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דיוקנה של אמנית: פרידה קאלו
פְרִידָה קָאלוֹ הָיְתָה אָמָּנִית מֶקְסִיקָנִית, וְחַיֶּיהָ הָיוּ מַזְהִירִים וְסַסְגּוֹנִיִּים כְּמוֹ צִיּוּרֶיהָ. בְּמַהֲלַךְ חַיֶּיהָ הִיא סָבְלָה מִמַּחֲלוֹת רַבּוֹת, אֲבָל אַף פַּעַם לֹא הִפְסִיקָה לְצַיֵּר. בִּזְכוּת כִּשְׁרוֹנָהּ וְכֹשֶׁר הַהַתְמָדָה שֶׁלָּהּ הִיא טִיְּלָה בְּכָל הָעוֹלָם. בְּכָל פַּעַם שֶׁהִתְחוֹלְלוּ בְּחַיֶּיהָ שֶׁל פְרִידָה דְּבָרִים נִפְלָאִים אוֹ קְשָׁיִים, הִיא מָצְאָה דֶּרֶךְ מְיֻחֶדֶת לְבַטֵּא אוֹתָם בְּצִיּוּרֶיהָ.
זֶהוּ סִפּוּרָהּ שֶׁל הַצַּיֶּרֶת הַמֶּקְסִיקָנִית הַגְּדוֹלָה בְּכָל הַזְּמַנִּים, וְסִפּוּר יְצִירוֹת הַמּוֹפֵת שֶׁלָּהּ – מְקור הַשְׁרָאָה גְּדוֹלָה מֵאֵין כָּמוֹהָ.
זֶהוּ סִפּוּרָהּ שֶׁל הַצַּיֶּרֶת הַמֶּקְסִיקָנִית הַגְּדוֹלָה בְּכָל הַזְּמַנִּים, וְסִפּוּר יְצִירוֹת הַמּוֹפֵת שֶׁלָּהּ – מְקור הַשְׁרָאָה גְּדוֹלָה מֵאֵין כָּמוֹהָ.
30 pages, Hardcover
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
August 12, 2019
Great little bio!
What a great introduction to Frida Kahlo! Even though this short biography is written for children, it kept my attention as an adult reader, and I learned things about the artist along the way.
The illustrations are bright and eye catching, and they transported me right into Frida's world. I love that pieces of her artwork are included on each page, and we learn more about each painting at the end of the narrative. This book definitely did its job!
If I had to quibble with anything, I'd say that in places in the illustrations, the perspective looks a little wonky. I did notice one minor layout issue that made it difficult to determine which one of three chunks of text should be read first.
Four stars. I'd love to see more titles added to this series!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a DRC of this book, which will be available for purchase on September 3rd.
What a great introduction to Frida Kahlo! Even though this short biography is written for children, it kept my attention as an adult reader, and I learned things about the artist along the way.
The illustrations are bright and eye catching, and they transported me right into Frida's world. I love that pieces of her artwork are included on each page, and we learn more about each painting at the end of the narrative. This book definitely did its job!
If I had to quibble with anything, I'd say that in places in the illustrations, the perspective looks a little wonky. I did notice one minor layout issue that made it difficult to determine which one of three chunks of text should be read first.
Four stars. I'd love to see more titles added to this series!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a DRC of this book, which will be available for purchase on September 3rd.
November 14, 2025
Wonderful book that will introduce young children to Frida Kahlo - the art in the book (by Sandra Dieckmann) is beautiful and complements the introduction of 10 of Kahlo's masterpieces. This book will serve as a 'gateway' to more of her work; I can see small children who have artistic talent really being influenced by this book.
August 11, 2019
Portrait of an Artist: Frida Kahlo by Lucy Brownridge is a book I requested from NetGalley and the review is voluntary. Wonderful book about the short but productive and creative life of Frida Kahlo! The book describes her illness and injury and how she got to painting in bed since she was bored. It told about her successes, her marriage, and more. The back of the book shows some of her paintings with information about each. This is an excellent book to meet this female artist.
November 4, 2025
⭐⭐.5
Pre-Read:
I will always read everything and anything having to do with Friday Kahlo 😍😍 Found this one on Libby.
Final review:
This is cute and beautiful artwork, but I think the author should have trusted her young readers with a more complete history.
