Little Frida: A Story of Frida Kahlo
What’s inside...
Young Frida Kahlo’s imaginary friend comes to life in a touching story by Anthony Browne enhanced by exquisite surreal illustrations. Following a bout with polio at the age of six, Frida Kahlo’s life was marked by pain and loneliness. In real life she walked with a limp, but in her dreams she flew. One day her imagination took her on a journey to a girl in white who could dance without pain and hold her secrets, an indelible figure who would find her way into Frida’s art in years to come. Inspired by Frida Kahlo’s diary, Anthony Browne captures the essence of the artist’s early flights of fancy and depicts both Frida and her imaginary friend in vivid illustrations evoking Kahlo’s iconic style. A note at the end offers a brief biography of the artist who has intrigued art lovers the world over. One great artist inspires another, as former Children's Laureate and twice winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal Anthony Browne creates a beautiful story about Frida Kahlo.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Frida felt when she found her inner strength through art?
What does Frida’s use of vibrant colors in her paintings tell us about how she viewed the world?
Why do you think Frida chose to paint her own experiences and emotions?
How did overcoming challenges help Frida become a stronger person?
What can we learn from Frida’s story about facing our own difficulties?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate to Frida by discussing their own experiences with overcoming obstacles and expressing themselves. Use the illustrations in the book as a visual aid to discuss the importance of colors and how they can convey emotions. Highlight Frida's resilience and creativity to inspire your child to embrace their unique qualities and talents.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The story depicts young Frida Kahlo overcoming challenges after an accident, emphasizing her strength and determination.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of perseverance and overcoming personal obstacles, which can help them face their own difficulties with courage.
Example Lesson: Embracing uniqueness and creativity
Explanation: Frida’s vibrant imagination and unique artistic style are central themes, showing children the value of embracing their individuality.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to express themselves creatively and appreciate what makes them different, boosting self-esteem and encouraging innovative thinking.
Example Lesson: Importance of self-expression
Explanation: Through Frida’s journey, the book highlights how she used art to express her thoughts and emotions, particularly during her recovery.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to find and use their own outlets for self-expression, be it art, writing, or other forms of creative activities.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Frida’s experiences and expressions in her art provide a window into her feelings, teaching young readers to understand and empathize with others' emotions.
Real-World Application: Children learn to recognize and respect the feelings of others, fostering kindness and empathy in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Courage to overcome physical limitations
Explanation: Despite her physical constraints, Frida Kahlo’s story is one of triumph and artistic success, showing that limitations do not define one's capabilities.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that they can achieve great things regardless of physical limitations, encouraging them to pursue their dreams without barriers.