Duncan Tonatiuh’s picture book account of Mexican painter Diego Rivera’s life and work as an artist begins by looking at the painter’s education, artistic influences, and desire to make art about and for the people of Mexico. “He wanted to celebrate the things that were special to Mexico and wanted Mexicans, from all distant parts of the land, to learn about their culture and feel proud.” Tonatiuh then imagines what Rivera might choose to paint if he were alive today, connecting the possibilities to the art for which he is known. “Would he paint the big city ... as he painted the ancient Aztec city of Tenochtitlán? ... Maybe Diego would paint shops at the mall ... as he painted street vendors selling flores. ” He notes that Rivera’s dream of a better future for “the common people” is something the painter celebrated in his art, and today “it is up to us to make our own murals and bring them to life.” Tonatiuh’s arresting and distinctive visual style is inspired in part by ancient Mexican art. A glossary defines terms relating to art and to Mexican heritage, and an author’s note provides more details on Rivera’s life, as well as Tonatiuh’s own artistic influences. (Ages 6–9)

Discover the life and legacy of celebrated Mexican artist Diego Rivera in this picture book by award-winning author and illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh

A Pura Belpré Illustrator Award Winner!

Diego Rivera, one of the most famous painters of the twentieth century, was once just a mischievous little boy who loved to draw. But this little boy would grow up to follow his passion and greatly influence the world of art.

After studying in Spain and France as a young man, Diego was excited to return to his home country of Mexico. There, he toured from the coasts to the plains to the mountains. He met the peoples of different regions and explored the cultures, architecture, and history of those that had lived before. Returning to Mexico City, he painted great murals representing all that he had seen. He provided the Mexican people with a visual history of who they were and, most important, who they are.

Award-winning author and illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh, who has also been inspired by the art and culture of his native Mexico, asks, if Diego was still painting today, what history would he tell through his artwork? What stories would he bring to life? Drawing inspiration from Rivera to create his own original work, Tonatiuh helps young readers to understand the importance of Diego Rivera’s artwork and to realize that they too can tell stories through art.