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Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos
Last updated Sunday, August 6, 2023
Author: Monica Brown
Illustrator: John Parra
Date of Publication: 2017
ISBN: 978-0735842694
Grade Level: 1st (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Aug. 2023
Synopsis:
The fascinating Mexican artist Frida Kahlo is remembered for her self-portraits, her dramatic works featuring bold and vibrant colors. Her work brought attention to Mexican and indigenous culture and she is also renowned for her works celebrating the female form.
Brown's story recounts Frida's beloved pets - two monkeys, a parrot, three dogs, two turkeys, an eagle, a black cat, and a fawn - and playfully considers how Frida embodied many wonderful characteristics of each animal.
| Note to readers: |
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This book is notable for its illustrations. You will probably want to start your session with a "picture walk."
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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What is the little girl surrounded by animals is going to paint?
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Much of Frida's early interest in art was influenced by her family, especially her photographer dad. What skills do your family members have that you're interested in learning too?
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Frida was inspired by the world around her—notably, her pets. Who or what do you see and interact with daily that inspires you to be creative? What's your favorite way to express that creativity?
Vocabulary:
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fawn – a young deer
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indigenous – produced, living or existing naturally in a particular region or environment
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heritage – traditions, beliefs, that are part of the history of a group or nation
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independent – acting or thinking freely instead of being guided by other people
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mischievous – playful desire to cause trouble
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easel – frame for supporting an artist’s painting
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Xolo dog - Mexican hairless dog
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animalitos – little animal or little creature in Spanish
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elation – very happy and excited
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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What was Frida like as a young girl? What kind of pets did she have?
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What kind of colors did Frida prefer?
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What did Frida’s father teach her?
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What happened to Frida when she was six years old?
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How did Frida keep herself busy when she was sick and in bed?
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How was Frida like a cat? How was she similar to her monkeys?
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When Frida was lonely or sad who did she turn to for comfort?
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What were Frida’s favorite subjects to paint?
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Locate and explain descriptive language used by Monica Brown siting
specific examples from the book
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How did Frida’s personal life influence her work as an artist?
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∼ Frida’s father taught her to look at the world through curious eyes
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∼ Like a cat, Frida was playful
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∼ The Little girl played and danced like a kitten
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∼ Like her monkeys, Frida could be mischievous
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∼ Like her parrot, Frida was colorful
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∼ Like her fawn, Frida had a watchful eye
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| Craft ideas: |
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Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/august-2023-arts-creativity/
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Have the kids draw a picture of themselves with either their pet or a pet they would like to have as a companion animal. This project leaves it wide open for including their identity and their interests.
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Begin by asking students to look at their image either in the mirror or their reference photo. Then
ask them to draw what they see. Suggest adding their pets to their self-portrait. When they have
completed their self-portrait they can work on the border. Encourage students to use bright
colors, like Frida Kahlo did
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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