Katherine Johnson - Little People Big Dreams

Katherine Johnson is a new biography for young readers in the Little People, Big Dreams series.  These are all delightful and exuberant little books which cover the lives of famous cultural, science, arts, and innovative icons while maintaining an age-appropriate level of detail. Due out 7th Jan 2025 from Quarto on their Frances Lincoln imprint, it's 32 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

Succeeding throughout her life despite formidable hurdles in place because of the time period (mid 20th century) and area in which she was born (WV), as well as being a female person of color, Katherine Johnson was a wonderfully brilliant applied mathematician who refused to be cowed and whose expertise played a significant part in the early manned space program's success.

Written by Isabel Sánchez Vegara it's written in clear accessible language.  The gentle and sweetly whimsical illustrations are well done. The art by Jemma Skidmore is appealing and colorful and supports the text very well. The art is rich in small subtle details which bear a closer look (like the school scenes, her studies, her university days, and her work at NASA and even her acceptance of the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama).

Well written and appealing, all of these little books are worthwhile and enchanting. This one is a worthy addition. The author/publisher have also included a short timeline with photos in the back of the book as well as suggestions for further reading.

Five stars. This would make a superlative reading circle book, classroom library book, or gift.  Mrs. Johnson was an intelligent and beloved figure and has become an icon for a more hopeful and cooperative future, an inspiration for girls choosing STEM educations, and this little book is a nice introduction to her life and work for the youngest generation.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes

Stan Lee -

 

Stan Lee is a new biography for young readers in the Little People, Big Dreams series.  These are all delightful and exuberant little books which cover the lives of famous cultural, science, arts, and innovative icons while maintaining an age-appropriate level of detail. Due out 2nd July 2024 from Quarto on their Frances Lincoln imprint, it'll be 32 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

A powerhouse of creativity, inclusiveness, enthusiasm, and flourishing despite all odds, Stan Lee went from being a scrappy son of Jewish immigrants in NYC to creating or co-creating an amazing stable of superheros and turbo charging the silver age/renaissance of superhero comics in the 60s to the blockbuster franchises for Marvel down to the current day. Nearly everyone loves comics and he was an absolute titan of the genre.

Written by Isabel Sánchez Vegara it's easy to read with clear accessible language.  The energetic and colorful illustrations are well done. The art by Ana Albero is appealing and colorful and supports the text very well. The art is rich in small subtle details which invite readers to take a closer look.

Well written and appealing, all of these little books are worthwhile and enchanting. This one is a worthy addition.

Five stars. This would make a superlative reading circle book, classroom library book, or gift.  Stan Lee was an intelligent and beloved figure and has become an icon for a more hopeful and cooperative future, encouraging reading and literacy, honor and doing what's right, and this little book is a nice introduction to his life and work for the youngest generation. As always, there's a short timeline in the very back of the book with some suggestions for further reading.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes

 

Simone Biles - Little People Big Dreams

Simone Biles is a new biography for young readers in the Little People, Big Dreams series.  These are all delightful and exuberant little books which cover the lives of famous cultural, science, arts, and innovative icons while maintaining an age-appropriate level of detail. Due out 25th June 2024 from Quarto on their Frances Lincoln imprint, it'll be 32 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

Even before she was the darling of the international sporting community as the vibrant, graceful, and intelligent gymnast who dominated the sport from a very young age, this accomplished young woman had already fought challenges in her own life, living for a time in foster care, being adopted by her grandparents, and the challenges of being a young black woman in a country split by divisiveness and pain, along with the massive stress of performing and sacrificing almost everything to perform at the top competitive level.

Written by Isabel Sánchez Vegara it's written in clear accessible language.  The gentle and sweetly whimsical illustrations are well done. The art by Nadia Fisher is appealing and colorful and supports the text very well. The art is rich in small subtle details which bear a closer look (like the gym scenes, multicultural children and adults, her teammates, and more which appear throughout).

