Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos - by Monica Brown

Book Synopsis

A celebration of one of the world's most influential painters, Frida Kahlo, and the animals that inspired her art and life--now available in paperback!

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

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.

Monica Brown's story recounts pivotal moments in Frida's life and the beloved pets who comforted her along the way--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. John Parra's bold-colored art, reminiscent of Frida's palette, make this biography a warm and wonder-filled offering for Frida Kahlo fans old and new.

Review Quotes

"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"

"Expressive acrylic paintings expertly evoke Kahlo's style and color palette."-- "Kirkus Reviews"

"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, 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"

"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."-- "School Library Journal"

About the Author

Monica Brown, PhD, is the award- winning author of Waiting for the Biblioburro/ Esperando el Biblioburro, Marisol McDonald Doesn't Match/no combina, and the Lola Levine chapter book series, including Lola Levine Is Not Mean; Lola Levine, Drama Queen; and Lola Levine and the Ballet Scheme. She lives in Arizona with her family and teaches at Northern Arizona University. Find out more at www.monicabrown.net.

John Parra is an award-winning illustrator, designer, teacher, and fine art painter. His children's books have earned many awards, including the SCBWI Golden Kite Award, ALA's Pura Belpré Honors, the Christopher Award, the International Latino Book Award, and many more. In 2015 John was invited by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York to present a special event about his work and career in art and illustration; and in 2017 John's art appeared on six Forever postal stamps from the USPS titled "Delicioso." He lives with his wife, Maria, in Queens, New York. Find out more at: www.johnparraart.com