The Two Fridas - by Frida Kahlo (Hardcover)

About the Book

Kept under lock and key for nearly 40 years, a private entry from Frida Kahlo's journal comes to life in this stunningly illustrated picture book.

Book Synopsis

Go inside the magical world of Frida Kahlo as she recalls an early childhood memory of her imaginary friend. Without trying to imitate Frida's unmistakable style, Gianluca Folì captures this fragment from her diary through stunning illustrations that provide a colorful backdrop for Frida's powerful voice.

• In these words, children will be given a window into the mind of this great artist and the great joy and happiness her imaginary friend brought to her during times of struggle.
• Along with biographical information about Frida Kahlo's childhood and her later work, The Two Fridas is a celebration of Frida Kahlo, her culture, and the magical, joyful, secret-filled friendship she shared and later captured in her painting.

Children will be encouraged to explore their own imaginary worlds, open up conversations, and build on their own creativity.

Review Quotes

Illustrating an excerpt from the diary of Frida Kahlo, this whimsical picture book captures the imagination of childhood and the enduring power of art to inspire, transform, and provide comfort and escape. Frida's black-and-white world becomes awash with color when she visits her imaginary friend. The love and laughter the two share stay with her as she grows, continuing to bloom within her art. Children will be encouraged to explore their creativity, while adults may be inspired to rekindle it. DANIELLE BALLANTYNE (March / April 2021)--Foreword Reviews


Folì's artwork goes beyond the typical bushy eyebrows that characterize Kahlo and focuses on the imaginative aspects of the world created by Frida. The backmatter gives insight to her life as a child who battled an illness that caused her to limp and the importance that being from Mexico played in her art.

Peculiarly beautiful. (Picture book/memoir. 5-8)

--Kirkus Reviews