Viva Frida by Yuyi Morales

 

  1. Viva Frida by Yuyi Morales



  1. Bibliography

Morales, Yuyi. 2014. VIVA FRIDA. New York, NY; Roaring Brook Press. ISBN 1596436034


  1. Plot Summary

This is a children’s illustrated book about the life of the famous Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo. Portrayed as Kahlo’s inner thoughts and wishes, the reader seemingly becomes acquainted with a more personal side of the now immortalized artist. 


  1. Critical Analysis (Including cultural markers)

There isn’t much to say about this story as a whole. I honestly was not a big fan of this book. I think there may have been about 40 words written in the entire story, and half of those include translations into English; that’s it. There could have been a bit more of a story line and I think I would have enjoyed it more. On the positive side, this book would be perfect for a student who is learning English because the entirety of it is written in Spanish, then translated into English. It is also great for beginning readers because of the sparse amount of words on the page. 

The illustrations in this story are of a claymation type photograph. I’m sure this type of illustration is very revolutionary for its audience, however I just find it a bit creepy. The lifelike portrayal of Frida Kahlo is a bit odd, in my personal opinion. Kahlo is portrayed as a Barbie doll type figure where she seems real, but something is just off about her appearance.  

Unfortunately I did not enjoy this story, however I applaud the idea behind it, which is to introduce younger generations to important Mexican figures and how they contributed to the world. 


  1. Review Excerpts

Horn Book: “Beneath the furious fun...beats a tender heart… irresistible.”


Publishers Weekly: “Every bit as fun and campy as the theatrical fighting it’s based on… Vivan las luchas!”


Booklist: “This companion to Morales’ award-winning Just a Minute (2003) will be a hit for storytime.”


  1. Connections

Look for these other illustrated books for young people:


Morales, Yuyi. DREAMERS. ISBN 0823440559.


Morales, Yuyi. NINO WRESTLES THE WORLD. ISBN 1250062705


Love, Jessica. JULIAN IS A MERMAID. ISBN 0763690457

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