Frida

Painting is like her imaginary friend. 

It is there whenever she wants it. It keeps her company.
It keeps her from giving up hope.

Do you know who Frida Kahlo was? If, not, today is a great day to learn! Frida was a famous Mexican painter who overcame tremendous odds. She became one of the most well-known and beloved Latino artists. Today is Frida Kahlo's birthday, and I honor her strength and talent with a review of the children's picture book Frida, which tells the story of Frida's life with beautiful illustrations, and inspiring prose.

Frida will inspire both children and adults to never give up, and never stop living life with love. Frida Kahlo grew up in Mexico, with a father who was an artist, who taught her to paint. At an early age, Frida got very sick, but painting gave her hope, and after she became well, she continued to paint.

As an adult, Frida got in a car accident that left her bedridden a lot, but still, Frida painted; she did not let her illness or physical pain keep her from painting. Instead she painted her emotions. She used her gift and imagination to paint "ex votos" or "stories of miracles" - paintings that included scenes with words, many of which represented angels coming to the rescue of those in pain.

While the story has sad moments, it is also a story of victory, as Frida Kahlo overcame pain and sadness through her art, and is now much loved for it. If you have, or know a child who is in pain or who suffers from sickness on a regular basis, this book is a beautiful testament to the power of determination. It will teach children that they can still have a life through their pain, and in their strength, others may find hope.

Note: Frida is also available in Spanish at amazon.com

Frida

Written by: Jonah Winter

Illustrated by: Ana Juan

About BookBuzz4Kids.com

BookBuzz4Kids.com reviews books that celebrate culture and educate young children ages 1-10. Our mission is to celebrate children’s books that promote diversity, so that parents of all cultural, diverse backgrounds, including special needs, have a source where they can find children's books that represent them and their children. BookBuzz4Kids.com also aims to support independent self-published authors who represent write culturally diverse books.To suggest a book for review on BookBuzz4Kids.com, email adcwriter@gmail.com

Uncle Rocky, Fireman: Safe at Home

Independence Day is upon us and many times children area not educated on the what to do in case a fire breaks out. Uncle Rocky, Fireman: Safe at Home is a great picture book that teaches young children that being safe during a fire does not have to be scary. To prove this point he takes his nephews on an adventurous lesson in fire safety.

Uncle Rocky visits for dinner one evening with his sister and nephews Ben and Luke, and teaches them the importance of fire safety through questions and fire drills. First, he discusses the importance of smoke detectors, and then he takes nephews Ben and Luke and their parents on two routes they can take in their home to escape from a fire, should one break out in their home.

Uncle Rocky stresses many important points including:

1. Importance of staying calm
2. Having an emergency meeting place to go to after escaping a fire
3. What to do if your clothes catch on fire - Stop, drop, cover and roll! NEVER run!

Uncle Rocky, Fireman: Safe at Home is a great picture book not only because it makes children aware of  the dangers and seriousness of fires, but it also encourages family conversation, and shows how parents can take a serious subject and turn it into a family activity that could save a child's life.

Uncle Rocky, Fireman: Safe at Home

Author: James Burd-Brewster 

Illustrator: Dayna Barley-Cohrs

About BookBuzz4Kids.com

BookBuzz4Kids.com reviews books that celebrate culture and educate young children ages 1-10. Our mission is to celebrate children’s books that promote diversity, so that parents of all cultural, diverse backgrounds, including special needs, have a source where they can find children's books that represent them and their children. BookBuzz4Kids.com also aims to support independent self-published authors who represent write culturally diverse books.To suggest a book for review on BookBuzz4Kids.com, email adcwriter@gmail.com