Laurence Anholt has created an enjoyable artist series that introduces children to some of the greatest artists in history through beautiful, engaging picture books. With story lines that draw the reader right in, the Anholt's Artist series is one that deserves recognition. Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World is one of this series. A hardback picture book that is approximately 9” x 12”, it is large enough that the words are not crowded on the page and the illustrations enhance the story beautifully.

“The Bravest Girl in the World”
What a title! That is something that every child can relate to – wanting to be considered brave – and in this story, Mariana is no different that other children who want to be brave.

Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World tells the story of little Mariana's experiences with Frida while sitting for her portrait to be painted. Mariana is very scared to go to Frida's house but she does and what comes of the experience is nothing short of amazing. From meeting the animal menagerie to the skeleton on the bed, Mariana bravely faces a whole new world when she visits Frida's Blue House. During the time it takes to paint her portrait, Frida tells Mariana many special parts of her life and Mariana asks questions that help her empathize with Frida and become friends with her.

Anholt's story about Frida Kahlo is one that children will readily relate to and enjoy. Frida was a unique artist and even among artists she was considered very special. Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World does a beautiful job of introducing the reader to many of the interesting aspects of Frida's life: from the accident that almost took it to the lengths that she went to in order to avoid being crippled for her entire life, from learning to paint in a very unconventional way to being a painter that was very well respected.

Mariana was a real young lady who had her portrait painted by Frida and became her friend. What better way to introduce young readers to an amazing artist than through the story of friendship. Laurence Anholt has done that with the beautifully written and illustrated Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World.

—Product review by Lori Hooten, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, April, 2017