Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World: Famous Artists and the Children Who Knew Them

by Laurence Anholt

A lovely book about artist, Frida Kahlo from the series, Anholt's Artists Books for Children. When a little girl named Mariana is sent to have her portrait painted by Frida, she is scared. "Well, that's okay," Frida tells her. "Everyone feels scared sometimes. As Mariana sits for her portrait, she learns all about Frida's life, and begins to think of her as the bravest woman in the world. Parents, teachers, and gift givers will Author and illustrator Laurence Anholt recalls memorable and sometimes amusing moments when the lives of the artists were touched by children. Anholt's fine illustrations appear on every page and include reproductions of works by the artists.

Genres: Art, Picture Books, Childrens, Biography, Nonfiction

32 pages, Hardcover

Published September 1, 2016

About the author

In a career spanning three decades, Laurence Anholt has produced over 200 children's books, which are published in more than 30 languages. Titles like the self-illustrated Anholt's Artists series have sold many millions of copies around the world. Laurence has also collaborated on numerous picture books with his wife, the artist, Catherine Anholt.

Laurence's first YA / Crossover novel THE HYPNOTIST was published by Penguin Random House on 6th October 2016.

The Hypnotist was described by The Bookseller as 'gripping, powerful storytelling with a powerful anti-racist message.' The book has been officially endorsed by Amnesty International, it was the winner of the Historical Association Young Quills Award, shortlisted for the Southern Schools Book Award and four major book awards. It is currently longlisted for the Carnegie Medal 2018.

Born in 1959, Laurence Anholt was brought up mainly in Holland where he developed a lasting love of Art. He went on to study Painting for 8 years, culminating in a Master's Degree from the Royal Academy of Art in London. Catherine and Laurence live and work in a house on a hill with studios and wild flower meadows, overlooking the sea in Devon, southwest England.

Laurence's books have won many awards, including the UK's prestigious Nestlé Smarties Gold Award on two occasions. For more than a decade, Laurence has been amongst the top 200 Most Borrowed Authors from UK libraries across all genres. He was included in the Independent on Sunday's Top 10 Children's Authors in the UK and was described by William Watt as "one of the most versatile authors writing for children today".

Catherine and Laurence have been closely involved with a number of literacy schemes such as the UK Government funded Bookstart scheme. Their publication Babies Love Books (also a much-loved picture book) encourages parents to share books with babies from the earliest possible age. Their work has taken them inside Buckingham Palace and Downing Street on several occasions.

Laurence's self‐illustrated Anholt's Artists series, is an introduction to great artists for young children. These beautiful books are used as part of the national school curriculum in many countries and are sold in galleries and museums all over the world. The books, which include Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World, Camille and the Sunflowers, Degas and the Little Dancer and The Magical Garden of Claude Monet have taken Laurence on many fascinating journeys of discovery. Each scrupulously researched story is based on an actual encounter between a real child and a great artist. In several instances, Laurence has been assisted by relatives of the artists or by the protagonists themselves - for example, Laurence developed a long-standing friendship with Sylvette David, Picasso's Girl With a Ponytail. This series currently includes 10 titles and it has been adapted in many forms, including Apps for iPads, stage and TV productions and a full scale van Gogh musical which Laurence launched in Korea. The Anholt's Artists books are renowned not only for their educational value, but also for their life-affirming themes of aspiration, tolerance and acceptance of those who are different.

Laurence Anholt is a much sought after public speaker, talking about literature and his own zany view of life at conferences all over the world.

The Anholts have three grown up children, Claire and twins, Tom and Maddy. Claire is an anthropologist who works for the UN in Geneva, Maddy is an actor living in London and Tom is a successful artist based in Berlin. They also have twin grandchildren, Felix and Nina.

Laurence Anholt's interests include art, literature, adventure travel and Buddhist meditation.

For further information visit the Anholts' website: http://www.anholt.co.uk

Reviews

[Dave Schaafsma · Rating 4 out of 5]

How many books do we need to keep the name and work of Frida alive? Just one more, I say. This series, world-acclaimed, with millions reading all the books by Anholt, is an interesting take on artists: The artist and one (actual) child who has interacted with her. In this case it is Mariana, who is scared to have her portrait painted by Kahlo. Kahlo invites her in, shows her her menagerie of animals, her collection of amazing art, her skeletons, and tells of the accident that nearly killed her, a time in which she was very scared, of course. And has Mariana meet her “frog-toad” (Diego Rivera). It’s not a biography, we have lots of those; it’s a glimpse into the life of the artist through the perspective of one child, and I liked it.