I found a digital copy of PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST: FRIDA KAHLO by Lucy Brownridge on Libby.
Pre-Read:
I will always read everything and anything having to do with Friday Kahlo 😍😍 Found this one on Libby.
Final review:
This is cute and beautiful artwork, but I think the author should have trusted her young readers with a more complete history.
I found a digital copy of PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST: FRIDA KAHLO by Lucy Brownridge on Libby.
September 21, 2019
The book describes Frida's life in a short and concise way with all the pages filled with art of the artist with some of Frida's masterpieces incorporated in the background.
The art in each page was beautiful and colorful. I liked that the artist drew close to how Frida paints with similar colors too and that it filled the whole page.
Overall, it was a cute and nice read and I enjoyed reading each page.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with the digital copy for an honest review.
The art in each page was beautiful and colorful. I liked that the artist drew close to how Frida paints with similar colors too and that it filled the whole page.
Overall, it was a cute and nice read and I enjoyed reading each page.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with the digital copy for an honest review.
August 24, 2021
At first I was a little disappointed after reading this short picture book as I wanted more information on Frida Kahlo (love learning about her) and wanted to give it 3 stars. But as both the blurb and reviewers hs pointed out this is a book for kids and there for they left out some parts of her life as I don't think everything is "kid friendly" but I think they included a lot of the major things and had great pictures with a bonus of some of Frida Kahlos artworks as well
August 15, 2019
It was a real delight to get to read this (picture) book. Frida was a truly inspirational person, and this book sums up her life very nicely. Besides the pictures in the book (that I have to say are so Frida-like and beautiful), the part I appreciate the most is the author's success in portraying the artist's life and the background in which some of her most prized works of art are created. The author uses just a few sentences to truly summarize the life of the real contemporary art heroine.
August 20, 2019
This was magic! Although I know quite a bit about Frida Kahlo I wasn’t bored reading this book that was written for children. The illustrations were absolutely stunning and I loved reading the small analyses of her paintings in the back!
September 26, 2019
This picture book biography combines informative text, gorgeous, colorful illustrations, and well-placed reproductions of famous Kahlo works. I wanted to rate it four stars, but then I got to this paragraph:
"At this time, young married women in Mexico were expected to become mothers and full-time housewives. Frida already knew that she couldn't have children and she didn't let married life get in the way of her first love, which was painting."
Excuse me? What an AWFUL way to dismiss a woman's intense grief. I'm not sure if this author is ignorant or insensitive, but that is a terrible take on infertility. Frida Kahlo wanted children, and even though she knew that her pelvic injury from years prior would likely prevent that, she did conceive one child before losing him to miscarriage. She created the dark and haunting painting "Henry Ford Hospital" in the aftermath of her loss, and even though I can understand why the author might not want to include such a serious topic or sad painting in this book, there is no excuse for her to make it sound like motherhood was a bullet that Frida Kahlo was happy to dodge. That is not how she felt.
This incredibly dismissive paragraph ruined the book for me, and it sets a poor example for young readers. People can be passionate about their art and long for children! People can value their independence and also want a family! If you're going to address the topic of how careers and parenthood intersect, at least be honest about the real-life complexity of real people's desires, instead of making it sound like infertility is a convenient escape. Although some woman may sincerely feel that way, Frida Kahlo did not, and it is unjust to her and misleading to children to suggest that she did not struggle with her unfulfilled maternal desires.
"At this time, young married women in Mexico were expected to become mothers and full-time housewives. Frida already knew that she couldn't have children and she didn't let married life get in the way of her first love, which was painting."
Excuse me? What an AWFUL way to dismiss a woman's intense grief. I'm not sure if this author is ignorant or insensitive, but that is a terrible take on infertility. Frida Kahlo wanted children, and even though she knew that her pelvic injury from years prior would likely prevent that, she did conceive one child before losing him to miscarriage. She created the dark and haunting painting "Henry Ford Hospital" in the aftermath of her loss, and even though I can understand why the author might not want to include such a serious topic or sad painting in this book, there is no excuse for her to make it sound like motherhood was a bullet that Frida Kahlo was happy to dodge. That is not how she felt.
