The Met Frida Kahlo: She Painted Her World in Self-Portraits by DK Publishing

 This biography series What The Artist Saw for children (7-9 years) brings an amazing character of Frida Kahlo whose colorful surroundings and supportive parents influenced her to become an original artist.

Her story begins in childhood. Her grandfather was a painter, and her father, who came from Germany, was a photographer. He showed her how to take pictures and taught her appreciation for nature. Their blue house, La Casa Azul, was surrounded by lots of flowers, attracting colorful butterflies, birds, and other animals. Her father believed that, like boys, a girl should have an education, which she pursued.

To help her parents with money, she got a job as an assistant to a printmaker. This position gave her opportunity to learn how to draw by copying the work of famous artists. In her final year of school, she got into a horrible accident. She suffered many fractures and broken bones. She had to stay in bed for months where she grew restless. Her mother came up with very creative ideas for Frida to paint. And this is when her creative soul blossomed. As soon as she was able to walk, she went to Diego Rivera to have a look at her paintings. At her school, Diego Rivera, a prominent Mexican painter, was hired to create a mural. He was dazzled by her artistry.

Her story continues with her marriage and how she developed her authentic style.

Frida’s story is engrossingly presented. It exposes her whole life, with enough details to give dimensions, but not to overwhelm. There are some words which might be hard for children to pronounce, and the meaning might have to be explained.

Overall, wonderful storytelling and eye-catching illustrations that pop-out of the pages and enforce the true spirit of the artist Frida was.

Published in December 2023 by DK Children

Source: DK Children 

TRENDING INSPIRATION: Be Creative and Let Nature Inspire You

Traits:

·         Be original

·         Use nature to inspire you

·         Use opportunities to learn something new

·         Be creative in times of hardship

·         Don’t let adversity to defy your goal

·         Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice

 

“I never paint dreams or nightmares. I paint my own reality.” – Frida Kahlo

“I tried to drown my sorrows, but the bastards learned how to swim, and now I am overwhelmed by this decent and good feeling.” – Frida Kahlo

Sally Ride by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

 This motivating biography series for children (4-7 years) brings the inspiring figure of Sally Ride (1951-2012), an American astronaut who was passionate about science.

Sally’s story shows how important and impactful parents’ support and encouragement is. Sally and her sister were encouraged to reach for the stars. From childhood, she was fascinated with science and good at playing tennis. Tennis helped her in getting scholarship for studying science.

When NASA announced astronaut position, more than 8,000 people applied. Only 35 were accepted, among them Sally. Later, she was chosen to join the space shuttle Challenger crew. Thus, making her the first American woman to explore space.

After 9 years in NASA, she became a physics professor. And later, started her own company and wrote books for young minds, inspiring children to get excited about science.

This story is a wonderful inspiration for children to reach for the stars and to not be afraid of science. It is accompanied by delightful illustrations, and presented in easy to understand way for target audience.

Published in 2024 by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books

Source: Frances Lincoln Children’s Books

TRENDING INSPIRATION: Be Curious

Traits:

·         From childhood, she was fascinated with science

·         She was good at tennis which earned her scholarship for studying science

·         She studied hard and was one of 35 astronauts out of 8,000 who were chosen for NASA position

·         Her outstanding abilities made her stand out and she was chosen to join the space shuttle crew; thus, becoming the first American woman in space

·         She wrote books for young readers to excite them about science

 

"All big things come from small beginnings." - James Clear

Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver: The History and Legends of the Real Santa Claus by Ned Bustard

 Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver weaves a fascinating story of Nicholas who loved all and loved gifting those in need.

Nicholas was born in Turkey supposedly on March 15, 270, where his parents both died before he was grown. He was raised by his uncle who was an abbot. Nicholas grew to love Jesus. At young age, he sailed off to see the Holy Lands, where he lived in a cave and prayed alone.

Later, in Myra down by the see, he taught folks the Bible, and helped any person in need. He gave gifts to the weak, the sick, and the needy. One night, he sneaked into the house of a poor family faced with calamity. He gifted three sisters with three bags of gold.

He supposedly died on Dec. 6, 343.

This story is poetically presented with charming flow and magnificent illustrations, and above all sends wonderful message of helping those less fortunate.

Under author’s note, I found two interesting questions worth pondering:

What’s the greatest gift you’ve ever given?
What’s the greatest gift you’ve ever received?

Published in 2021 by IVP Kids

Source: IVP Kids

TRENDING INSPIRATION: Be Generous 

"Don't wish it was easier, wish you were better." - Jim Rohn

Leo Messi by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

 This inspiring biography series for children (4-7 years) brings exciting figure of Leo Messi, one of the best soccer players, if not the best.

Leo was born in 1987 in Argentina, where from childhood he loved playing soccer. He was so good that he got on a team with older boys. With Leo on the team, they won every single tournament.

At thirteen, he got invited to Spain to try out for Barcelona’s youth academy. He was accepted within minutes of his playing. At sixteen, he joined the first team and with time became the greatest player in soccer’s history.

