Diego (by Jonah Winter)

DIEGO is a bilingual mural of words and illustrations that presents a simple, honest but eloquent introduction to the art of one of the world's most influential muralists, Diego Rivera. The straightforward story is told in both English and Spanish, and the richly colorful mini-murals that accompany the text are a perfect complement. Not everything in Diego Rivera's life and murals is for kids, and Jonah Winter has done a wonderful job of choosing pertinent material without watering down the facts. His text is clear, varied, and to the point; even some more mature material has been put together in a way that will interest kids, yet not overwhelm them.

Kids will also love the colorful, expressive illustrations, which add a heartbeat of richness and passion to the text. Each painting by Jeanette Winter is masterful. Her colors vibrate on the page, and, though small, each framed acrylic design is saturated with the beauty of Mexican folk art and shows an appreciation of the murals that Diego Rivera painted, some of which form the background in the later pages. 

Each painting by Jeanette Winter is masterful. Her colors vibrate on the page, and, though small, each framed acrylic design is saturated with the beauty of Mexican folk art and shows an appreciation of the murals that Diego Rivera painted.