Diego

by Jonah Winter, Jonah Winter

This story of Diego Rivera, the greatest muralist of Mexico—and of the world—is told in Spanish and English. Vibrant miniature paintings convey the sense of adventure and magic that marked Rivera's early years. And the story shows how his passion for painting and love for his country combined to make a powerful art celebrating the Mexican people

—————

Es la historia de Diego Rivera, el gran muralista Mejicano—y del mundo—y está contada en Español y en Inglés. Vibrantes pinturas en miniatura transmiten el sentido de magia y aventura que marcaron los primeros años de Rivera y la historia nos muestra como al combinar su pasión por la pintura y el amor por su país logró un poderoso arte que reconoce al pueblo Mejicano.

Genres: Biography, Art, Picture Books, Cultural, Nonfiction, Childrens, History

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

Jonah Winter is the celebrated author of many picture book biographies, including Barack, which was a New York Times bestseller. His books include Here Comes the Garbage Barge, Sonia Sotomayor, Roberto Clemente, and more. A poet and a painter, Mr. Winter divides his time between Santa Fe and a small town in Pennsylvania.

Reviews

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful picture book about early Diego Rivera's life. Diego is born a twin but his brother gets sick and dies. When Diego becomes ill too, he is sent with an indigenous woman to the mountains to get better and heal. When he came back home, school was uninteresting but he was great at painting and drawing. His parents sent him to art school at an early age but he was unable to conform to the school's expectations. Finally, he learned that murals were the best art form for him and he became renown for them. Beautiful story for kids who want to learn about great artists such as Diego. I received my borrowed copy from a child who's family is from Mexico and wanted me to read it to the class after hearing me read a story about Frida Kahlo. So touching!

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diego by Jeanette Winter is a beautifully illustrated children's book which I've been using with my class as part of a visit to MOMA to see the Diego Rivera exhibit. Although the book is short, I've spent a week with it (part of curriculum)so I feel a relationship with it! The pictures capture a sense of Rivera's art and the book maintains a sharp focus on Rivera's art and his passion for social justice. Although the book is aimed at younger children, I found it informative, interesting, and memorable. My students enjoyed it as well.

The book is written in both Spanish and English-and my students especially enjoyed my attempts to read the Spanish.

[Prabhat sharma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Diego (Library) by Jonah Winter. Illustrator Jeanette Winter- Children’s Colour Picture Book- The book narrates the story of Mexican Mural Painter Diego. At the time of birth, Diego is born a twin but his brother falls ill and expires. When Diego falls ill too, he is sent with an indigenous woman to the mountains to get better and heal. This lady resides in village in a small hut. In this open space, air is pure, birds flock on the farm. Sun rays enter the house. Diego recovers. When he came back home, he shows interest in drawing whatever he sees. His parents convert his room with boards so that he can draw and paint to his choice. At school he was great at painting and drawing. He joins an Art school but he does not appreciate the syllabus. He wants to draw and paint what he views. Finally, he learned that murals. Diego draws for the people. His murals are viewed on roadside walls so that people can see them without paying any fees. His has drawn murals not only in Mexico but also in USA. He allowed people to meet him at the place of his work. People had to climb the stairs and meeting him painting on the roof and on the walls. Coloured illustrations help the reader in relating to the story. I have read the Hindi language translation of this book.

[Ellice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This bilingual (English and Spanish) picture book tells the story of Mexican muralist Diego Rivera. Though Rivera had a giant personality and not-exactly-PG life, neither of which is portrayed here, it's still an enjoyable story with illustrations that don't duplicate but get at the essence of Rivera's art.

[Mrs. Ruigrok · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love to learn about artists and share this knowledge with children so that they can learn, understand and be inspired too. I liked that this story was written in English and Spanish and told the life story of Diego. A great book to share with students.

[Roberto Galindo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice that Diego Rivera was the topic. Great illustrations but pretty bland and poorly edited narrative. 4 because of the amazing illustrations. 3 otherwise. The Spanish translation isn't too bad. Few will notice the errors.

[Kris Dersch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really lovely and well-researched biography of Diego Rivera. A classic for a reason.

[Peach · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good summary of Diego’s life in a child accessible way but no mention of Frida?

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life story of Diego Rivera told for young students in English and Spanish. Well told with beautiful drawings. Emphasizes drive and determination.

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting non fiction biography book about the Mexican artist, Diego.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bilingual book for kids about the famous painter Diego Rivera.

[Barb Innes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for a fast read after seeing the Diego Rivera exhibit at Crystal Bridges. I will share with my grandson!

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first children’s biography written by, Jonah Winter who continues to write children’s biographies many of which are illustrated by his mother,Jeanette Winter, as this title is. Copyrighted in 1991 it is interesting to see this this title is bilingual written in both Spanish and English which was not common at that date. I loved that the illustrations were done in the style of a framed painting obviously because Diego was a Mexican painter and later a maker of mosaics. The information that Diego when a child was ill and lived in the mountains with an Indian healing woman was fascinating and I am certain I had not encountered that info previously.

