diego, since both of them make an excellent introductory pairing to two unique and influential artists whose personalities sometimes seem to be even more memorable than their art. Winter focuses chiefly on Frida Kahlo's early days, describing briefly her childhood illness and the bus and trolley collision that almost killed her. Dealing with almost debilitating pain, Kahlo painted her way through the pain, apparently channeling her emotions in h...more
Jeff
We all really liked this one. My wife is a children's Spanish teacher and is always looking for interesting children's books in Spanish. This book steps through the big events in Frida's life, at least those that you can discuss with kids. I loved how Ana Juan's art was evocative of Frida's style without just copying it. I had the catalog from the Frida Kahlo exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and I used this as an introduction to the catalog, which had photos of Frida, Diego Rivera, Fri...more
Lauren Owens
Beautiful depiction of Frida Kahlo. This book illustrates Frida's life from infancy all the way up to her death. The story line is fascinatingly informative and the pictures are absolutely beautiful. Frida is a great book for encouraging others who are disadvantaged in some way but are trying their hardest to be all they can be. It is also a good book for art exploration and creativity lessons since Frida's style of art is so unique and the pages are filled with masterpieces. I read this book in...more
Matthew
This book is different than many of the others that I've read of late. It is strong and inspiring, yet sparing in details. The author's note is even minimal in its attempt to show the artist for who she was. Obviously, a lot of the less child-friendly aspects of Frida's life have been omitted, yet the story is sure to garner some interest among young readers. Of course, the art is very culturally specific in an effort to illustrate where Frida's inspiration would have come from. I enjoyed it qui...more
Kristin
Positively reviewed. (www.denverlibrary.org)

This biography of Frida Kahlo reads like a picture book. Indeed, the narrative is like poetry. The illustrations mimic Frida's style and would easily capture the attention of young readers. The main details of Frida's life are made real through accessible text and vivid colors.

An excellent book to begin an art lesson on Frida's work, for grades K-2nd. Would also work as read-aloud when studying biographies.
Casey Strauss
This picture books gives a brief biography of the artist Frida Kahlo. It is beautifully illustrated by Ana Juan. The story follows Frida's love of art from an early age until she is older. I think that this story can be shared with students in a way that encourages interpretation and questioning since it gives such a large overview of Kahlo's life. It also would be a good book to use as an introduction to Kahlo's work and history.
Melia
I think that Frida is a fantastic book because it ismanly about Frida and nothing els and it's all relevent and she loves to paint.

One of the things that amazes me is that when she came home from school the bus was hit by a trolly and Frida nearly died but she painted and she didn't die which means that she wil panit for internal life.

and that tell'syou that you should always do something you love because it keeps you going.
Kimberly Ward
The illustrations in this non-fiction book about the life of artist Frida Kahlo are amazing! When young Frida is bedridden with a polio she teaches herself how to draw which saves her life. When she is better she starts paintings. When she is in a horrible bus accident it is art that saves her life again. Through her constant pain Frida create beautiful works of art. I would use this book to teach biography, art, and perserverance.
Seth Lebaron
This book is about Frida Kahlo, a famous mexican artist who dispite all the pain in her life was able to paint beautiful painting with such emotion. This could be used in a series of book that travel around world, and let the students view a new art style. The book could also be used to introduce a biography, and the student could write their one about their classmates.
Sarah
This book focuses more on Frida's childhood. I like that it rounds out the picture of her that I want to present to my students, and also that the illustrations include elements of Kahlo's art. I thought the wording was awkward in many spots and that the amount of information presented was low. I think it is more suited to younger children.
Samantha Haugen
The illustrations are beautiful and reminiscent of traditional Mexican art. The information is simplistic and would be a great introduction for a non-fiction/biography study. The information provided is partial and the story seems disjointed, so I would suggest pairing it with other texts to give a more rounded lesson.
Malo
Elegant and inspired, this book just be seen as the starting point of a parent-child discussion about Frida Kahlo. There is so much more about her life and legacy to be said that a children book can not possibly cover it all. This book should be able to instill some Frida loving feelings!
Racy-tay
This book must be sooooooo scary for kids! I was worried it was a little too dark for the little one even though Frida's story is of course quite tragic. That being said, the illustrations are wonderful. I was looking forward to keeping it for myself if Mel thought it was too dark also.
Peacegal
Frida, please come downstairs,
That picture's been talkin', talkin' riddles...


Wonderful picture book, with strange and haunting illustrations. I loved it, and Frida will no doubt get some very young new fans.
Q_michelene Haggard
Good for elementary school introduction to Frida Kahlo. A brief biography of Kahlo's life. Bright, beautiful, imaginative illustrations by Ana Juan, that include depicting her unibrow as a bird. Shows Kahlo's strength, and courage to turn "her pain into something beautiful."
Lee Heffernan
Great illustrations. I read this book to every class in our school.
We then looked at some of Frida's paintings and made connections between her art and her life.

Our school is full of Frida fans. viva Frida. viva author Winter and fab illustrator Juan
Cheryl Klein
I had nothing to do with the editing -- that was all Arthur's genius, and Jonah's and Ana's and our designer Marijka Kostiw. But I did write the flap copy.

The case cover for this book is terrific and should be made into gift wrap or something.
Julia
I loved this book when it first came out. It's such a really well told story and it was my first real introduction to Ana Juan whose paintings I adore. Jonah Winter has written so many of my favorite picture books. It's a truly great book!
jenny scott
i love this book. frida is one of my favorite artists, and this book is a perfect introduction to small children about her. the illustrations are awesome! i gave this book to my 2.5 year old niece and it's one of her favorite books.
Shauna
I enjoy reading children's books written in Spanish. The language is so beautiful and magical at times. I only wish my children could understand. Even though I translate them, the meaning sometimes just doesn't come out the same.
Rachel
I loved this picture book about artist Frida Kahlo! I wished I could've used it for my Curriculum Resource Guide Project but it was for grades K-2/3 and I was using grades 4-5. The illustrations are so creative and fascinating!
Sarah
Really nice biography of Frida Kahlo for children. The artwork is perfectly suited to Frida's style and the story is simple but provides enough details that kids will be interested in learning more about her.
jenna nims
great book for kids! caroline made me read it 2x times in a row b/c she liked the doctor parts.... i thought the illustrations were awesome and it gave a really nice intro of frida kahlo for children.
Kristen
Harper and I love this book so much. The pictures are beautiful, and Harper often says now, "I want to draw like Frida!" The words are lovel, too, "She turns her pain into something beautiful".
Heather Ledet
A beautiful book with Mexican folk art throughout that tells the story of Frida Khalo. It tells of the struggles and enduring strength of one of the greatest artists of our time.
Erin
Feb 02, 2010 Erin added it
Another biography I read to second grade. Surrealism is perhaps not their favorite, but they were interested in Frida's plight after her accident and the way that she painted her own pain.
Fiona Goodman
I bought this book for my 4 year old daughter online and it is absolutely gorgeous. Beautifully written and illustrated. A children's book on the life of Frida Kahlo.
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Frida (Hardcover)
Frida: (Spanish language edition)
Frida
Frida (Paperback)
Frida

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