When Leo started playing soccer, he was always the smallest among the players. At first, it was because he was the youngest. Later, it turned out to be his medical condition for which he got help with injections. This obstacle didn’t stop him from becoming one of the greatest soccer players.

There were times, when his team lost, and in those moments he drew inspiration from happy children, including his family and all the children he helped through his charity.

With easy to comprehend sentences, and fun illustrations, this book is a cheerful inspiration for children.

Published in 2023 by Frances Lincoln Children's Books

Source: Frances Lincoln Children's Books

TRENDING INSPIRATION: Disadvantage Can Aspire One to Succeed

Traits:

·         From childhood, he loved playing soccer

·         He was so good at soccer that he got on a team with older boys

·         Despite him being the shortest player, he helped them win every single tournament

·         His talent was noticed, and he progressed quickly in his career

·         When his team lost, he drew inspiration from happy children; he stayed positive

 

"The problem is not how short life is, but rather how badly we use the time we have." - Seneca

Saint Patrick the Forgiver: The History and Legends of Ireland's Bishop

 Saint Patrick the Forgiver weaves the inspiring story of Saint Patrick, combining legends and Patrick’s words from his Confessions.

Patrick was born in old Britain to Pa who was faithful to the church, while Patrick had a wild heart. Patrick was captured and sold to slavery, and labored in Ireland. While serving as a shepherd, God’s spirit spoke to him. One night, while asleep, he heard God’s vision. He escaped and returned to Britain where he happily reunited with his parents.

Then, another request came for him to return to Ireland, but he ignored it at first as he didn’t want to return to slavery. God reminded him that forgiveness was a gift. Thus, he returned to Ireland with a Bible and a bell. He preached of love and grace. He spoke to the High King’s son, who embraced Lord. He allowed Patrick to start the church.

The story is beautifully presented with charming rhyme and exquisite illustrations. It’s a truly inspirational story for young minds (target audience 4-8 years), with wonderful message of forgiveness.

Published in 2023 by IVP Kids 

TRENDING INSPIRATION: Be Forgiving. Don’t hold grudges.

"If you are not prepared to be wrong, you will never come up with anything original." - Sir Ken Robinson

Trailblazers: Harriet Tubman: A Journey to Freedom by Sandra Agard

 This Trailblazers biography series for middle grade (8-10 years) brings an incredible role model who with her achievement inspires to take positive action to tackle the problems that surround us.

Harriet Tubman, born around 1820 as Araminta Ross on a plantation in Maryland, is good at working outdoors. She is hired to work alongside her father, who teaches her about the natural world. The skills that would come very useful once on the run. While working in the field, her path crosses with Quaker woman who is driving by with her wagon. They speak briefly every time they see each other, not to draw attention to them. When Harriet decides to take a chance at freedom, she takes a risk and stops at Quaker woman’s house at night. It turns out to be one of the houses on the Underground Railroad.

In Philadelphia, she quickly becomes a conductor of the Underground Railroad, helping others to escape farther north. During the Civil War, she becomes a nurse, tracker, and a spy. After the Civil War, she becomes women’s rights activist, and remains the strong supporter until her death.

This inspiring story of a very courageous and determined woman offers incredible role model, who despite having all odds against her, achieves unachievable with her drive and imagination.

The story of Harriet is engaging and has a good flow. The book is filled with inserts which explain many terms including slavery and what it involved, how enslaved people communicated between themselves through songs. It is a very informative and impressive story.

Published in 2019 by Random House Books for Young Readers

TRENDING INSPIRATION: Take Positive Actions

Traits:

·         Take a chance at something that might give you freedom

·         Learn every possible skill to help you achieve your goal

·         Take action in something you believe in

·         Remain active

·         Have courage and determination

·         Be driven

“Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose.” – Lyndon B. Johnson

Who Was Amelia Earhart by Kate Boehm Jerome

 Who Was Amelia Earhart? biography series for middle grade brings another fascinating figure and great role model for children.

Amelia Mary Earhart, born 1897 in Kansas, as a child sees her first airplane at the Iowa State Fair, but it is not then when her passion starts.

At Ogontz School in Pennsylvania, one of her teachers is a very independent woman who inspires many girls to be independent, rather than rely on a man. Amelia picks career over marriage, except at that moment, she doesn’t know what career she wants. The answer comes when she sees an air show in California in 1920. She wants to become a pilot.

Her path shows young readers that even when you figure out what you want to do, it isn’t always a straight forward path, sometimes you have to take detours and do something else meanwhile. But when the opportunity comes your way, you need to grab it.

She becomes a famous pilot and encourages other women to become pilots. She loves setting records. With all her different involvements, she becomes a good model for young girls. She becomes a pioneer who said, “You can do anything you decide to do.”

This biography seems to be one of the shortest in this series as it targets audience 7-10 years. With simple sentences and story progressing fast, it’s an engaging read for this target audience.

Published in 2002 by Grosset & Dunlap 

TRENDING INSPIRATION: Be persistent in your goal

Traits:

·         Find things your passionate about

·         Be independent

·         Keep experiencing until it leads you to your biggest passion

·         Grab opportunities when they come your way

·         Be ambitious in your goals

“You can do anything you decide to do.” - Amelia Earhart