[Ammie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frida is "painted" in such a beautiful light in this picture book. If you are hoping to expose your children to a wider variety of artists I highly recommend using Anholt's books.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book would be suitable for years 2 to 6 and is about a young girl who sees the portraits of her family members and longs for one of herself. She then meets Frida, the artist, and whilst Mariana is apprehensive about meeting her after her family tell her that Frida’s house is scary, she becomes Frida’s friend. The book could be used to look at different styles of art, such as portraits, which children could have a go at themselves and there is information at the back about Frida Khalo the artist who they could research. However, the story is also about never giving up after Frida was in an accident, she was determined to become an artist. This could be included in art, but it could also feature in PSHE discussions. It also links to geography as it’s based in Mexico and this could lead to studying art from around the world.

[Sarah Olaleye née Kohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute story about a girl who became friends with Frida Kahlo, based on the true story of Mariana Morillo Safa. A lovely way to learn about the artist that allows children to identify with them as real people. Spoiler: it does include the story of Kahlo's accident, which may shock some younger readers.

[Figgy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review to come.

[Wendy Cordoba Rivas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as part of the literary list for a graduate course in children's literature. Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World: Famous Artists and the Children Who Knew Them, was awarded for its illustrations, written and illustrated by Laurence Anholt, (2016). Author and illustrator Laurence Anholt recalls memorable and sometimes funny moments when artists' lives were touched by children. Anholt's beautiful illustrations appear on every page and include reproductions of works by the artists. The plot of the book is that when Mariana goes to Frida Kahlo's house to have her portrait painted by the famous Mexican artist, she is afraid. She is afraid of the beautiful lady with her exotic pets. But as Frida paints Mariana, their friendship blossoms.
I recommend this book to be read by elementary students from 3rd to 5th grade, it is a book with a plot that allows the development of reading strategies, such as book club, character analysis, the author's point of view, retelling through the reading log in the journal. As well as it can be used for its magnificent illustrations and reproductions of the artists' works, it is a fun and educational story for the home or classroom, it is also a great series to be used as home school material, and it is a whole series of books for children to learn about the lives of important artists.

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding picture book biography introducing painter Frida Kahlo, told from a child's point of view. This is taken from "Anholt's Artists" series from Barron.

Anholt has based this book on an actual subject, fictionalizing what it might have been like to have a portrait painted by Kahlo. He imbues Kahlo with a kindness, warmth, and sense of humor that bring her to life as a living, breathing person - someone you would trust to bring out the best in a portrait of you. Anholt's artwork is stylized, yet filled with the same spirit and colors as found in Kahlo's artwork. This makes the six color photos of Kahlo's work that are included (5 of the Safa family and one of her self-portraits) pop. On the back endsheet is a B&W photo of Kahlo and a longer biography.

Fans will gain a deeper appreciation of this amazing woman. The backmatter biography includes enough information for a very short report.

Highly Recommended for grades PreS-6.

[Sara Balanis · Rating 5 out of 5]

My second grade students are studying artists of Mexico. I read this book to them in class to reinforce Kahlo'd importance as a feminist icon and they absolutely loved it. Especially the girls. When I showed them her photograph at the end of the book, there was a collective gasp around the room. "She's so beautiful!!" they said. This book inspires bravery to overcome all obstacles; and, I think, is especially important for girls in today's world.

[Tori Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anholt gave Kahlo a fair treatment. The story is engaging but is a little weird, a little dark, and a little annoyingly girl-power, but then I think that reflects well the artist he was portraying. Again, love the bio in the back and the photos of Kahlo's real works throughout the illustrations. Kahlo was weird, and I can't say my kids loved this book like they have the other in Anholt's Artists series.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book doesn't give much detail on Frida Kahlo's life, it still serves ass a sweet story and nice introduction to the artist. Both my daughter and I enjoyed the story and its colorful illustrations. We also much appreciated the biographical information on Kahlo in the back of the book.

[Beth Voecks · Rating 5 out of 5]

FABULOUS!!!!!! I love that the story isn't just another dry biography of the artist but a small opportunity to peek into the life of someone Frida touched. This story definitely touched my heart! :)

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet story that imagines the origins of a portrait Frida Kahlo painted. It depicts Kahlo as a generous mentor to the portrait’s subject. Definitely fictionalized, but captures parts of Kahlo’s biography. Recommended for grades K-2.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely book about the life of Frida Kahlo in the eyes of someone who knew her. A beautiful introduction to a great artist! My youngest loved it.

[CatJuggler · Rating 3 out of 5]

👍

[Linda Vinding · Rating 4 out of 5]

Børnenær historie om Frida Kahlo, idet den som fortællegreb tager udgangspunkt i en pige, der skal ha’ sit portræt malet hos Frida. Pigen er lidt bange, da hun har hørt om den mærkelige maler, der siges at have et skelet i sit soveværelse. De to bliver dog gode venner, og Frida fortæller pigen om sit liv, så meget som et barn nu kan kapere og relatere til. Bagerst “voksen” faktaafsnit om maleren. Fin historie og skønne illustrationer af forfatteren. Læst på dansk. Fra ca. 7 år.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a picture book for children, this doesn't go into the detail of Frida's life, but nonetheless, it is a useful snapshot of a time in her life. Beautifully illustrated.