Creative Lives

You may not know her name, but Mexican artist Frida Kahlo's vibrant self-portraits filled with colorful plants and wildlife are some of the most recognizable artworks in the world. This title uses colorful photographs and images to illustrate Kahlo's themes of Mexican identity, gender, and nature. Age-appropriate text and high-interest subject matter will appeal to beginner readers.

Not many authors have shed more light on 18th and 19th British life than novelist Jane Austen. Her tales about the Bennett, Woodhouse, and Dashwood families are timeless classics about love, class, and marriage. This title explores Austen's life and legacy as well as the challenges she faced as a female author during this time. Colorful images and age-appropriate language will appeal to young readers.

Perhaps the best-known Classical composer in history, Ludwig van Beethoven's music has inspired and influenced musicians the world over. This engaging title explores the German composer's life, his unique creativity, and challenges. The book includes colorful and historic images as well as age-appropriate language to appeal to young readers. The approachable text will inspire even the most reluctant readers.

Disney is a household name across much of the globe, but at one point in time this world of animation, theme parks, and entertainment all came from the imagination of one man-Walt Disney. This title explores the life and work of one of the greatest creative minds to bring fun and magic to young people. Colorful images and high-interest subject matter will appeal to even the most reluctant readers.

Young readers are likely very familiar with the work of puppeteer and filmmaker Jim Henson, but perhaps not his name. He is the creative mind behind the Muppets, Fraggle Rock, and countless television shows and movies. This engaging book sheds light on Henson's life and the ways he changed puppetry and entertainment forever. Colorful images of some of young readers' favor television characters and high-interest subject matter will appeal to even the most reluctant readers.

Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, the birthplace of the blues and rock 'n' roll music, singer Aretha Franklin was virtually born to be the Queen of Soul. This title explores the musician's life, from her early days singing gospel music in Detroit, Michigan, to her eventual superstardom and worldwide fame. The book includes colorful photographs and age-appropriate language to appeal to beginning readers.