This incredibly dismissive paragraph ruined the book for me, and it sets a poor example for young readers. People can be passionate about their art and long for children! People can value their independence and also want a family! If you're going to address the topic of how careers and parenthood intersect, at least be honest about the real-life complexity of real people's desires, instead of making it sound like infertility is a convenient escape. Although some woman may sincerely feel that way, Frida Kahlo did not, and it is unjust to her and misleading to children to suggest that she did not struggle with her unfulfilled maternal desires.
August 23, 2019
Another excellent book in this series! It’s perfect for budding artists and any other older elementary child looking to learn more about the arts. The illustrations are all in the style of Frida Kahlo, adding to the overall mood. The lists found at the end of facts and her most famous paintings are a helpful resource. Highly recommended!
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
October 3, 2019
This book for children is a great introduction to the artist Frida Kahlo. It tells her biography in short paragraphs and shows Kahlo’s artwork during the different stages of her life which helps to see the connection between Kahlo’s experience and her paintings. The book also offers some interpretation of the paintings.
Frida Kahlo is undoubtedly an amazing and fascinating artist. However, a lot of her artwork is disturbing (e.g. The Two Fridas, The Wounded Deer, and even Roots). All in all, a really great book that I personally really enjoyed. BUT: I would not recommend showing it to very young children. (Amazon recommends 1) the age group of 7-10 years as well as 2) the grade level Kindergarden-2, the latter being too young, in my opinion).
Thank you NetGalley and Quarto Publishing for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Frida Kahlo is undoubtedly an amazing and fascinating artist. However, a lot of her artwork is disturbing (e.g. The Two Fridas, The Wounded Deer, and even Roots). All in all, a really great book that I personally really enjoyed. BUT: I would not recommend showing it to very young children. (Amazon recommends 1) the age group of 7-10 years as well as 2) the grade level Kindergarden-2, the latter being too young, in my opinion).
Thank you NetGalley and Quarto Publishing for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 12, 2019
Absolutely beautiful storytelling and artwork. I love Frida, and this is a very nice version of her story for children that showcases her strength and talent. I loved it!
February 5, 2020
Ένα πανέμορφο βιβλίο για παιδιά από 7 χρονών και πάνω. Η ζωή της Φρίντα Κάλο είναι ενδιαφέρουσα και θα μαγέψει τους μικρούς αναγνώστες. Είναι μια καλή ευκαιρία να μάθουν για το έργο της αλλά και τις δυσκολίες που αντιμετώπισε παλικαρίσια!
September 8, 2021
Quite inacurrate at some parts, but I guess it's cause it is a children book..
August 8, 2019
Part of ‘Portrait of an Artist’ series. Love that title.
Published by Wide Eyed Editions for young children and in my opinion will be adored by 4-10 year olds.
Written by Lucy Brownridge and beautifully illustrated by Sandra Dieckmann. The colour palate and design appears to reflect the artist and I feel this is a real bonus element that lifts the book above the average.
Lucy’s words are well expressed for the age range and the technical aspects of the art world are carefully outlined.
This book focuses on Frida Kahlo. A truly inspiring role model for our children and a story that as a child I was ignorant about. Indeed only as a adult through a Hollywood film has this artist become known to me.
I was encouraged to read of the fact that the generosity of the artists involved in her life was so inspiring and supportive. But I really appreciated Frida herself; her hard life, childhood illness and physical disability she overcame and endured in her life. However, her love of her country, Mexico with her passion and the inspiration she drew from her familiar surroundings marked her as a unique person.
She was overcoming obstacles from the beginning. It is her character, determination and resilience that makes me want to share her story with young enquiring minds.
Frida was self-taught. A women where art was a male dominated environment yet she maintained her style and personal approach, attitude to her own expressionist work.
This book clearly brings these issues to the fore and explains them simply where children can understand and be inspired into their lives.
Finally at a time, today, when the Mexican people are being marginalised, criminalised and denigrated in America, Frida, was enticed by New York society, although supportive of her husband initially she felt incomplete and homesick for Mexico.
The book presents this well and underscored her achievements. Like having a painting accepted into the Louvre. Her many self portraits.
However, what I share with you and celebrate in this book is the examples of her paintings that are incorporated into the pages of this book and her story. To be then explained in detail at the end of the book.
A great series and Frida leads the way with aplomb.
Published by Wide Eyed Editions for young children and in my opinion will be adored by 4-10 year olds.
