Frida Kahlo made history as the first 20th-century artist to have her work acquired by The Louvre museum in France. And her childhood home in Mexico City, known as the Casa Azul, welcomes over 500,000 visitors annually. Yet perhaps Kahlo's most extraordinary achievement is her inclusion in the new biography collection for young readers. Her life story is told in her own Little Golden Book, a literary gem for children of all ages, an honor only given to true V.I.Ps.
"This Little Golden Book captures the essence of Frida Kahlo for the youngest readers," the book’s publisher, Penguin Random House, explains.
The Frida Kahlo Little Golden Book is available everywhere, a fact that truly underscores her modern day impact.
In fact, just today, on the first day of Women’s History Month, Frida Kahlo is the only Little Golden Book featuring a Latin American woman at many local Target stores in Miami.
But how did this remarkable feat come to be?
Discovering Frida's Little Golden Book
Published in 2021 by Penguin Random House, the Little Golden Book featuring Frida Kahlo, penned by Silvia López, and illustrated by Elisa Chavarri, is designed specifically for the youngest readers.
From her childhood battle with Polio to her triumphs as a renowned artist with paintings adorning museum walls, the story remains child-friendly.
“Frida’s health had never been good,” the book explains. “But that didn’t keep her from working everyday.”
“La Casa Azul was a lively place. Frida taught art to talented students. And she threw a party on every Mexican holiday," her Little Golden book says about her childhood home.
Inside the Pages of Frida Kahlo
The book caters to children ages 2 to 9 years old, and has a stellar rating of 4.9 stars out of 5 on Amazon. It’s clearly garnered admiration from readers of all ages.
“I loved this book. It was very colorful and beautifully written,” Sharon B. writes in an online review.
The 24-page illustrated book is currently ranked No. 3 in Children's Mexico Books, No. 6 in Children's Art Biographies (Books), and No. 39 in Children's Women Biographies (Books), according to Amazon.
“ … her life was not easy and it wasn't always happy. … she had just so many struggles but they did such a good job of bringing out the best, and and what was the most beautiful in her life,” YouTuber and Etsy Artist Linda Smith explains. “The book itself is a neat way to introduce children to Frida, and it's a fun way for us grown-up little girls to celebrate her as well.”
Tracing the Roots of a Beloved Childhood Staple
Little Golden Books were first published in 1942. Cherished by children for over 80 years, they created the availability of high-quality, affordable books for children.
“These iconic books, priced at just 25 cents, made high-quality literature accessible to families across the nation.” the outlet Medium writes.
They rapidly gained popularity, selling hundreds of thousands of copies. These beloved classics, adorned with sturdy cardboard covers and gold-foil spines, have ignited a lifelong passion for reading in countless children.
To date, more than two billion Little Golden Books have been printed.
“Most readers associate the Little Golden Book series … with ‘The Poky Little Puppy’ and ‘The Little Engine that Could,” The Washington Post writes. “... While Random House Children’s Books has been publishing Little Golden Books biographies of historical figures for some time, it was only more recently that the books started covering contemporary figures …”
The Golden Book imprint featuring the new V.I.P. biographies was introduced in 2016.
In addition to the Frida Kahlo book, new generations have child-friendly and colorful biographies of notable women including Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Lucille Ball, Dolly Parton, and Taylor Swift. Just in time for Women’s History Month.
