Common Sense Media Review
By Regan McMahon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Exuberant portrayal of artist's passion for art.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In 3-D scenes featuring a doll-like figure, fuzzy animal figures, and real objects as well as fanciful 2-D collages, a young woman searches, observes, plays, and realizes that she loves to create and make art of what she sees around her and in her dreams. It makes her feel alive. An author's note gives some background on the artist Frida Kahlo and her husband, muralist Diego Rivera (who's pictured painting and also giving her a kiss on the cheek), as well as a reflection on how author Morales became interested in Kahlo.
Is It Any Good?
VIVA FRIDA is a captivating book with super-spare text -- sometimes only one word, presented in both English and Spanish -- that builds to a celebration of the artist's creative urge. Kids will enjoy the dream-like scenes and be swept up in Frida's love for art.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about art. Do you like to draw or paint? What's fun about it?
Do you enjoy reading about art in different cultures? What colors are often used in Mexican art?
Would you like to have a pet monkey like Frida did?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Yuyi Morales
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Arts , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Roaring Brook Press
- Publication date : September 2, 2014
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Awards : ALA Best and Notable Books , Caldecott Medal and Honors
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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