Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Me, Frida
Illustrator: David Diaz
Nonfiction Picture Book
For ages 6 to 8
Abrams , 2010 ISBN: 978-0810989696
When her husband, the artist Diego Rivera, is invited to visit San Francisco, Frida Kahlo, goes with him. She images what the American city will be like, and when she gets there, she discovers that “cool and gray” San Francisco is nothing like her home in Mexico.
Diego has been commissioned to create a mural, and so he and Frida walk around the city so that Diego can “study his subject.” Once he starts painting, Frida is left alone a lot. She speaks little English, and has few friends in America. Diego is feted wherever they go, and Frida is ignored. Then Frida begins to explore the city on her own, and her confidence begins to grow. Back at their temporary home, Frida begins to paint her own pictures. People say that they are “passable,” and Frida works harder to create art that is “great.” Then she does a wedding portrait of herself and Diego, and the world finally begins to appreciate what Frida is capable of.
This unique picture book tells the story of an important moment in the life of Frida Kahlo. During her time in San Francisco, Frida discovered her own artistic voice, and the painting described in the text, the painting of Frida and her husband Diego, is one of her most famous creations.
With a lyrical text and vivid color illustrations that are reminiscent of Frida’s paintings, this is a memorable picture book biography.
