Latest Review 
May 20 2019
Little Frida by Anthony Browne
Walker Books, 2019. ISBN: 9781406381221. Hardcover, 32 pages.
(Age: All) Highly recommended. Themes: Frida Kahlo,
Disability. Resilience, Artists, Belonging, Imagination. Fans of
Anthony Browne's wonderful books and fans of the artist Frida Kahlo
will welcome this gorgeous picture that pays tribute to the artist's
young life. When she was six Frida Kahlo contracted polio and from
then on walked with a limp. She was bullied at school and felt
lonely and isolated until she went on a journey and met an imaginary
friend who could dance beautifully. This figure would feature in her
art in her later life.
Browne has used Kahlo's diary entries describing the time she met
her imaginary friend beneath a dairy to write a poignant story about
Frida's early life. His illustrations, done in the style of Kahlo,
are very evocative and tell a touching tale about a young girl's
disability and quest for friendship. Browne has won The Kate
Greenaway Medal twice and Little Frida could well be another
winner of this prestigious award. His illustrations, done in the
bright colours that characterised Kahlo's work, are beautiful and
will strike a chord in the minds of young and adult readers as they
follow Kahlo's flights of fancy when she dons a pair of wings that
she has been given for her birthday. The resilience that Kahlo had
is inspiring and the richness of her imagination comes across as an
important factor in her journey to becoming a world famous artist.
Children are fascinated by the artwork of Kahlo: bookstores keep
popular bookmark souvenirs and mugs depicting her self-portraits, so
this book will resonate with readers who want to learn more about
her life and art. There is biographical information at the back of
the book, and a picture of The two Fridas (1939), showing
her imaginary friend, gives the reader an insight into her
paintings.
This exquisitely produced book with its moving story and superb
illustrations will be one that readers will want to keep and return
to again and again.
Pat Pledger
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May 20 2019
The greatest book in the world by Matt Porter (Rudolph Wordsmith)
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May 20 2019
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May 20 2019
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HarperCollins Children's Books, 2019. ISBN: 9780008276508.
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May 17 2019
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