Review of Frida Kahlo's Flower Crown

A TRUE TALE WITH

A CHERRY ON TOP

Abrams Books for Young Readers

Cameron Kids

pub. 4.1.2025

32 pages

Ages 4 - 8

Author: Nydia Armendia-Sánchez

   Illustrator: Loris Lora

Character: Frida Kahlo

Overview:

"Told through the language and imagery of the native Mexican flowers and plants comes the life of acclaimed and beloved artist Frida Kahlo. Like a flower, Frida blossomed, wilted, was crushed, survived, and thrived, growing into one of the most celebrated Indigenous painters.."

Tantalizing taste:

"Like a seed,

Frida sprouted

and burst through the earth

where

the coyotl once foraged.

Coyoacán was the place where Frida grew.

An orange tree

scented the air,

and

yucca, sunflowers, ferns,

roses, palms,

and geraniums

lined the walls,

green against indigo.

Frida bloomed

season after season,

reaching for the sky."

And something more: In the Author's Note, Nydia Armendia-Sánchez writes: "Before writing this book, I saw a picture of Frida wearing her flower crown, and I stopped for a moment. I thought to myself, "What if I were a little bold and a little brave every day, like Frida? Imagine all that I could be. I hope this book wiill empower YOU to fell a little braver and bolder, too."

Edited by the amazing Amy Novesky and designed by the talented Melissa Nelson Greenberg of Cameron Kids (Abrams) -- I can both of their touches in the lyrical beauty of the book.