Well written and appealing, all of these little books are worthwhile and enchanting. This one is a worthy addition.

Five stars. This would make a superlative reading circle book, classroom library book, or gift.  Ms. Biles is an intelligent and beloved figure and has become an icon for a more hopeful and cooperative future, always trying to do what's right, as an advocate for mental health and wellness, and this little book is a nice introduction to her life and work for the youngest generation.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes

Freddie Mercury -

 

Freddie Mercury is a new biography for young readers in the Little People, Big Dreams series. I've reviewed a number of these titles and all of them are delightful and exuberant little books which cover the lives of famous cultural, science, arts, and icons of innovation while maintaining an age-appropriate level of detail for young kids. There are over 100 books in the series at this point and they're all worthwhile.

Released 7th Feb 2023 by Quarto on their Frances Lincoln imprint, it's be 32 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

Written by Isabel Sánchez Vegara it's presented in clear and accessible language.  The gentle and sweetly whimsical illustrations are well done. The art by Ruby Taylor is appealing and colorful and supports the text very well. The art is rich in small subtle details which bear a closer look, including many of Freddie's outrageous stage outfits based on real life appearances.  I loved seeing his beloved cats making an appearance as well.

Well written and appealing, I am really enjoying all of these little books. This one is a worthy addition.

Five stars. This would make a superlative reading circle book, classroom library book, or gift.  Queen and Freddie Mercury were and are an important part of the soundtrack of the world's experience for the last 40 years to and this little book is a nice introduction to Freddy's (and Queen's) work for the youngest generation.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Amanda Gorman (Little People, BIG DREAMS)

Amanda Gorman is a new biography for young readers in the Little People, Big Dreams series. I've reviewed a number of these titles and all of them are delightful and exuberant little books which cover the lives of famous cultural, science, arts, and innovative icons while maintaining an age-appropriate level of detail. Due out 3rd March 2020 from Quarto on their Frances Lincoln imprint, it'll be 32 pages and will be available in hardcover format.

Even before she burst onto the wider cultural consciousness as the vibrant, graceful, and intelligent poet at the inauguration of US President Biden, this accomplished young woman had already fought challenges in her own life, overcoming a speech impediment and the challenges of being a young black woman in a country split by divisiveness and pain. 

Written by Isabel Sánchez Vegara it's written in clear accessible language.  The gentle and sweetly whimsical illustrations are well done. The art by Queenbe Monyei is appealing and colorful and supports the text very well. The art is rich in small subtle details which bear a closer look (like the books, animals, multicultural children and adults, and more which appear throughout the book).  I love to see so many kids and adults reading in the illustrations!

Well written and appealing, I am really enjoying all of these little books. This one is a worthy addition.

Five stars. This would make a superlative reading circle book, classroom library book, or gift.  Ms. Gorman is an intelligent and beloved figure and has become an icon for a more hopeful and cooperative future and this little book is a nice introduction to her life and work for the youngest generation.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
 

Pablo Picasso

Pablo Picasso is a new addition to the immensely popular Little People, Big Dreams series by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara. Due out 4th Jan 2022 from Quarto on their Frances Lincoln imprint, it's 32 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

This is another engaging little book, well written in clear accessible language.  There is a surprising amount of information included here compared to the page count. The art by Teresa Bellon is appealing and colorful and I found myself drawn into the pictures. The illustrations are active and full of creativity and suit the subject well. There are flashes of homage throughout but they're presented in a playful and respectful way.

Well written and appealing, I am really enjoying all of these little books. This one is a worthy addition.

Five stars. This would make a superlative reading circle book, classroom library book, or gift. Picasso was a rebel and a firebrand and lived such an interesting life and the author does a wonderful job of relating the information in an age appropriate manner without being too specific or disingenuous. This would make a great starting point for deeper research for young readers and a good introduction to his works.  

