It’s been an exceptional experience working on this book with author Monica Brown and illustrator John Parra! Everyone at NorthSouth loved the story of how Frida’s animalitos played into her personality, and as the text came together with John Parra’s inspired artwork we knew we had something very special!
Brown’s story recounts Frida’s beloved pets—two monkeys, a parrot, three dogs, two turkeys, an eagle, a black cat, and a fawn—and playfully considers how Frida embodied many wonderful characteristics of each animal.
At this point, the book has been named to several awards and lists including:
Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor 2018
ALA Notable Children’s Book 2018
New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Book of 2017
Barnes & Noble Best Book of 2017
Smithsonian Top Ten Best Children’s Book of 2017
2018 Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year