Written by Lucy Brownridge and beautifully illustrated by Sandra Dieckmann. The colour palate and design appears to reflect the artist and I feel this is a real bonus element that lifts the book above the average.
Lucy’s words are well expressed for the age range and the technical aspects of the art world are carefully outlined.
This book focuses on Frida Kahlo. A truly inspiring role model for our children and a story that as a child I was ignorant about. Indeed only as a adult through a Hollywood film has this artist become known to me.
I was encouraged to read of the fact that the generosity of the artists involved in her life was so inspiring and supportive. But I really appreciated Frida herself; her hard life, childhood illness and physical disability she overcame and endured in her life. However, her love of her country, Mexico with her passion and the inspiration she drew from her familiar surroundings marked her as a unique person.
She was overcoming obstacles from the beginning. It is her character, determination and resilience that makes me want to share her story with young enquiring minds.
Frida was self-taught. A women where art was a male dominated environment yet she maintained her style and personal approach, attitude to her own expressionist work.
This book clearly brings these issues to the fore and explains them simply where children can understand and be inspired into their lives.
Finally at a time, today, when the Mexican people are being marginalised, criminalised and denigrated in America, Frida, was enticed by New York society, although supportive of her husband initially she felt incomplete and homesick for Mexico.
The book presents this well and underscored her achievements. Like having a painting accepted into the Louvre. Her many self portraits.
However, what I share with you and celebrate in this book is the examples of her paintings that are incorporated into the pages of this book and her story. To be then explained in detail at the end of the book.
A great series and Frida leads the way with aplomb.
August 17, 2019
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Portrait of an Artist: Frida Kahlo is an illustrated biography of Frida Kahlo aimed at young readers (6-10 years). Due out 3rd Sept 2019 from Quarto on their Wide Eyed Editions imprint, it's 32 pages and will be available in hardcover format.
This is an appealing full color illustrated short biography and it's part of the Portrait of an Artist series including children's biographies for luminaries such as Van Gogh, Monet, and Georgia O'Keeffe. I think the author does an admirable job of honestly presenting Kahlo's life in an age-appropriate manner. The typesetting and coloring are well done and it's especially impressive that the contrast is consistent and the text shows well and readably on all the different background colors. The art by Sandra Dieckmann is energetic and colorfully appealing.
There is a short interpretational resource list at the back of the book showing some of Frida's major works with an explanatory paragraph about the symbolism. This would make a good group read or resource book for a classroom unit on different artists as well as a nice read for an art interested youngster.
Well done and enjoyable. Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Portrait of an Artist: Frida Kahlo is an illustrated biography of Frida Kahlo aimed at young readers (6-10 years). Due out 3rd Sept 2019 from Quarto on their Wide Eyed Editions imprint, it's 32 pages and will be available in hardcover format.
This is an appealing full color illustrated short biography and it's part of the Portrait of an Artist series including children's biographies for luminaries such as Van Gogh, Monet, and Georgia O'Keeffe. I think the author does an admirable job of honestly presenting Kahlo's life in an age-appropriate manner. The typesetting and coloring are well done and it's especially impressive that the contrast is consistent and the text shows well and readably on all the different background colors. The art by Sandra Dieckmann is energetic and colorfully appealing.
There is a short interpretational resource list at the back of the book showing some of Frida's major works with an explanatory paragraph about the symbolism. This would make a good group read or resource book for a classroom unit on different artists as well as a nice read for an art interested youngster.
Well done and enjoyable. Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
August 22, 2019
This is a beautifully illustrated children's book about the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. The book manages to tell the story of her life in a simple yet captivating way. The illustrations are bright and beautiful just like Frida's paintings and convey the way in which Frida lived her life to the full despite having to deal with health problems and injuries.
We are told a story about a gifted woman who refused to be discouraged by life or corralled by cultural or societal expectations. I enjoyed reading this so much that it is going on my list of exquisite reads of 2019.
This an excellent book, telling us about the life of a talented and excellent artist. It will be a wonderful gift for any child or adult, and having read it I now want to know more about Frida.
Copy provided via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
We are told a story about a gifted woman who refused to be discouraged by life or corralled by cultural or societal expectations. I enjoyed reading this so much that it is going on my list of exquisite reads of 2019.
