Frida A to Z: The Life of an Icon From Activism to Zapotec

by Nadia Bailey, Susanna Harrison (Illustrator)

This intricately illustrated and fastidiously-researched book unpacks the life of Frida Kahlo, who herself was larger-than-life. Nadia Bailey explores Frida's early days growing up in Coyocoan, Mexico City, in her family home, where she embraced sports - including wrestling - to overcome her childhood ill-health; her school days as one of very few women attending Mexico City's renowned National Preparatory School (where she met Diego Rivera), and the tragic accident that would leave her with a lifetime of pain and artistic ambition.

Featuring Susanna Harrison's jaw-dropping illustrations, track Frida's rise as one of Mexico's most important and celebrated artists, her friendships with European surrealists, the sensation caused by her first exhibition in New York, her contribution to popular culture and the unparalleled phenomena that is Frida Kahlo. This book looks at the life, art, collaborations, friendships, politics, beauty and agony surrounding one of the 20th Century's most distinctive and important artistic voices - all in a brilliantly illustrated A to Z format.

Genres: Nonfiction

56 pages, Hardcover

Published March 17, 2020

Reviews

[Ushi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute. Only downside is not having her paintings included when they've been described.

[Laura Sanchezmarin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gráficamente es precioso, me da mucho contexto sobre Frida y me deja con ganas de saber más. Es el típico libro que si tienes a la vista por casa todo el mundo le va a echar un vistazo.
Lo único que he echado de menos han sido representaciones de los cuadros, los he ido mirando por internet cuando mencionaban alguno.

[Jeanine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book, I loved it. I learned more about Frida than I ever knew before, and I feel I got a glimpse into her soul.

[Tara Thieleke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frida Khalo’s life is absolutely fascinating. I’m a high school art teacher preparing a PowerPoint presentation on Frida. I’ve read approximately 5 children’s books about her and seen one film so far. I really like the unique structure of this book rather than the typical chronological biography. This book gives a frank account of many of the most significant and interesting moments in Frida’s life that would appeal to both teens and adults. The focus on words/names relevant to her experiences, interests, artwork, culture, relationships, beliefs, etc. really helped put things in context for me. I also feel this text and the illustrations gave me a better grasp on indigenous Mexican culture and its influence in her life and aesthetics in comparison to other Khalo biographies. The book is filled with charming illustrations, intriguing stories, and it’s brimming with fun and not so fun facts.

Warning, while this might appear like a pleasant children’s book at a glance, this is not a bedtime story for young children, Frida’s life was filled with tragedy and pain and folks need to be emotionally prepared for that going in. With that said I really appreciate that the author didn’t shy away from difficult subject matter and embraced her unique character wholeheartedly.

[Laratitadelibros · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brillante, pionera, artista, icono de la moda, Frida Kahlo era realmente única.

En este libro ilustrado conocemos la vida de esta gran mujer desde su infancia hasta sus últimos días.

Acompañado de ilustraciones recorremos su vida en un formato muy original contado de la A a la Z donde cada letra da significado a una ciudad, persona, sentimiento o vivencia de Frida.

Todos los datos son veridicos y me parece un buen libro para conocer de manera más dinámica la vida de una mujer que no lo tuvo nada fácil.

Desde pequeña tuvo que lidiar con problemas que no eran suyos y tuvieron consecuencias para ella.

He leído varios libros que cuentan la historia de nuestra protagonista y en este tengo que destacar la originalidad del formato. Las ilustraciones son muy llamativas y originales haciendo que sea una lectura amena e interesante.

En mi caso he descubierto datos curiosos sobre ella que desconocía además de frases tanto suyas como de otros artistas.

A día de hoy Frida Kahlo sigue muy presente en la sociedad y sin duda recomiendo mucho este libro tanto si es la primera toma de contacto con su vida como si habéis leído más de ella.

[Caitlyn Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning art throughout this book, so aesthetically pleasing.
I loved learning more and more about Frida’s life in such an accessible way. I will continue to seek out more literature about her, her art and her life.

[Jen CE · Rating 4 out of 5]

The artwork is lovely, and it's a fun format with the A through Z pages. Some of the blurbs and bits are a little repetitive- there could have been better editing in that regard- but overall it's a delightful and informative book that I enjoyed.

[Naomi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A woman I knew little about and was interested in understanding why others admire her so much. Such a bright colourful book.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is technically a children's book. But it's so fabulous. The illustrations are so well done. It's so beautiful. And all of the information is fantastic. I found myself devouring it.

[Ita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm still on a Frida binge after visiting the exhibition in Sydney earlier this month. This is an informative and fun book. Some of the facts are a bit repetitive but overall a joy to read.

[Allan McDougall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a whistle stop tour, arranged alphabetically, of Frida Kahlo's life. I learned new stuff.