Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos
Based on the life of one of the world’s most influential painters, Frida Kahlo, and the animals that inspired her art and life.
The fascinating Mexican artist Frida Kahlo is remembered for her self-portraits, her dramatic works featuring bold and vibrant colors. Her work brought attention to Mexican and indigenous culture and she is also renowned for her works celebrating the female form.
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.
Expressive acrylic paintings expertly evoke Kahlo's style and color palette.
Vicky Smith, Kirkus Reviews
With their folk-art sensibility, Parra’s elegant acrylic paintings evoke Kahlo’s style, her palette and her Mexican environment, but he creates a mood of harmony with the natural world and a lively, cheerful abundance all his own.
New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books 2017
This unique and gorgeous take on the famous figure’s work will give children an accessible entry point to an important artist. A good choice for picture book biography shelves.
Shelley M. Diaz, School Library Journal
Parra’s warm, weathered paintings are done in a flattened, folk-art style that vividly evokes the Mexican environment and “heritage of which she was very proud.”
Publishers Weekly
Featuring charming visuals and lively, often lyrical prose, this picture book introduces Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, interweaving biographical details while highlighting her special relationships with pets...Rich-hued, folk art–style illustrations incorporate evocative touches, fanciful details, and collagelike compositions.
Booklist
Not the first Frida Kahlo picture book biography and certainly not the last, but maybe one of the most successful...Plus you get John Parra’s art as an extra bonus. That guy’s amazing.
Elizabeth Bird, A Fuse #8 Production
- Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor , 2018
- ALA Notable Children's Book, 2018
- Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year, 2018
- New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children's Book, 2017
- Barnes & Noble Best Book, 2017
- Smithsonian Top Ten Best Children's Book, 2017
- Society of Illustrators, Original Art, 2017
