annieb123's review
4.0
A gentle and colorfully painted biography of Frida Kahlo aimed at a young audience. The book is age appropriate and deals with the tragic parts of Kahlo's life in a good manner, not neglecting to mention them, but not dwelling on her illnesses or chronic pain or difficulties either.
The focus of the book is Frida and her animals. The animals which are represented in her paintings are listed in the afterword biography along with dates.
The book is full of small background history such as the fact that her dogs were Xolo, a hairless breed known to the Aztecs.
The art itself is very colorful and primitive and does a good job of being reminiscent without attempting to copy Kahlo's style. The paintings and narrative go well together.
The book would be well received by any young reader and could be well used in a unit on art history.
I liked how the illustrations in the book included reminders of her chronic pain and difficulties, such as a wheelchair and prosthesis, without explicitly overemphasizing them. I think it would resonate well with a reading group of youngsters to maybe see that people are more similar than they had thought.
Beautiful book, well written. Very basic but a good introduction for further reading.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.
The focus of the book is Frida and her animals. The animals which are represented in her paintings are listed in the afterword biography along with dates.
The book is full of small background history such as the fact that her dogs were Xolo, a hairless breed known to the Aztecs.
The art itself is very colorful and primitive and does a good job of being reminiscent without attempting to copy Kahlo's style. The paintings and narrative go well together.
The book would be well received by any young reader and could be well used in a unit on art history.
I liked how the illustrations in the book included reminders of her chronic pain and difficulties, such as a wheelchair and prosthesis, without explicitly overemphasizing them. I think it would resonate well with a reading group of youngsters to maybe see that people are more similar than they had thought.
Beautiful book, well written. Very basic but a good introduction for further reading.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.
juliamp123's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
aprilthelibrarian's review
5.0
Beautiful artwork, and I loved learning about Frida. I actually didn't know a lot about her, but the woman loved keeping some exotic pets! Plus, due to her frequent illnesses, she found her love of art since she was often kept to her bed.
ljrinaldi's review
3.0
If I just wanted to introduce children to the idea of Frida Kahlo, this might be a good way to do this. I would never have though of focusing on her animals, but whatever works.
However, there are no examples of her actual paintings anywhere in the book, although there is a brief, more detailed bio at the end of the book.
Without the images of the paintings, it makes me wonder if a child, reading this book, would understand how important this artist was, or what she went through in her life, or anything special, such as how she promoted indigenous art and dress.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
However, there are no examples of her actual paintings anywhere in the book, although there is a brief, more detailed bio at the end of the book.
Without the images of the paintings, it makes me wonder if a child, reading this book, would understand how important this artist was, or what she went through in her life, or anything special, such as how she promoted indigenous art and dress.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
seyfert's review
4.0
Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos is a short, wonderful children's book that talks about the life of artist Frida Kahlo as well as all her pets. It gives a unique look at another aspect of the artist's life that is not as widely discussed even as clear as it is in her paintings. For any child wanting to learn a little more about such an artist, and be able to connect with such a figure, this is a good place to start.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
mirandabetz's review
5.0
Give me a good Frida biography and I’m a happy camper. I love how this one focuses on her animals and how they paralleled her own wild, vibrant personality.
hkburke2's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
Wait this is adorable. I've never listened to a picture book before but it was so fun with the animal sounds!
stenaros's review
3.0
Read for Librarian Book Group
Picture book about what the title says. (Aside: I heard a picture book author talk recently, and he said, "This isn't independent cinema. We know what the ending will be.")
I liked the use of color, and the age-appropriate version of Kahlo's biography.
Picture book about what the title says. (Aside: I heard a picture book author talk recently, and he said, "This isn't independent cinema. We know what the ending will be.")
I liked the use of color, and the age-appropriate version of Kahlo's biography.
libraryrobin's review
3.0
A variety of pets keep her company, inspire, and comfort her as she paints and deals with health issues.