Diego Rivera: His World and Ours [Hardcover]

Duncan Tonatiuh (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2011 | Age Range: 5 - 9 years | Lexile Measure: 1040L (What's this?)

This charming book introduces one of the most popular artists of the twentieth century, Diego Rivera, to young readers. It tells the story of Diego as a young, mischievous boy who demonstrated a clear passion for art and then went on to become one of the most famous painters in the world. 

Duncan Tonatiuh also prompts readers to think about what Diego would paint today. Just as Diego's murals depicted great historical events in Mexican culture or celebrated native peoples, if Diego were painting today, what would his artwork depict? How would his paintings reflect today's culture?

Diego Rivera: His World and Ours is a wonderful introduction to this great artist.

Praise for Diego Rivera
« “By establishing a link between modern readers and Rivera and challenging them to "make our own murals," the author makes art both aspiration and action. Both solid introduction and exhortation, this book will thrill budding artists.” –Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Kids will want to talk about the great painter, and young artists will find inspiration for their own creations.” –Booklist

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Duncan Tonatiuh was born in Mexico City and grew up in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. He is a recent graduate of Parsons the New School for Design in New York City, where he studied writing and illustration. His first book, Dear Primo, was published in spring 2010. He divides his time between New York City and Mexico.

Product Details

• Age Range: 5 - 9 years
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers; First Edition edition (May 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810997312
• ISBN-13: 978-0810997318
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 0.5 x 10 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #697,170 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars I love Tonatiuth's Artistic Style May 2, 2011

By DAC VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

Along with introducing Digeo Rivera and his work to readers, the author touches upon styles used. Such as classical and cubism. Defining both easily into the text.

"Diego went to Paris, the captial of France. There he met young artists who were painting in new and exciting ways. He experimented with these new methods of painting himself. One method was called Cubism, in which the painting did not exactly resemble its subject but was composed of geometric shapes such as squares, circles and triangles."

The first half, His World, is about Diego Rivera. In the second half Tonatiuth wonders what Rivera would paint if he was alive today. I love the then and now comparisons.

"Or would he paint the luchadores wrestling in their costumes. just as he painted the Aztec warriors fighting the invading soldiers. The Spanish conquistadores?"

I love Tonatiuh's artistic style. The more I look at it the more I appreiciate it. And I can't stop looking.

This biography stands out because of the great back matter. The one page author's note includes all the facts about Diego Rivera that couldn't fit in the text. There's also a glossary of words and references. Mural and Quetzalcoatl are two of the terms defined.

There are a few children's biographies about Diego Rivera . Tonatiuh's sophomore release is a great addition, with it's own personal distinctions.

5.0 out of 5 stars Creative... May 25, 2013

By SammyJean

Format:Hardcover

In this book we read about the story of Diego Rivera. An amazing, famous painter. This book shows a lot about history, customs and ancient mexican civilization. It shows his excellent work and the kinds of things Deigo would see in Mexico. The stuggles, traditions, culture and land. Very excellent book to read in the classroom to young children. Being that it's showing his world and ours. If i learned a lot from it so will they. The book is easy to follow and pictures are amazing.

One of my favorite parts in the story was when the book was comparing the past to the present. For example students at their desk now on computers is like factory workers in the producton line back then. Students are able to make a comparison on what it was like back then. Students now dont understand how easy they now have it, it was tough growing up many centuries ago.

4.0 out of 5 stars creative history May 1, 2013

By Amy Snyder

Format:Hardcover

This book is a wonderfully illustrated story through Diego Rivera's life simplified for a young child's perspective. Since Diego Rivera is one of the most famous painters of the twentieth century, it is important for children to have a grasp on his importance and contributions to our world. I enjoyed the illustrations as they would appeal strongly to a younger audience. I did not like that there were so many large words in the books since it would make it difficult for younger children to read. I liked how at the end of the book they made it into a book about what Diego Rivera would be doing if he was living now. This makes readers practice critical thinking skills and children can ask themselves and become aware of the possibilities they have and that he had, and how ultimately, they are not very different! I would enjoy reading this to a young child for it's creative outlook on an important historical individual.

3.0 out of 5 stars Diego's Love for Painting May 1, 2013

By Krystal

Format:Hardcover

Creative boy with a love for art. Explore the life of Diego and venture with the author as he goes from Spain to Paris meeting other artists. He figures out the many other influences that introduce to new ideas of painting. This picture book has beautiful Mayan illustrations that young readers would enjoy.

4.0 out of 5 stars Diego Rivera: His World and Ours April 30, 2013

By Lacee Hunter

Format:Hardcover

Diego Rivera is a picture book biography of Rivera himself. The book starts with him as a young boy. and traces his move to Spain and France and his shift from classical art to cubism to developing his own style. The author also tries to guess at what Diego would have painted had he lived today. This book will appeal to younger students who love pictures, and any students who dream of being an artist. The thing that stands out the most about this book is the gorgeous illustrations. It includes traditional Mayan artwork mixed with a modern twist. The pictures in this book are extremely colorful and detailed. It allows students to see the history of Mexico through paintings. This will also help students stay engaged in the story. The author shared Rivera's interests and how he was introduced to creating famous murals for and about his people.

5.0 out of 5 stars Originally creative expression of an artist April 30, 2013

By Sarah

Format:Hardcover

l loved the artwork! It was so unique to see how Duncan Tonatiuh created his characters. I can see young audiences looking at the pictures and immediately being tied into the story. This was a cute story of Diego Rivera and his dream of becoming an artist. I would read this to my students during a lesson plan about what their future careers might be. It might give them the courage to go after their dreams.

5.0 out of 5 stars Who was Diego and what would he paint today? April 29, 2013

By Zelda Gomez

Format:Hardcover

This book is a great book to read to children between the ages of five and nine. It is a great book if you are teaching or talking about famous painters, Mexican history, or if you simply want to introduce Diego Rivera to your class room. The author, Duncan Tonatiuh, does a great job putting this amazing picture biography of the famous artist Diego Rivera. He uses two page illustrations to show Rivera life and amazing murals. He also uses this book to introduce the two different types of styles used, classical and cubism. The book is divided into two parts for easy comparison. This is such a unique biography. In the first part the author describes Diego world and all about his life and painting, and the second part of the book contains what Tonatiuh imagines Diego would be painting present day. This book also contains Spanish vocabulary and other terms used by artist.