Happy Friday to you! Kids are heading into summer vacation mode with time to play, read, and make art on their own terms. If you haven't read this wonderful biography of Frida Kahlo, this summer would be wonderful time to meet the artist and her many beloved animals.
Title: Frida Kahlo and her Animalitos
Written by: Monica Brown
Illustrated by: John Parra
Publisher: North South Books, 2017
Pura Belpre Honor Book
Themes: art, biography, imagination, pets
About the book: This picture book biography of the artist Frida Kahlo is the story of her life as seen through her relationship with her many beloved pets.
Why I love this book: I too love animals. Frida's pets were grand and varied. I wonder what it would be like to have monkey's as pets?
Animals and art were therapy for Frida. This would be a wonderful introduction for children who have health problems or may be struggling emotionally. It tells a child she/he is not alone and gives them ways to move through the difficult times.
Art is so important. As they say, "Earth without art is Eh." This book is a double dose of art. First the story of an artist and secondly, the artwork created by John Parra. I had the opportunity to listen and watch as he showed us how he creates his illustrations. Each illustration is many many layers of paint with cutting and masking of sections, building up to the final piece. You can learn more about his process here.
We need more art. Kids need to make art and be exposed to art. This book does that in spades!
A couple articles on the importance of making art which Arree Chung posted on his Facebook page and I share with you here:
https://www.thestage.co.uk/news/2019/arts-teaching-become-important-maths-tech-based-future-education-expert
https://www.edutopia.org/video/powerful-effects-drawing-learning
Activities:
- Color a picture of Frida Kahlo
- Draw a self-portrait. What are your your favorite features? Who would be in the portrait with you?
- Experiment with different art styles.
- Visit an art museum, gallery, and/or local artists group to see what types of art other people are making. In my town, our art league shows their artwork at two local libraries throughout the year and offers a day of art for kids at a summer event.
- Learn more about Frida Kahlo
- Find out about the Pura Belpre Award
- Learn more about the Illustrator, John Parra
- Learn more about the author, Monica Brown
- Take some time to understand the meaning of the Spanish words in the book. You may even want to begin learning the language. Many public libraries offer access to online language learning programs. If you are taking a trip with lots of travel time, you could all learn together. Be sure to join the Summer Reading Program too. You and your kids will be more prepared than ever to head back to a new school year in the fall.
Be sure to check out Susanna Hill's Blog where you can look for reviews by book, title, and by themes. And you can check out her weekly #PPBF post along with links to many more wonderful posts here.
I have not read this one and I have been reading all I can about Frida since visiting the casa Azul in March. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteLike, Joanna, I haven't read this book about Frida, either. I hope my library owns a copy. Also, your activities, especially drawing a portrait, are perfect!
ReplyDeleteI've never heard that phrase "earth without art is eh." LOVE IT!! And I love this book. Thanks for providing all these activities and sharing the importance of making ART!
ReplyDeleteGreat activities and a wonderful review. It's on my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun book! and the illustrations are wonderful.
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