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes

Charles Dickens (Little People, Big Dreams)

Charles Dickens is a short illustrated biography of the famed author for young readers in the Little People, Big Dreams series. I've reviewed a number of these titles and all of them are delightful and exuberant little books which cover the lives of famous cultural, science, arts, and icons of innovation while maintaining an age-appropriate level of detail.

Released 9th Nov 2021 by Quarto on their Frances Lincoln imprint, it's 32 pages and will be available in hardcover, and ebook formats.

Written by Isabel Sánchez Vegara it's well written in clear accessible language.  There is so much information included in this little book. The art by Isobel Ross is appealing and colorful and I found myself drawn into the pictures. The illustrations are active and kinetic and suit the subject.

Well written and appealing, I am really enjoying all of these little books. This one is a worthy addition.

Five stars. This would make a superlative reading circle book, classroom library book, or gift. Dickens lived a difficult life in many ways and the author does a wonderful job of relating information in an age appropriate way without being hurtful or maudlin. This would make a great starting point for deeper research for young readers and a good introduction to his work. I felt that there was an overemphasis on A Christmas Carol, but this book could serve as a springboard and introduction to his *other* works as well.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes

Treasury: 50 Stories from Brilliant Dreamers

Treasury: 50 Stories from Brilliant Dreamers is a beautifully curated collection of 50 short biographies from the Little People, Big Dreams creators aimed at a slightly older audience (7+). Due out 9th Nov 2021 from Quarto on their Frances Lincoln Children's imprint, it's 224 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

These stories are entertaining, enlightening, and important. They give age-appropriate backgrounds and biographies of iconic scientists, sports and cultural icons, inventors, and artists throughout the modern era, grouped chronologically from 1790 to the modern day. 

Five stars. This would make a superlative reading circle book, classroom or public library book, or gift. I'm impressed by the way this series always manages to provide age appropriate biography without emphasizing or detracting from the racism, professional sexism, and troubles the subjects lived through. This would make a great starting point for deeper research for young readers who are interested in STEM subjects, arts, natural history, literature, music, sports, or political history.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes

Rosalind Franklin (Little People, Big Dreams)

Rosalind Franklin is a short illustrated biography of the famed scientist for young readers in the Little People, Big Dreams series. I've reviewed a number of these titles and all of them are delightful and exuberant little books which cover the lives of famous cultural, science, arts, and icons of innovation while maintaining an age-appropriate level of detail.

Due out 24th Aug 2021 from Quarto on their Frances Lincoln imprint, it's 32 pages and will be available in hardcover, and ebook formats.

Written by Isabel Sánchez Vegara it's well written in clear accessible language.  There is so much information included in this little book. The art by Naomi Wilkinson is appealing and colorful and supports the text very well. The illustrations are active and kinetic and suit the subjects. I especially liked the artist's illustrations of the x-ray diffraction images and the famous "photo 51" which first showed the X-formation of the DNA macromolecule. 

Well written and appealing, I am really enjoying all of these little books. This one is a worthy addition.

Five stars. This would make a superlative reading circle book, classroom library book, or gift. Rosalind Franklin died tragically young and I'm impressed by the way this series manages to provide age appropriate biography without emphasizing or detracting from the racism, professional sexism, and troubles she lived through. This would make a great starting point for deeper research for young readers who are interested in STEM subjects, life science, and Franklin's life and legacy.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes 

Malala Yousafzai (Pequeña & Grande)

 

Malala Yousafzai is a new biography aimed at young readers in the Little People, Big Dreams series. Due out 16th March 2021 from Quarto on their Frances Lincoln Children's imprint, it's 32 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

Isabel Sánchez Vegara writes accessibly in clear and understandable language.  The illustrations are colorful, whimsically engaging and very well done. The art by Manal Mirza is very appealing and rich in small subtle details which invite a closer look. The text is always honest and explains scary things (the Taliban for example) in age-appropriate and non-confrontational language. 

