Diego was a boy who loved to draw; he drew on everything, even the walls. In time, he would become known as one of the greatest muralists in all of Mexico—in all the world. "An accessible picture book about the life and work of Diego Rivera sounds like an oxymoron, but Winter and Winter succeed beyond belief," announced School Library Journal in a 1991 starred review. With spare, lyrical text—featured in both English and Spanish on every page—accompanying miniature murals done in Rivera's own vibrant style, this celebrated picture-book biography now makes a much deserved return to hardcover after a seven-year absence.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Grade 1-4-- An accessible picture book about the life and work of Diego Rivera sounds like an oxymoron, but Winter and Winter succeed beyond belief. His early life is the focus; the text in Spanish and English captions the paintings. It does a journeyman's job of conveying facts in well-condensed sentences; the Spanish translation is clear and easy to follow even for those readers without fluency in the language. Each picture is bordered with Mexican folk-art designs done in vivid, resonant, tropical tones. The paintings themselves are done in Rivera's own colossal style, even though they actually measure only a few inches square. Winter displays her clear knowledge of and love for her subject. Frida Kahlo appears in one scene without any identification other than her distinctive eyebrows; this subtle allusion is the only mention of Rivera's tempestuous personal life. The last pictures show him as a young man, perched on his scaffolding, brushes in hand, beckoning viewers on with his ardent glance. Readers will wish they could follow. --Ruth Semrau, Lovejoy School, Allen, TX
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Kirkus Reviews
A bilingual life of the great Mexican muralist Diego Rivera, weighted toward his early life (he was a poor scholar whose sympathetic parents provided plenty of artistic materials and sent him to art school quite young) and his pride in his heritage. Winter's small, bordered paintings, in rich, intense colors, nicely evoke folk motifs and other themes in Rivera's work, including his concern for ``poor people'' and their ``war for equality.'' An excellent beginning biography. (Biography/Picture book. 6-10) -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
I love this book and bought it for a nephew a few years ago. The 4 stars are for the hardcover edition. I ordered the paperback version for my son and was very disappointed. The illustrations are very small--the words in English and Spanish take up much of the space, and the colors are completely washed out. Only the colors on the cover are true to the original version--and they make you see what you're missing inside the book. Do not waste your money on this version. It doesn't do the book justice; the gorgeous illustrations and their glorious colors are not at all evident in this cheapo paperback.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
This is an excellent bi-lingual text about Diego Rivera's childhood. This book not only introduces children from 4 to 9 years old to an important Mexican artist, but it also presents wonderful, colorful pictures that will excite children. The text is written in both English and Spanish. This book is a good way to get children interested in the Spanish language. It also is a good seque to discussing Diego Rivera, Mexican art, and muralists. My son has enjoyed it immensely.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By ofdaleys
Format:Paperback
Diego Rivera's biography is told in this superbly illustrated text. The story begins as he is born, and ends many years later after Rivera has become a famous Mexican muralist, however much of the text focuses on Rivera's childhood. The text is written in both English and Spanish on every page. Both languages are written in concise sentences that clearly convey information about Rivera's life and work. Each page also has a brightly colored picture that reinforces the text's message.The illustrations by Jeanette Winter are beautiful, richly colored accompaniments to the colorful life of Diego Rivera. The motifs in them are those typically found in Mexican folk art and include appropriate colors and subjects, often echoing those found in Rivera's work. This is a delightful and age appropriate introduction to an artist whose tempestuous personal life sometimes overshadows his outstanding artistic accomplishments both inside and outside of Mexico. Students who are interested in art or Mexican history will find this book to be a treasure. Native Spanish speakers could use this text in the classroom to share their knowledge of the Spanish language and Mexican culture.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
This is a wonderful bilingual book to introduce young children to the incredible work of Diego Rivera. It has an interesting focus on the earlier years of Diego's life, allowing children to relate to him easier. The illustrations are vibrant and colorful and reflect Rivera's style of painting.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
My kids, who are 2 and 5, really enjoyed this book. It makes a fantastic gift for children, and I keep coming back to buy more copies to have on hand for birthday parties and the like. The illustrations are in the style of Rivera's own work, and the story is accessible for young readers.
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I first read this book during a recent visit to the Phoenix Art Museum featuring the "Mexican Modern Art" gallery. I was instantly excited about the story and pictures. It is a great story to share with my child regarding one of Mexico's famous mural painters.
Format:Hardcover
Diego is a straightforward biography that focuses on Diego Rivera's early life. The sentences are clear and concise, so that early readers will be able to follow along. We learn that he showed artistic promise at an early age, and that his parents supported him in his endeavors. Little things that happened to him as a child are described and give us an idea of his early childhood influences.
Diego didn't like everything he saw. That's why he helped the poor people fight their war for equality. They were fighting for fair wages and a better life. Diego loved his people more than anything, almost...
The thing he loved most was painting.
The illustrations are done in bold, vivid colors, and are very reminiscent of Rivera's style.
Diego didn't like everything he saw. That's why he helped the poor people fight their war for equality. They were fighting for fair wages and a better life. Diego loved his people more than anything, almost...
The thing he loved most was painting.
The illustrations are done in bold, vivid colors, and are very reminiscent of Rivera's style.
By ayalar
Format:Hardcover
This book tells the story of Diego Rivera in a simple yet acurate fashion allowing children to follow along. The artwork is beautiful. I only wish it was a larger book (like the Frida book by the same author). I would highly recommend it, particulary to those of mexican/latino descent.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Diego for young people
This is a concise little biography about the artist, Diego Rivera. Winter (The Librarian of Basra, 2005) begins Rivera's story with his birth. Read more
Published on August 31, 2007 by Camille
5.0 out of 5 stars
The boy who was born to paint
Told in simple, straightforward text, this small children's book relates the story of Diego Rivera, a famous Mexican artist who loved his art and the people of his country. Read more
Published on February 27, 2007 by Luan Gaines
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great
Writing a book about Diego Rivera in terms that young children can understand is not an easy task, however this book does a great job. Read more
Published on February 8, 2005 by JB pop-Eggs
3.0 out of 5 stars
The Life of Diego Rivera Simplified
This is a very simplified life story of Diego Rivera, famous Mexican artist. It is filled with pictures that are artistic and designed in the style of the artist. Read more
Published on June 12, 2003 by L A Spillane-Larke
4.0 out of 5 stars
Diego
Diego was a remarkable young man that overcame obstacles in life. He started by losing a twin. He went on to discover that his true gift was painting and he eventually became a... Read more
Published on June 12, 2003 by L A Spillane-Larke
3.0 out of 5 stars
Diego
I felt this book was a very nice book on Diego Rivera. It illustrated how and what influenced Rivera in his early life. Read more
Published on February 18, 2003 by S. K McDonough
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