This an excellent book, telling us about the life of a talented and excellent artist. It will be a wonderful gift for any child or adult, and having read it I now want to know more about Frida.
Copy provided via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
September 21, 2019
Frida Kahlo lived a short, but quite adventurous life. I like how the author managed to summarize it for children. And the pictures displayed in the book are also very suggestive of this. The illustrations are similar to Frida Kahlo's style, making it easier for the child to identify the artist.
"Discover the Artist Behind the Masterpieces" is a collection of books worth having on our children's bookshelves!
Thank you to Net Galley and Quarto Publishing Group - Wide Eyed Editions for providing me with an e-book copy in exchange for my honest review!
"Discover the Artist Behind the Masterpieces" is a collection of books worth having on our children's bookshelves!
Thank you to Net Galley and Quarto Publishing Group - Wide Eyed Editions for providing me with an e-book copy in exchange for my honest review!
December 21, 2020
Portrait of an Artist: Frida Kahlo by Lucy Brownridge is a beautiful little book showcasing a Mexican artist. It's a quick overview of her life and art that illustrated beautifully. It's fun how her painting were incorporated into the illustrations!
March 8, 2023
The illustrations are stunning and are easily 5 stars. But trying to compartmentalise Frida Kahlo into a thin book for children is hard and I don't think the writer has adequately conveys this for a child's audience. I'm not sure in fairness it can be done because Kahlo had a lot of complex experiences in her life that is hard to make "child friendly". One of which being her love affairs and her relationship with Diego Rivera, who is portrayed has a tubby cheerful fellow in equal partnership with Kahlo. Even with a basic awareness of Kahlo's life we know that wasn't the case and it's a misrepresentation to use this as "child friendly". Her relationships with women and Trotsky are other cases in point which would have, I believe, impacted her artistry. Furthermore I don't think it is is fair to Kahlo to dismiss so readily her desire to be a mother. Especially since in more than one painting Kahlo reveals the depths of her pain of stillbirth. While it is true Kahlo lived unconventionally in a more conservative time, in terms of wife and motherhood expectations in society, it's not accurate to have her shrug away motherhood/wife simply because she couldn't give birth to a living child and she was unconventional as a stereotypical wife. I am quite aware that this book is centred simply for children, however, this book no matter the intended audience doesn't do justice to Kahlo as an artist, a woman, a wife and yes, she was a mother.
September 25, 2019
Es un libro espectacular que gustará no solo a los niños, sino también a los adultos. Resulta tan atractivo que te atrapa y no puedes dejar de mirar cada detalle en cada página.
Los dibujos que acompañan el texto, son a página completa, con colores muy llamativos y alegres que nos transmiten mucha energía y están en perfecta sintonía con el estilo de Frida Kahlo. En conjunto resultan tan llamativos como los cuadros de la artista que aquí aparecen.
Reseña completa en: https://libroshappy.org/portrait-of-a...
Los dibujos que acompañan el texto, son a página completa, con colores muy llamativos y alegres que nos transmiten mucha energía y están en perfecta sintonía con el estilo de Frida Kahlo. En conjunto resultan tan llamativos como los cuadros de la artista que aquí aparecen.
Reseña completa en: https://libroshappy.org/portrait-of-a...
August 15, 2019
Starting with a gorgeous cover design, Portrait of an Artist: Frida Kahlo is a perfect introduction to one of Mexico’s most iconic painters, and not just for children, though the book is written for ages seven to ten. Like other books in the Discover the Artist Behind the Masterpieces series, the text tells an engaging, age-appropriate biography with gorgeous illustrations. The art echoes the style of Frida Kahlo and includes reproductions of her iconic work paired with a time in her life that likely inspired it, such as the famous painting of she and Diego Rivera featured on a page describing their marriage and with an illustration of the wedding. The final page of the book pairs three paintings with a brief explanation of their meaning which is a great introduction to how to look at art.
What I really loved about the book was that while it provided an explanation of how events and feelings in her life inspired and were expressed in her work, it also highlighted her social activism on behalf of equality and fair pay. The challenges of being a female artist at the time and all her accomplishments were emphasized. Additionally, Brownridge explains how Kahlo felt homesick for Mexico when living in the United States. All these topics are wonderful discussion starters.
