Frida Kahlo

Getting to Know the World's Greatest Artists

by Mike Venezia

Discusses the life of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, including her childhood, her art, and her marriage to Diego Rivera

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

32 pages, Library Binding

First published March 1, 1999

Reviews

[Susan Liston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard to rate this, as I mainly read it out of curiosity as to how what you would write in a child's book about Frida. But I was duly impressed. Although no, they don't get to show any of her gorier work or mention her affair with Trotsky or how her husband slept with her sister, etc.
Actually I think reading a juvie book is the best way to get a quick grasp on a subject one is trying to get a handle on from scratch.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Venezia's brilliant bio gives not too much and not too little about this fascinating artist. Perfect for all elementary ages.

[Mileena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frida Kahlo
3.5/5 stars

Again, because of the movie Frida, this didn't tell me much that I didn't already know. And a big fault with this was that it spent way too much time for a 30 page book, focusing on other history and Diego. I understand that he helped motivate her and initially out her in the public eye but come on, Frida was only featured in one page of Diego's book.

But I love hearing her story and seeing her gorgeous art and her beautiful face.

[Doris Lucas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about Frida’s life. She is a famous artist and overcomes a lot of struggles within her life. This would be great for a lesson for famous artists and would also be great to read in an art class or even for an art unit or lesson within your own classroom. Students will enjoy the combination of cartoons, photographs, and artwork.

[Heidi Burkhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a terrific book about Kahlo. Venezia’s style lends itself to being an engaging choice for kids as young as four, but are written mainly for upper elementary students.

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

An okay introduction to Frida Kahlo's life and work, although I think I could have done without the silly cartoons which Venezia sprinkled throughout the book.

[Ammie · Rating 4 out of 5]

These bios are bite size and just right for my nine year old and I to read together and discuss.

[Jenn Georges]

Enjoyed teading this book excellent book to show informational text and text features to kids. Learn about a famous painter. I like the format and all the pictures and paintings that were included

[Laura Scherbing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book for 4th and 5th grade Art students!

[fiona · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Two Fridas (1939) Oil on Canvas

this is one of my favourite paintings ever (those hearts are on my tattoo list)

[Courtney Weber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personal Reaction: I learned a lot about Frida Kahlo in Spanish class my sophomore year of high school. It was fun and informational to read up on her again in english this time! She is truly an inspiring woman, and I loved reading into more detail about her.

Read Aloud: This would be great for a lesson on a Biography (obviously). This would be great to read in an art class or even for an art unit or lesson within your own classroom. I would Frida's biography and to go along with it, try an have students paint a painting of their own that was similar to that of Frida's.

Independent Read: This book would be good for a 2nd or 3rd grade level. The book was a easy read, but it was about painting styles and things that younger children may not understand. This book would be good for this grade level because they made the book simpler to understand and did not use huge words that kids this age may not get (going any younger may be difficult).

For nonfiction: This book has a page in the back that is different than most biography books. It shares where all of Frida's paintings are shown throughout the world. This could be a fun lesson plan to teach as well. You could tie in the book and the painting into a history lesson on place where this painting is to make it a little more relative.

[Paula Jang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this book 5 stars for the easy, fun read. As it focuses on the artist, Frida Kahlo, it differs from your typical biography because it's filled with pictures of photos, fun comics, and paintings done by Frida and her husband, Diego Rivera. The print is also a larger size so it makes it easier for young readers. Highly recommend for young artists out there!

[Ashton · Rating 1 out of 5]

A new artist came to her school.His name was called Diego Rivera.On her way home a terrific accident happened.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love making cross curricular connections and this will make a great addition to our study of Mexico. Students will enjoy the combination of cartoons, photographs and authentic art work.

[Gabriela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good intro to Frida's life and art! Great for kids!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

J 759 Ven

[Maya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Frida Kahlo and am very interested in her life and her art so when my seven year old daughter brought this book home from her school library I was excited to read it with her. It was very clear and written in a way that makes it easy for children to understand and follow along without losing interest as well as showing some of her works as well as a few others. I would indeed recommend this book for children.