Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos by Monica Brown is the story of legendary Mexican artist Frida Kahlo from early childhood into adulthood. We learn that Frida developed her love of painting after a series of accidents and illnesses. Considering the true story, I’m glad this version is watered down for children.
One particular part of the story mentions Frida’s legs being different, it talks of children making fun of her and how this didn’t stop her. I would have loved for the book to go a little bit further and explain what was different about her legs as a child. My daughter pointed this out to me, as she wanted to know why her legs were different. Instead of saying “she had a sickness”– I believe saying she had ‘polio’ would have been helpful. I see no problem with young children knowing about the disease.
The illustrations are gorgeous. Bold beautiful colors parallel some of Kahlo’s own work. The bold use of colorful, reminiscent of Mexican art, only enhances this story’s beauty. I would want to own this book for the illustrations alone.
The back of the book features a biography that you can read to your child if you choose. I appreciated the additional information, I don’t know much about Kahlo, but I am prompted to now learn more about her because of this book.
I would have loved a few additional pages featuring some of Kahlo’ s work. Hopefully, there is a children’s publisher waiting in the wings to get this done.
I would have also loved footnotes for pronunciation purposes. The biggest thing I love doing is teaching my children how to pronounce or sound out words. Learning new words is always a challenge–a key would be helpful.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
You can purchase Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos below:
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Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos by Monica Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos by Monica Brown is the story of legendary Mexican artist Frida Kahlo from early childhood into adulthood. We learn that Frida developed her love of painting after…
Water, melanin, bones, blood. In route to death, while I’m here, might as well get shit accomplished.
Photographer, fitness enthusiast, blogger, and mother of two.