Portrait of an Artist: Frida Kahlo won’t just help children learn about Frida Kahlo. It will inspire them to overcome challenges and teach them about women’s history. It is definitely a book I would purchase for young readers.
Thank you to NetGalley and Wide Eyed Editions (Quarto Publishing Group) for an advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
What I really loved about the book was that while it provided an explanation of how events and feelings in her life inspired and were expressed in her work, it also highlighted her social activism on behalf of equality and fair pay. The challenges of being a female artist at the time and all her accomplishments were emphasized. Additionally, Brownridge explains how Kahlo felt homesick for Mexico when living in the United States. All these topics are wonderful discussion starters.
Portrait of an Artist: Frida Kahlo won’t just help children learn about Frida Kahlo. It will inspire them to overcome challenges and teach them about women’s history. It is definitely a book I would purchase for young readers.
Thank you to NetGalley and Wide Eyed Editions (Quarto Publishing Group) for an advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 21, 2019
Oh my God, this book is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! The full page illustrations are absolutely divine and are easily the best part about this simple, short biography of the life of Frida Kahlo as an artist. I want to rip out the pages to put on my wall!! (Thankfully I received a digital copy so I can easily resist the temptation of this sacrilege).
The writing is nice and simple to understand for the young reader, although the text does seem to be a bit small in my opinion. However, this may be because I read this book in digital form and the formatting might have been a bit off. I personally would say this book is great for readers aged 6-10 based on what my own literacy level as a child was. And suitable for younger readers if read aloud! Although this book is marketed for children, I absolutely think this would make a great coffee table book too.
My only criticisms of this book are perhaps the lack of commentary surrounding her ideological beliefs. Whilst I realise this is a book for children, it would have been nice to see how her legacy has lived on as an icon for feminist, LGBT, and Mexican civil rights movements. Her political involvement is a big part of what she's known for, although I understand that this may be too hard to explain in a book for children.
Overall, I would definitely say that I learnt a few things from this book! It was very informative in an easy to understand way. If your child is interested in learning about important artists, or you just love pretty illustrations, this is the book for you!
I received a free ARC of this book from the publisher on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
The writing is nice and simple to understand for the young reader, although the text does seem to be a bit small in my opinion. However, this may be because I read this book in digital form and the formatting might have been a bit off. I personally would say this book is great for readers aged 6-10 based on what my own literacy level as a child was. And suitable for younger readers if read aloud! Although this book is marketed for children, I absolutely think this would make a great coffee table book too.
My only criticisms of this book are perhaps the lack of commentary surrounding her ideological beliefs. Whilst I realise this is a book for children, it would have been nice to see how her legacy has lived on as an icon for feminist, LGBT, and Mexican civil rights movements. Her political involvement is a big part of what she's known for, although I understand that this may be too hard to explain in a book for children.
Overall, I would definitely say that I learnt a few things from this book! It was very informative in an easy to understand way. If your child is interested in learning about important artists, or you just love pretty illustrations, this is the book for you!
I received a free ARC of this book from the publisher on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
August 8, 2019
This book is part of a new series from Wide Eyed editions. Each will feature the biography and work of a well known artist and is geared for elementary school students. If this book is anything to go by, this will be an informative and beautifully illustrated series.
The book includes many of the important aspects of the artist's life from her polio and devastating accident to her meeting Diego Rivera and her travels to places including the U.S. and France, where she was the first Mexican artist to find her work in the Louvre. There is also information about how Kahlo painted, what she painted and her love of Mexico. The illustrations are much in the style of the artist and many of her paintings are featured in the background of the text. At the end of the book, the reader can learn more about Kahlo and her works of art.
Some quotes:
Frida liked to paint lots of outfits or versions of herself in the same picture. She did this to show what it was like to feel like lots of different people, all rolled into one body.
Sometimes Frida felt on top of the world! When she felt like this, her paintings would be filled with sunny colors and Mexican plants from her garden. Sometimes Frida felt low and frustrated that one of her legs was always more tired than the other. When she felt like this, her paintings were filled with gloomy colors.
This book deserves its place in school and home libraries. It is a wonderful way for children to learn about art history.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read in exchange for an honest review.
