Friendship raises her up

Paint Brushes for Frida by Veronique Massenot and Elise Mansot is a delightful children’s book is a fanciful tale inspired by the famous artist Frida Kahlo.  Its colorful, imaginative illustrations tell a story about how Frida’s pet monkey, Caimito, helps her while she is confined to bed by injuries suffered in an accident.

     Frida can only sing about what she would like to paint, so Caimito and his friends bring brushes, paint, and canvas to her so she can paint.  She responds by painting a self-portrait with Caimito and the happy monkeys in a bright jungle setting.

Children (and many adults) will love the story, Frida’s song, and the brightly painted pictures that are inspired by Kahlo’s art.   The last pages of the book feature information about Frida Kahlo, her art, and her life.

Review by Kay R. Sluterbeck