Spring Mini Reviews 2

Here are my reviews of books in the Little People BIG DREAMS series a wonderful series for younger readers!

Beyoncé by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
Illustrated by Jade Orlando

Little People BIG DREAMS: BeyoncéSynopsis: “In this book from the highly acclaimed Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the inspiring life of Beyoncé, the chart-topping superstar. Beyoncé was quiet as a child but always enjoyed singing and dancing. At a young age, she went to see a concert, and from that moment on, she felt inspired to perform. She loved putting on shows for the people having their hair cut in her Mom’s salon, but knew she was destined for a bigger audience. After winning a local talent show, Beyoncé joined the newly formed girl group Girls Tyme. The band eventually became Destiny’s Child and shot to stardom with their catchy R&B songs and fierce dance routines. As a solo artist, she has since achieved incredible success with numerous number one hits, including ‘Irreplaceable’ and ‘Crazy in Love’, and several critically acclaimed and award-winning albums, including ‘I am… Sasha Fierce’, ‘Lemonade’, and ‘Renaissance’. She has received the most Grammy nominations of any artist in history and is now one of the most influential people in the world. As well as being a performer, she is a mother, businesswoman, philanthropist, and role model for all those who want to reach for the stars.”

My Review

This is a another fantastic edition to this wonderful series for young children. Beyoncé is a household name all over the world so I enjoyed discovering more about her childhood and I loved the illustrations by Jade Orlando. I didn’t realise that she’d won so many talent competitions as a young child or that she was in girl groups before Destiny’s child. Highly recommended for younger readers.

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Lenny Henry by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara
Illustrated by Diane Ewen

cover308270-medium Synopsis: “In this book from the critically acclaimed, multimillion-copy best-selling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the incredible life of Sir Lenny Henry, the multi-talented comedian, actor, writer and activist. Ever since he was small, Lenny Henry wanted to be a comedian. At home in Dudley, England, he would pretend to be the characters he watched on TV, copying scenes from his favorite shows to entertain his six brothers and sisters. But life wasn’t always easy, and at school, Lenny found himself the subject of racist bullying—until he figured out a way to beat the bullies using humour. This was when he realized he had a gift: he could make people laugh. He shot to fame aged 16 and the following decades were full of great successes, such as his hugely popular TV show The Lenny Henry Show. Lenny co-founded the charity Comic Relief in response to a terrible famine in East Africa. Over 25 years later, Lenny and the charity remain committed to creating a just world, free from poverty, and have raised millions of pounds. An actor, a comedian, an author, and a champion of inclusivity, Lenny is a much-loved figure whose story encourages us to keep smiling.  This inspiring book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the incredible comedian and activist’s life.”

My Review

This is a fab picture book all about the life of Lenny Henry, a British comedian, actor, writer and activist, and so much more! I’ve enjoyed watching Lenny Henry on TV since the 1980s, so it’s fantastic to see that he’s got his own book in this series, especially as Red Nose Day is coming up again on 15th March here in the UK. I didn’t realise that he actually founded Comic Relief with Richard Curits, the film director. I’ve always enjoyed his sense of humour and even saw his stand-up show here in Jersey many years ago. Highly recommended for younger readers.

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Tenzing Norgay by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara
Illustrated by Bandana Tulachan

9780711285705Synopsis: “From the critically acclaimed, multimillion-copy bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the life of Tenzing Norgay, one of the first two people to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1953.  When Tenzing was young, he spent much of his childhood tending to the family’s yaks and gazing up at the Himalaya mountains, dreaming of the day he would reach the top. Once he grew up, he joined many other Sherpas who were offering to take Europeans up the highest mountain of all—Mount Everest, also known as Chomolungma, the Tibetan word for ‘Mother Goddess of the World’. It was the chance he needed to make his childhood dream a reality. He went on many expeditions, some more dangerous than others, but Tenzing never gave up his dream to reach the top of the highest peak. He was 39 when he was joined by Edmund Hilary and they became the first two people to reach the summit of Chomolungma. Tenzing came back down the mountain as one of the most respected mountain climbers and a hero across the world. This inspiring book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the iconic mountain climber’s life.“

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My Review

I loved this wonderful picture book about the life of Tenzing Norgay, the Nepalese Sherpa who reached the summit of Everest with Sir Edmund Hilary in 1953.  I enjoyed the beautiful illustrations that accompanied his story and I loved learning about him, as when I was growing up I only ever heard Sir Edmund Hilary’s name connected with Mount Everest, but never Tensing Norgay. It think it’s wonderful that he’s finally getting the recognition that he so rightly deserves and so of course I highly recommend this book!

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Sally Ride by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara
Illustrated by Alona Milligram

9780711291508Synopsis:”Be inspired by the life of Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, with this engaging picture book designed especially for young readers. Little Sally grew up in California, and soon realized that she had a passion for science. She loved it so much that she studied it at college and became a Doctor of Physics. One day, whilst reading the student newspaper, Sally saw that NASA was looking for astronauts. Women could apply, having never been able to before… so she went for it! Sally was chosen, and in 1983 became the first American woman to fly in space. Sally believed that science should be exciting and inclusive, and that everyone should be able to reach for the stars! So, after hanging up her space suit, Sally, with her partner Tam, founded Sally Ride Science, an organization that encourages better science education. This powerful book features stylish and quirky illustrations, and extra facts at the back, including a  biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the trailblazing astronaut’s life. Little People, BIG DREAMS is a bestselling biography series for kids that explores the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream.“

My Review

I’d never heard of Sally Ride before seeing this book on NetGalley. I enjoyed the illustrations learning all about the fact that she was the first American woman in space! I’m not into science or space so that’s probably why I’d never heard of her before  but I’m glad I’ve read this now and highly recommend it!

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Frances Lincoln Children’s Books for my digital copies of all these books via the NetGalley app and Adobe Digital Editions