The book includes many of the important aspects of the artist's life from her polio and devastating accident to her meeting Diego Rivera and her travels to places including the U.S. and France, where she was the first Mexican artist to find her work in the Louvre. There is also information about how Kahlo painted, what she painted and her love of Mexico. The illustrations are much in the style of the artist and many of her paintings are featured in the background of the text. At the end of the book, the reader can learn more about Kahlo and her works of art.
Some quotes:
Frida liked to paint lots of outfits or versions of herself in the same picture. She did this to show what it was like to feel like lots of different people, all rolled into one body.
Sometimes Frida felt on top of the world! When she felt like this, her paintings would be filled with sunny colors and Mexican plants from her garden. Sometimes Frida felt low and frustrated that one of her legs was always more tired than the other. When she felt like this, her paintings were filled with gloomy colors.
This book deserves its place in school and home libraries. It is a wonderful way for children to learn about art history.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2019
In a world with so much emphasis on STEM topics, I think this series featuring artists is a valuable component to children's education. The book introduces young readers to artists, providing not only biographical information but offering selections of their work. I love how the illustrators for this series have sought to tell the story through pictures that are in a similar style as the artist themselves--almost as if, the author is illustrating their own story.
One bit of caution, in this particular story, there are some paintings with unclothed models. There are only a few and a parent could add some artfully arranged post-its over those paintings. Just wanted to give the heads up. I like reading aloud these stories to my children so I can explain (and occasionally skim over) areas that children may find difficult to understand.
The vibrancy of the illustrations really bring this artist's story alive. There is so much to see and explore on each and every page. It will be a book that will beg to be read again to make new discoveries after each reading. Grab your copy of this beautiful book and bring the arts alive for a new generation!
Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of Portrait of an Artist: Frida Kahlo from NetGalley for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received.
One bit of caution, in this particular story, there are some paintings with unclothed models. There are only a few and a parent could add some artfully arranged post-its over those paintings. Just wanted to give the heads up. I like reading aloud these stories to my children so I can explain (and occasionally skim over) areas that children may find difficult to understand.
The vibrancy of the illustrations really bring this artist's story alive. There is so much to see and explore on each and every page. It will be a book that will beg to be read again to make new discoveries after each reading. Grab your copy of this beautiful book and bring the arts alive for a new generation!
Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of Portrait of an Artist: Frida Kahlo from NetGalley for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received.
September 23, 2019
I cannot say enough nice things about the Portrait of an Artist series, and this book about Frida Kahlo does not disappoint. This book follows Kahlo’s life from a young girl into adulthood and highlights her painting achievements. Also, brownie points for telling of Kahlo’s place in fighting for equal rights for all people, and for mentioning that she did go back to Mexico while Diego was still in the USA because that was what she needed at the time. This was the perfect amount of girl power without being too much!
Brownridge’s words are so kind, informative, and hit right at the suggested age range. Dieckmann did a wonderful job with the art and color palette, and it blended beautifully with Kahlo’s style. The book was beautiful and informative and would be a perfect addition to any child or school’s library.
Loved: That Brownridge informs young readers that Kahlo wasn’t always happy, she had bad days like all of us, but that didn’t stop her from pursuing her dreams of painting.
Disliked: There wasn’t anything that I disliked about this book.
I would totally gift/recommend this book for any child (curious about art or not), school or class libraries, and even adults who love art and picture books.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
Brownridge’s words are so kind, informative, and hit right at the suggested age range. Dieckmann did a wonderful job with the art and color palette, and it blended beautifully with Kahlo’s style. The book was beautiful and informative and would be a perfect addition to any child or school’s library.
Loved: That Brownridge informs young readers that Kahlo wasn’t always happy, she had bad days like all of us, but that didn’t stop her from pursuing her dreams of painting.
Disliked: There wasn’t anything that I disliked about this book.
I would totally gift/recommend this book for any child (curious about art or not), school or class libraries, and even adults who love art and picture books.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
August 30, 2019
Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group - Wide Eyed Editions for granting my wish for a digital edition via NetGalley of ‘Portrait of an Artist: Frida Kahlo’, written by Lucy Brownridge and illustrated by Sandra Dieckmann, in exchange for an honest review. It will be published on the 3rd September.
This lovely book is intended for children and serves as a brief introduction to the life, work and legacy of Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo.
