Introduction
The concept for the book.
How can we introduce great art and artists to a young audience? Yes, there are several children's books that introduce historical or famous figures who maybe artists. Many of these books focus on major life events, but what about the opportunity to infuse the actual art compositions, process, and techniques into the story?
Frida Kahlo had a love of animals that were very much apart of her life and artwork. She is famous for her self portraits, many featuring monkeys and even her pet deer. The natural introduction to Frida Kahlo is through animals. Many of Frida's paintings are not intended for children, but as adults, we want to introduce our children to the people we admire and the art that moves us. Frida's art is rooted in powerful themes and elements of her life. This book helps introduce your child to some of the events and passions that helped inspire the famous Mexican artist. This book provides a great starting place for young eyes and helps start a life-long love of art! Enjoy!
Background
Everything has an origin and the beginnings of this book started in 2012. Before there was a book, there was a painting of a young Frida holding a monkey stuffed animal standing in some beautiful leaves. Frida Kahlo is a strong influence on artists all over the world. Her strong artistic voice and fearless subject matter help affirm the internal voice that asks us to be true to ourselves and our unique vision.
Inspired Illustrations
Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird, 1940
Hello Monkey
Walking straight out of a lush landscape from one of her paintings, we meet a young Frida Kahlo. As an introduction to the artist and her friends, it was important to start with one of her most frequent animal friends, Monkey.
Monkey found some flowers and is quick to offer Frida one for her hair. What a great start for these two friends as they start their adventure.
Frida first meets up with her monkey friend to start their adventure.
Frida & Monkey free the bird from its cage.
Hello Bird
This illustration is incredibly important to the story of Frida Kahlo. Our reference is not an actual birdcage, but her metal corset that was used in her treatment and recovery. A simple, but powerful reference for any Frida fan to continue a much deeper conversation.
The Broken Column, 1944
The Wounded Deer, 1946
Hello Deer
The Wounded Deer (also known as The Little Deer) is a beautiful painting at a point in her life when she was preparing for a major spinal operation. Although there are plenty to
The 3 friends meet a new friend, deer.
The 4 friends are all tangled up with there new friend, snake.
Hello Snake
Some images stay with us. One of those self-portraits from Frida is the image of her hair in a braid. The reference was a natural fit for the snake.
The composition is hinted at with the abundance of leaves and wrapping of elements around Frida. It was fitting to use the same visual device with the snake to wrap up all of Frida's new friends.
Self Portrait with Braid, 1941
The Blue House (La Casa Azul)
Hello Cat
Frida was born into a unique and creative family. Her father was a photographer who also painted. She was born in this house and would later move back here after her divorce and again marriage to Diego. This nod to her bright blue home is known to any Frida fan. Many have visited the home which was turned into the official Frida museum. A must-see for any Frida Kahlo fan.
The 5 friends peak around the corner to surprise a cat at Frida's house.
The Bus, 1929
Hello Dog
The accident that helps define the story of Frida Kahlo is her bus accident at 18. She depicted the scene a few times. The reference is shown here less expressive than others and marks an influence of her future husband Diego.
The opportunity in this children's book is to imagine Frida missing the bus. After all, she is a young girl in this book. A subtle hint for the Frida fans.
The 6 friends see the dog and run to catch the bus.
The 7 friends slow down in a scene of flowers and meet a new friend, butterfly.
Hello Butterfly
Frida references come from many different places. Photographs of her are now legendary as her popularity continues to grow. A photographer named Nickolas Muray was one of the few who have taken many photos of Frida. The photo with the green background and the white flowers is one of the most iconic images of Frida Kahlo.
Photograph by Nickolas Muray
The Bride Frightened at Seeing Life Opened, 1943
Hello Pig
Frida had time to paint many things besides her portrait. Most casual fans might not realize that she had created a significant number of still-life paintings of fruit and bugs and animals later in her career. They were a subject that wouldn't move while she was experiencing major pain.
This is an important subject to incorporate into the book. A subject that is extremely fun and colorful, but more so another chance to enhance the conversation about her artwork and life story.
After a long day, the 9 friends dig into a pile of food and meet a new friend, pig.
What the Water Gave Me, 1938
Hello Fish
This reference might be lesser-known, but showcases Frida's ability to storytell within her work. Frida's lower legs and toes are in the bathtub surrounded by smaller pieces that depict several different scenes that help define her lifes.
This illustration mimics the collage scene with the large cast of animal friends while also creating a nice contrast by just dipping her toes in the water.
The 10 friends end their adventure by dipping their toes in the water and meet their last new friend, fish.
After a long day, all Frida's animal friends curl up and go to bed. Ready to start the adventure all over again tomorrow.
Goodnight Friends
It doesn't hurt to end a children's book with the characters going to bed. Frida's bed is significant in her life. After her pollo as a child and the accident at 18 she would spend time in a cast to heal. And later in life that pain would bring her back. A subtle reference for the Frida fan that will also resonate with new readers as someone learns more about Frida's life story.
Frida In Bed
Meet Summer
Summer Rose Morrison
Illustrator & Author
Located:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Washington DC
Specializes In:
Visual Storytelling for children and adults.
Bio
I graduated from MIAD (Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design) with my BFA in illustration in 2005. I have been happily illustrating everything from greeting cards to children's books. I particularly like bringing other people's visions to life. My medium of choice is a tiny paintbrush and acrylic paint on board. When I'm not painting, I'm looking for inspiration through movies and travel. I'm currently living in Wisconsin with my web designer husband and baby girl.
Purchase Frida
Beautiful illustrations- great bilingual baby book
This book is nice and simple for babies and toddlers learning first words. It’s beautifully illustrated and fun to look at so it’s a breath of fresh air compared to other first word books- especially bilingual ones.
FRIDA, Children's Board Book (English and Spanish)
19 Ratings
Join a youthful Frida as she spends the day with her animal friends, practicing their names in English and Spanish. At the end of the book, bedtime, all of the friends (amigos) gather together to say goodnight (Buenas Noches)...
FRIDA, Poster 11" x 14"
Printed on Extra Heavy Matte Paper. Easy fit for standard size frames (frame not included). Made in USA!
FRIDA (Love Diego, Hate Diego), Poster 11" x 14"
Printed on Extra Heavy Matte Paper. Easy fit for standard size frames (frame not included). Made in USA!
Explore the Art of Summer Morrison