[Brigid McMenamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Diego
Author: Jeanette Winter and Jonah Winter
Illustrator:
Genre: Biography grades K-2
Theme: Art, painting, Mexican culture, childhood
Opening line/sentence:
Deep in the mountains of Mexico there was a town called Guanajuato.
Brief Book Summary:
This book is about a Mexican artist named Diego. Readers learn that he was sick as a child but grew up to be an amazing artist. The book is in English with the Spanish translation underneath.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1:
Mara E. Gentle (Children's Literature)
The life of Mexican muralist Diego Rivera is made child-friendly in this book by the mother and son team of Jeanette and Jonah Winter. The bilingual text matches the illustrations perfectly. The illustrations, though somewhat small in size, convey the power and artistry embodied by Diego Rivera s art. These mini murals are muted in color, but they show the Mexican spirit in every inch. Children will learn the basics of Diegos life: that he born a twin, that his brother died young, that he spent the beginning of his life away from his parents, and that he was cared for by an Indian nurse who introduced him to the idea of magic. Since Diego developed a passion for drawing early in life, his father built a studio for him. He began making murals there. Eventually, he became Mexico s most renowned muralist, if not one of the world s best. This is an exemplary biography that would make an excellent addition to the elementary art curriculum.
Professional Recommendation/Review #2:
CCBC (Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices, 1991)
A poetic, easy-to-read account of the childhood and early adulthood of Mexican muralist Diego Rivera is presented in a bilingual texts (English/Spanish). Rivera is characterized as a visionary and dreamer who liked to draw the colors, people and events he witnessed in his native land. The brief text of the 9 1/4" x 7 1/4" volume is accompanied throughout by bordered 3" x 3 1/2" exquisitely stylized paintings which dramatically lead up to a wordless double-page spread of Rivera at work on a mural, effectively communicating the magnitude of Rivera's art form.
Response to Two Professional Reviews:
These reviews agree that this is a great beginning biography. The beautiful pictures show Diego’s incredible talent. I agree that this book is great for younger elementary aged children. I especially love that it is written in both English and Spanish.
Evaluation of Literary Elements:
Characterization is an important element in this book. Since it is all about Diego, the authors relied a lot on his characterization to teach readers about his life. The setting being in Mexico is also important. This is why the book is written in both English and Spanish.
Consideration of Instructional Application:
With this book, I would focus on art. I would take this time to show my class different pieces of Diego’s artwork and introduce them to different artists as well. You could also teach some Spanish by reading the book first in English, then again in Spanish.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

In simple but effective language the author describes the influences on artist Diego Rivera, best known for his large murals depicting everyday folks rather than those with money and power. As is the case for many writers and artists, Diego's formative years loomed large in influencing the types of paintings he would create as an adult. Because the title is intended for young readers, the author doesn't go into detail about his move from Mexico to Paris and back again but simply states that although he traveled to Paris and Italy, Mexico remained in his heart. The rich colors of the illustrations in block shapes against plentiful white space creates a clean design that lets the eye rest while viewing the complicated images Diego created.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diego is a beginning biography book about the life of the Mexican artist Diego Rivera. It is a Reading Rainbow Review book and it won the 1991 Parent’s Choice award. Diego tells the story of Diego Rivera’s childhood, how he discovered his love or art and how he became an artist. Diego also briefly mentions Diego Rivera’s work in civil rights. I liked this book because of its illustrations and simple text. The illustrations by Jeanette Winter are vibrant and convey the feelings and emotions of Diego Rivera’s artwork. The text is simple enough for young students to understand. Although the text is simple the students will come away with an understanding of Diego Rivera’s life and the important role he plays in Mexico’s artistic culture.

[Hannah Morrison]

I have not seen a childrens book in this format in any recent memory. The copy I read had English and Spanish, which is so wonderful for our English Language Learners as well as our students learning Spanish. The author somewhat brushed over major points such as his borther dying, or him being very sick as a child, but it was all to get to the main point of his place in Mexican art history. I think it is vital for students to learn about art, but especially about the artists that brought us new forms of it. Diego is still an interesting book to read as an adult, and I frequently think about it when I drive past graffiti.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of the childhood and artistic endeavors of Diego Rivera, this is a well written and beautifully illustrated book in both English and Spanish. I would love to use it in my Spanish classroom! A couple of days after reading this book, Emma asked me, "Mom? What if I became a muralist?" Pretty cool!

[Mary Keller · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is awesome to encourage the study of art, but also to use to study Mexican History. Diego Rivera is one of my favorite artists, and it is such a great thing to see his story be retold, about his love of art and the love of his country. The illustrations in this story are beautiful, just like Diego's paintings.

[Chelsey Dorsey]

This book is a great multiculutral book. It has English and Spanish in it so it would be very useful around the Union County area. Diego has to deal with death at a very young age when his brother dies and turns to art to help deal with the death. This book could be used for research projects and papers because it has a lot about his life in this book.

[Courtney Gayle]

This book is a great book to use when talking about culture inside of the classroom. This book is about the life of Diego and how his journey to become a famous painter and his paintings influenced his race. This book would be great to use inside of the classroom as a research project on a person of interest.

[Lauren RM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and informative. Good pictures. I borrowed it from my mom, who is a Spanish teacher.

It has the text in English and Spanish, and tells about Diego Rivera's boyhood and how he ended up being an artist. He was, of course, fairly stubborn.

[Marcela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. I'm gonna read this book to my children. It's fun, beautiful and has such an amazing design. The paintings are lovely. I imagine a kid reading it and wishing t be like Diego (the painter version of him OF COURSE).

[Morgan]

This book is in both Spanish and English. It describes the life of Diego and how he wanted change for his people as he grew up. He would be known as a great artist that would paint the history of the Mexican people.

[Evan · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I appreciated the bilingual text of this children's biography on Diego Rivera, I was struck by the fact that Rivera's wife Frida Kahlo was not even mentioned in the text, which mostly focuses on Rivera's early childhood & development as an artist.

[Lisbeth Solberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bright illustrations and text in both Spanish and English.

[Gina Ruiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://ginasblogging.blogspot.com/200...

[Tierra Garr · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations in this story are so pretty. This story is based off a real muralist from Mexico named Diego Rivera. He is one of the greatest in Mexico and the whole world.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading Rainbow: Borreguita and the Coyote

We've read a lot of books about artists and this one was ok but not super inspiring to us.

[Alyson (Kid Lit Frenzy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple picture book biography on Diego Rivera. Told in both English and Spanish.