Its text is simple, befitting its young audience and incorporates a number of her paintings into its lovely illustrations. Although my preview was in low resolution, I have seen some images from the finished edition and they are exquisite, bursting with the kind of vibrant colours and rich symbolism used by Frida in her art.
I consider Kahlo not only a great artist but an inspiration given her resilience in the face of her illnesses and the legacy of her accident. Given that this is a children’s book the less conventional aspects of her marriage are not mentioned.
I applaud the publishers for commissioning this series of artist biographies and seeking to encourage an appreciation of art in younger readers. A wonderful resource for parents and teachers.
Just perfection.
This lovely book is intended for children and serves as a brief introduction to the life, work and legacy of Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo.
Its text is simple, befitting its young audience and incorporates a number of her paintings into its lovely illustrations. Although my preview was in low resolution, I have seen some images from the finished edition and they are exquisite, bursting with the kind of vibrant colours and rich symbolism used by Frida in her art.
I consider Kahlo not only a great artist but an inspiration given her resilience in the face of her illnesses and the legacy of her accident. Given that this is a children’s book the less conventional aspects of her marriage are not mentioned.
I applaud the publishers for commissioning this series of artist biographies and seeking to encourage an appreciation of art in younger readers. A wonderful resource for parents and teachers.
Just perfection.
August 9, 2019
Having had to dismiss the van Gogh entrant to this series for just getting too much factually wrong, it's brilliant to say this volume nails its subject. It shows Frida doing a lot more than just the painting that was pretty much all Vincent did, but we still get to see real images of her finished portraits and other artworks at relevant times. What we do see perfectly lines up with her life story – her in bed struggling to work through the pain of polio and her injuries to paint on an easel propped across her legs, meeting Diego Rivera, marrying him, watching him hard at work in the USA she found herself leaving alone… All the while relevant art is appropriately hung within the image, and we are told at the book's close about each Kahlo piece that we spotted decorating the very story of Kahlo herself. It's such a simple and obvious format, but I don't remember seeing it being done before. The designs by the book's creators are once again totally in keeping and in style with the subject's oeuvre. And as a primer to the subject, this is perfectly judged.
August 10, 2019
The Portrait of an Artist series by Lucy Brownridge is an excellent way to introduce the work and history of important artists to people of all ages. The illustrations are colorful and will appeal to pre-readers and although the content is written for children, it is interesting enough to engage adult readers. The Portrait of an Artist: Frida Kahlo was illustrated by Sandra Dieckmann and Kahlo's works are set into the gorgeous landscapes that cover each two-page fold. The facts included about Kahlo are selected to represent her life and the stages of her work and are perfect as discussion starters for art and expanded topics, such as emotional awareness, interpersonal interactions, and social activism. Brownridge was able to include a rich vocabulary and glossary of Frida Kahlo's most famous works. This book would be a perfect gift for a budding art lover or a seasoned art aficionado.
August 11, 2019
Thanks to Quarto Publishing Group and NetGalley for the Advance Review Copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is a really lovely little children's book about the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. I myself was introduced to Kahlo in my early adolescence by my absolutely amazing and inspirational art teacher. I remember being completely entranced by Kahlo's art and learning about her life. I think I'd really have appreciated a book like this to introduce me to her.
The colours and artwork in the book are vibrant and eye-catching to hold children's interest. I liked the way Kahlo's artworks were incorporated with the illustrations as the story progressed.
The book showcases Kahlo's many artistic achievements, her proud Mexican identity and her feminist ideology. There's no sniff of Diego's infidelity and her Communist beliefs but hey, it's a kids book after all.
A really nice book to introduce to a younger person to pique or further develop an interest in art.
This is a really lovely little children's book about the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. I myself was introduced to Kahlo in my early adolescence by my absolutely amazing and inspirational art teacher. I remember being completely entranced by Kahlo's art and learning about her life. I think I'd really have appreciated a book like this to introduce me to her.
The colours and artwork in the book are vibrant and eye-catching to hold children's interest. I liked the way Kahlo's artworks were incorporated with the illustrations as the story progressed.
The book showcases Kahlo's many artistic achievements, her proud Mexican identity and her feminist ideology. There's no sniff of Diego's infidelity and her Communist beliefs but hey, it's a kids book after all.
A really nice book to introduce to a younger person to pique or further develop an interest in art.
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