Well written and appealing, I am really enjoying all of these little books. This one is a worthy addition. It also includes a short photo timeline with some highlights from Malala's life thus far.

Five stars. This would make a superlative reading circle book, classroom library book, or gift.  Malala Yousafzai is an incredible, intelligent, gifted, and brave young woman, the youngest Nobel Laureate, and a wonderful  role model.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes

Mary Anning (Pequeña & Grande)

 

Mary Anning s a new biography for young readers in the Little People, Big Dreams series. I've reviewed a number of these titles and all of them are delightful and exuberant little books which cover the lives of famous cultural, science, arts, and innovative icons while maintaining an age-appropriate level of detail. Due out 2nd March 2021 from Quarto on their Frances Lincoln imprint, it'll be 32 pages and will be available in hardcover, and ebook formats.

The text and story by Isabel Sánchez Vegara are written in clear accessible language.  The gentle and sweetly humorous illustrations were well done. The art by Popy Matigot is quirky and has an almost linocut collage look. 

Well written and appealing, I am really enjoying all of these little books. This one is a worthy addition and especially welcome as a glimpse into a womens lives and challenges in historically male-dominated STEM fields. The author doesn't shy away from saying in the text that the (invariably male) scientists of the time used Mary's work as their own without credit to her. 

Five stars. This would make a superlative reading circle book, classroom library book, or gift.  Mary Anning was an intelligent, determined and accomplished woman in an unfair and prejudiced world which arrayed its power against her but never managed to thwart her. There is a short timeline included at the back of each of these books with some titles and resources for further reading.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes

Megan Rapinoe

Megan Rapinoe is a new biography for young readers in the Little People, Big Dreams series. I've reviewed a number of these titles and all of them are delightful and exuberant little books which cover the lives of famous cultural, science, arts, and innovation icons while maintaining an age-appropriate level of detail. Due out 2nd Feb 2021 from Quarto on their Frances Lincoln imprint, it's 32 pages and will be available in hardcover, and ebook formats.

Written by Isabel Sánchez Vegara it's well written in clear accessible language.  The whimsical and energetic illustrations were well done. The art by Paulina Morgan is full of fun - appealing and colorful, they just bounce off the page. The illustrations are bold and full of bright contrasting colors and simple lines and lots and lots of energy.

Well written and appealing, I am really enjoying all of these little books. This one is a worthy addition. The author has included a timeline at the back of the book with some photos and highlights from Ms. Rapinoe's life, as well as a very short bibliography including books to explore further.

Five stars. This would make a superlative reading circle book, classroom library book, or gift.  I like that these books cover arts, sports, science, historical, and entertainment icons. There's something for everyone.  

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes

Prince (Pequeña & Grande)

 

Prince is a new biography for young readers in the Little People, Big Dreams series. I've reviewed a number of these titles and all of them are delightful and exuberant little books which cover the lives of famous cultural, science, arts, and innovative icons while maintaining an age-appropriate level of detail.

Due out 19th Jan 2021 from Quarto on their Frances Lincoln imprint, it's be 32 pages and will be available in hardcover, and ebook formats.

Written by Isabel Sánchez Vegara it's well written in clear accessible language.  The whimsical and energetic illustrations were well done. The art by Cachetejack is appealing and colorful and supports the text well. The illustrations are bold and full of bright contrasting colors and simple lines, almost abstract, but still easy to identify.

Well written and appealing, I am really enjoying all of these little books. This one is a worthy addition. The author has included a timeline at the back of the book with some photos and highlights from Prince's life, as well as a very short bibliography including books to explore further.

Five stars. This would make a superlative reading circle book, classroom library book, or gift.  Prince was an incredibly gifted and accomplished artist and this book is a nice tribute to an iconic entertainer.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes

Ernest Shackleton

Ernest Shackleton is a new biography for young readers in the Little People, Big Dreams series. I've reviewed a number of these titles and all of them are delightful and exuberant little books which cover the lives of famous cultural, science, arts, and innovative icons while maintaining an age-appropriate level of detail.

