The Story of Frida Kahlo: A Biography Book for New Readers (The Story Of: A Biography Series for New Readers)

I think the topic of this book is wonderful, and I appreciate that it is a biography written for early readers. I would love to give it five stars; however, the quality of writing is not there. The whole thing reads like a blog post with waaaaaay too many exclamation points. The whole tone of it is extremely chirpy, which comes off as talking down to the child. “Big bugs looked really cool on her canvas!” Her feet “were all she could see!” Children can be an early readers and still be clever and inquisitive. There’s no need to insult them.Fortunately, the information appears to be accurate (she included the fighting, divorce, and remarriage of Frida and Diego, but left out the extra-marital affairs) and the topic is interesting. I just hate the tone. “Jump in the Think Tank” is a side bar with cheesy questions (‘Why is it important for people who were once students to become teachers?’ ‘What is it about animals that makes people feel better?’) and there’s even a multiple choice quiz at the end, just to make sure you know you were supposed to be learning while reading. If the tone were tamed and made more respectful and all the busy graphics were removed, it would be a nice book for kids.I received a free advance copy from the publisher and am giving an honest non-compulsory review.

The Story of Frida Kahlo: A Biography Book for New Readers is a beautiful, colorfully illustrated introduction to this famous artist. It is written simply, with short chapters and lots of sidebars and pictures–just right for young readers who are ready to move beyond simple picture books.Non-fiction is a wonderful genre for young readers, and this biography of Frida Kahlo does an excellent job of covering her life, while keeping the harsher details on a child-friendly level. The book includes a timeline of Frida’s life events throughout the chapters. It is writeen chronologically, and readers don’t find out what she is famous for until a little ways into the story. Children unfamiliar with her would benefit from reading the back cover for a brief introduction before diving into the book.The Inspiring Life of Frida KahloFrida suffered from pain for most of her life due to childhood polio and a devastating bus accident. Her grit and determination to pursue an art career are inspiring. The Story of Frida Kahlo examines her life beyond the canvas and serves to give readers an example of a strong woman who overcame her setbacks in life.The Story of Frida Kahlo includes a ‘challenge’ section of comprehension questions and a glossary, so the book makes a nice addition to a homeschool curriculum for art, history, and language arts. While the book has many fun illustrations, it does not include any images of Frida’s artwork. Ideal for children in grades 3-6, ESL students, or older struggling readers.The publisher provided a copy of The Story of Frida Kahlo, but I was not required to write a review.

World renowned artist Frida Kahlo was born in a small town in Mexico in 1907. As a sickly child, bedridden from Polio, Frida's vivid creativity first expressed itself through stories she made up featuring an imaginary friend. As time went by, she began to bring her stories to life through colorful drawings. "The Story of Frida Kahlo: A Biography Book for New Readers", from author Susan B. Katz, gives readers insight into the life and times of a remarkable woman whose inner strength, vibrant spirit, and artistic talent still inspires others to this day. At age 15, Frida first met successful muralist Diego Rivera, who was almost 20 years her senior. Five years later, they would meet again, and despite a tempestuous relationship they would eventually marry, then divorce, and later remarry. Frida spent most of her life in physical pain--not only from the effects of the Polio, but also from the debilitating injuries she received in a serious automobile accident. However, Frida did not give into the pain--she worked around it. Her love of animals, nature, and her Mexican heritage was voiced through her art along with the sadness and loneliness she sometimes felt. Despite all of the obstacles she faced, she became a teacher and role model for others, and she broke many barriers for women artists and artists of Mexican heritage. Sadly, she passed away at the the age of 47 in her family home in Mexico. This book shows the important timeline of events in Frida's life, and it includes "think tank prompts", maps, a quiz, and a glossary. The brightly colored illustrations are a welcome reminder of the color and power of Frida Kahlo's own art.Book Copy Gratis Callisto Publishers

Do you love biographies? Do you have a kid in your life who loves them too? If so, then this gorgeous chapter book is perfect. I have read a little bit about the artist Frida Kahlo, but this mini biography is informative, has cute artwork and the style of writing isn’t dumbed down.This book features Jump In The Think Tank, a side blurb that gives you a topic within the story to think about regarding your own life and how you may be able to relate to Frida. Also, has the When feature which provides a timeline of events to see where you are at in the story. There is also, a Myth & Fact section to help you determine what is true. I like that bigger vocabulary words are bolded and of course there’s a nice glossary at the back to help know what those words mean.Frida Kahlo was a Mexican artist from the early 1900’s who struggled with health challenges, but didn’t let that her stop her from drawing for artwork. Her story is one of courage and standing out. Frida was a woman ahead of her time.I received my complimentary copy of The Story Of Frida Kahlo by Susan B. Katz from Rockridge Press, care of Callisto Publisher’s Club. The views are mine and of my own choice. If you love artwork, biographies, women empowerment books this little gem would make a great gift for a special child in your life. Even as an adult I enjoyed this informative chapter book.