Viva Frida
Exuberant portrayal of artist's passion for art.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Families need to know that 2015 Caldecott Honor winner Viva Frida by award-winning author-illustrator Yuyi Morales celebrates artist Frida Kahlo. It does not offer a biographical sketch but instead uses very few (bilingual) words -- often only one per two-page spread -- to zero in on her artistic impulse. She learns to "search," "see," "play," and "dream" and realizes that "I feel / And understand ... / that I love / And create / And so... / I live!"
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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: Yuyi Morales
- Illustrator: Yuyi Morales
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Arts and Dance, Great Girl Role Models, 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, iBooks, Kindle
- Awards: ALA Best and Notable Books, Caldecott Medal and Honors
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
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