Due out 1st Sept 2020 from Quarto on their Frances Lincoln imprint, it'll be 32 pages and will be available in hardcover format.

Written by Isabel Sánchez Vegara it's well written in clear accessible language.  The gentle and vibrant illustrations were well done. The art by Olivia Holden is appealing and colorful and supports the story very well. The illustrations are bold and simple.

Well written and appealing, I am really enjoying all of these little books. This one is a worthy addition. I also appreciate that there are suggestions for further reading in the back of the book with the timeline of Shackleton's life.

Four stars. This would make a superlative reading circle book, classroom library book, or gift.  Shackleton was obviously a brave and incredible explorer, but the book also highlights his accomplishments as a leader and optimist and hero to his men. This book is a tribute to an icon who still represents the ideals of exploration and discovery. It's nice to see him being introduced to a new generation of kids.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes

Pele

Pele is a new biography for young readers in the Little People, Big Dreams series. I've reviewed a number of these titles and all of them are delightful and exuberant little books which cover the lives of famous cultural, science, arts, and innovative icons while maintaining an age-appropriate level of detail.

Due out 1st Sept 2020 from Quarto on their Frances Lincoln imprint, it'll be 32 pages and will be available in hardcover format.

Written by Isabel Sánchez Vegara it's well written in clear accessible language.  The gentle and vibrant illustrations were well done. The art by Camila Rosa is appealing and colorful and supports the story. The illustrations are bold and simple.

Well written and appealing, I am really enjoying all of these little books. This one is a worthy addition. I also appreciate that there are suggestions for further reading in the back of the book with the timeline of Pele's life.

Four stars. This would make a superlative reading circle book, classroom library book, or gift.  Pele is obviously a supremely gifted athlete, but the book also highlights his accomplishments as an ambassador for equality and his charitable works. This book is a tribute to an icon who still represents the ideals of sportsmanship and brotherhood for so many thousands of people worldwide. It's nice to see him being introduced to a new generation of kids.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes

Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin is a new biography for young readers in the Little People, Big Dreams series. I've reviewed a number of these titles and all of them are delightful and exuberant little books which cover the lives of famous cultural, science, arts, and innovative icons while maintaining an age-appropriate level of detail.

Due out 4th Aug 2020 from Quarto on their Frances Lincoln imprint, it'll be 32 pages and will be available in hardcover, and ebook formats.

Written by Isabel Sánchez Vegara it's well written in clear accessible language.  The gentle and vibrant illustrations were well done. The art by Amy Blackwell is appealing and colorful and supports the text very well. The illustrations are rich in small subtle details which bear a closer look. (Many of her outfits in the book are taken from photographs of events at the time, for example).

Well written and appealing, I am really enjoying all of these little books. This one is a worthy addition. I also appreciate that there are suggestions for further reading in the back of the book with the timeline of Aretha's life.

Five stars. This would make a superlative reading circle book, classroom library book, or gift.  Aretha was an intelligent and accomplished woman and this book is a nice tribute to an iconic entertainer.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes

Jesse Owens

Jesse Owens is a new biography for young readers in the Little People, Big Dreams series. I've reviewed a number of these titles and all of them are delightful and exuberant little books which cover the lives of famous cultural, science, arts, and innovative icons while maintaining an age-appropriate level of detail.

Due out 2nd June 2020 from Quarto on their Frances Lincoln imprint, it'll be 32 pages and will be available in hardcover format.

Written by Isabel Sánchez Vegara it's presented in clear, accessible, age-appropriate language.  The gentle and sweetly humorous illustrations were well done. The art by Anna Katharina Jansen is appealing and colorful and supports the text very well. Both the illustrations and text are rich in small subtle details which bear a closer look (like the illustrations based on historical photos, of him being a gracious winner at the olympics, and receiving the medal of freedom).

