Bitsy's Books
Note: I'm uploading my books from Goodreads and since there are like 200+ it's going to take awhile. The uploading seems a bit wonky too, so hang with me as I fix things. Also there may be spoilers until I can make all the appropriate tags.
I'm an ex-English Major who, sick of reading classics after college, decided to read all the trashy books I didn't before because I was too snobby. Since graduating, I've entertained myself with comics, YA, and romance novels, finding out they can not only be decently written, but superbly written. I've since recovered from my classics aversion, but I'm now more open-minded reader willing to read from any genre. If a book has kick-ass heroines and/or witty banter and/or takes place in a different time or place (including fantasy settings), I will most likely fall in love with it. My favorite authors are Jane Austen, Shakespeare, E.M. Forster, Meljean Brook, Sarah Rees Brennan, Rachel Hartman, Catherynne M. Valente, and Aliette de Bodard.
Text: 4.5 StarsIllustrations: 5 StarsA short simple biography of Frida Kahlo's early life and how her accidents inspired her to paint.I don't know much about Kahlo, but the author did a good job showing what an inspiration she was. The story was simple enough to understand who she was as a young girl and her influences.The real standout is Juan's art. She uses symbolism to depict the difficulties in Frida's life, so the book isn't too graphic. In an artist's note, Juan explains how she uses characters from Mexican folklore that Kahlo would have been familiar with, as companions of Frida's in her illustrations. I thought that was a clever and cute way to incorperate Mexican culture and Kahlo's influences.A great book for kids overcoming obstacles, learning about Mexican culture, or aspiring artists. Both Winter and Juan adore Kahlo and their passion comes through on the page.