Well written and appealing, I am really enjoying all of these little books. This one is a worthy addition.

Five stars. This would make a superlative reading circle book, classroom library book, or gift.  Jesse Owens was an incredibly important sports and cultural icon under incredibly difficult conditions. It's vital for youngsters to learn about racial history and for their caregivers to never forget (lest we be doomed to revisit those awful times). For completeness (mostly for children's school and public library info): there's one illustration showing Jesse waiting his turn to shower while all the white athletes were showering and obviously there are strategically placed bubbles everywhere, but there is one, single, unoffensive, caucasian butt shown.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes

David Bowie: My First David Bowie (Pequeño & GRANDE #3)

My First David Bowie is a new picture book biography for the youngest readers in the Little People, Big Dreams series. I've reviewed a number of these titles and they all manage to pack an impressive amount of detail in these little books in an age-appropriate and accessible manner.

Due out 26th May 2020 from Quarto on their Frances Lincoln imprint, it'll be 24 pages and will be available in boardbook and ebook formats.

Written by Isabel Sánchez Vegara it's well written in clear accessible language.  The gentle and sweetly humorous illustrations were well done. I loved the series of pictures of Bowie through his different stage incarnations.  The art by Ana Albero is appealing and colorful and supports the text very well. The illustrations are rich in small subtle details which bear a closer look (like the little green alien who appears in cameos throughout the book).

Well written and appealing, I am really enjoying all of these little books. This one is a worthy addition.

Five stars. This would make a superlative reading circle book, classroom library book, or gift.  Bowie was an intelligent and important cultural icon.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes

Billie Jean King

Billie Jean King is a new biography for young readers in the Little People, Big Dreams series. I've reviewed a number of these titles and all of them are delightful and exuberant little books which cover the lives of famous cultural, science, arts, and innovative icons while maintaining an age-appropriate level of detail. Due out 5th May 2020 from Quarto on their Frances Lincoln imprint, it'll be 32 pages and will be available in hardcover format.

The text by Isabel Sánchez Vegara is well written in clear accessible language.  The colorful and appealing illustrations were well done. The art by Miranda Sofroniou supports the text very well. The illustrations are rich in small subtle details which bear a closer look and many of them mirror real life publicity photos from the time.

Well written and appealing, I am really enjoying all of these little books. This one is a worthy addition.

Five stars. This would make a superlative reading circle book, classroom library book, or gift.  Ms. King is an intelligent and accomplished woman  and advocate and this book is a nice tribute to an iconic athlete.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes

Alan Turing

Alan Turing is a new biography for young readers in the Little People, Big Dreams series. I've reviewed a number of these titles and all of them are delightful and exuberant little books which cover the lives of famous cultural, science, arts, and innovative icons while maintaining an age-appropriate level of detail.

Released 7th April 2020 by Quarto on their Frances Lincoln imprint, it's 32 pages and available in hardcover and ebook formats.

Written by Isabel Sánchez Vegara it's well written in clear accessible language.  The gentle and sweetly whimsical illustrations are well done. The art by Linzie Hunter is appealing and colorful and supports the text very well. The art is rich in small subtle details which bear a closer look (like the books, birds, and more which appear throughout the book).  I love to see so many kids and adults reading in the illustrations! I also appreciated the paraphrased Turing quotes in the text.

Well written and appealing, I am really enjoying all of these little books. This one is a worthy addition.

Five stars. This would make a superlative reading circle book, classroom library book, or gift.  Alan Turing was and a brilliant and unique man with a prodigious intellect and this little book is a nice introduction to his life and work for the youngest generation.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Note: I received an early eARC and in my copy of the material, there was a formatting error which caused the timeline biography and artist credits to be switched with an earlier book in the series (Astrid Lindgren). This will presumably be corrected in the final published version.