Through NetGalley, I’ve received digital copies of books from this incredible series, Little People, BIG DREAMS. They are non-fiction children’s books, set to inspire and educate, instilling important messages into growing brains that encourage children to dream big and reach for the stars.
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David Bowie
‘By never being afraid to be himself, little David became the most unique star who ever fell to Earth.’
Synopsis
David grew up inspired by the power of music. He was part of a band but dreamed of becoming a star. He knew he was different but he embraced his individuality and became a performer, wearing dramatic outfits and continuing to reinvent himself. He was an icon that influenced millions of people right up until the day he died.
Embracing uniqueness
This book gives a simple and easy-to-follow overview of David’s life as a musician and icon. The illustrations complement the text and encapsulate David’s unique personality. The message encourages readers to embrace their individuality and never be afraid or embarrassed about who they are. It’s an incredibly important message especially for children growing up in a world that is gradually becoming more accepting, but where prejudice is still widespread. This book takes a global idol and shows children that being different is nothing to be ashamed of. I loved this book and believe it holds a message that should be ingrained in children and adults alike.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Bob Dylan
‘Without trying, he became the voice of a generation eager to change the world.’
Synopsis
This story follows Bob Dylan from childhood through to his overwhelming success as an iconic music artist. Bob loved music from an early age but wasn’t one for the spotlight. He was a talented songwriter who covered topical themes like religion and war. He wasn’t so focused on pleasing people, more just doing, writing, and singing about things he felt were important. He remained an ordinary soul and stuck to being himself.
Never stop being yourself
Bob Dylan is an incredible role model for children. His passion for music but determination to remain an ordinary person are still true today. The important lesson here is to always be yourself. He gave a voice to the people but remained humble and honest. We can all learn a thing or two from this legendary human.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mahatma Gandhi
‘Sometimes the power of peace is greater than the power of force.’
Synopsis
Gandhi grew up in a Hindu family and moved to London as a teenager to study, then to South Africa to work as a lawyer. He witnessed and was a victim of injustice because of his race. He was passionate about equality and wanted to protest in his own way – peacefully. And so began a resistance movement like no other. He moved back to India with the determination to lead his country out of the hands of the British Empire. He did not use violence or his expensive lifestyle to make a difference. Instead, he became one of his own and continued to lead peaceful protests.
The importance of equality
This story has interesting facts and quirky illustrations, teaching children about the importance of standing up for what is right and promoting equality. It also highlights the positive impact peaceful protesting can have and strongly discourages the need for violence. Although the illustrations weren’t to my taste, I thought they were very powerful and showed, rather than told, Gandhi’s actions.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Stephen Hawking
‘Instead of looking down at his feet, Stephen decided to look up at the stars. Maybe he couldn’t control his body, but in order to study the universe, all he needed was his mind.’
Synopsis
Stephen wasn’t the brightest student growing up but he was a very curious young boy. He would look up at the stars and wonder about the mysterious universe. Despite his academic skills, he attended two prestigious universities and it was there that he was diagnosed with ALS and given two years to live. Unwilling to give up, he went on to exceed his expected age by decades and also came up with one of the biggest scientific discoveries of the 20th Century.
A true inspiration
There is no denying that this story is inspirational. Despite his early diagnosis, Stephen immersed himself in his studies, refusing to let the illness define or restrict him. Though he wasn’t the smartest student, his curious nature and hard work led him to live a very fulfilling life, not to mention become a genius scientist. This is an incredibly important message for children (and adults) about never giving up on dreams.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ada Lovelace
‘Ada showed that when you use your imagination, your dreams can take flight.’
Synopsis
Ada Lovelace grew up dreaming, with a vivid imagination and excellent mathematical skills. She loved to invent imaginary machines that her mother did not approve of. Despite this disapproval, she went on to work with the famous inventor, Charles Babbage, who was building a calculator. Ada then invented the code that eventually became the first computer programming.
Insightful and empowering
I love that this book teaches children to dream big and let their imagination run. It is educational yet interesting, which will keep children’s attention from wandering. It advocates women and tells young girls that they can be whoever and whatever they want to be. The illustrations are child-like and immature, however, I think it accompanies the story well, which is very simple and easy to read. I also think children would enjoy trying to draw similar pictures.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dolly Parton
‘A larger-than-life living legend, with a heart as big as her dreams.’
Synopsis
Raised in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, Dolly grew up with eleven siblings and dreamed of becoming a singer. When she was old enough, she moved to Nashville, fell in love, and began topping the charts alongside a famous country singer. She later went solo and became the most popular country music singer of her time. She loved making people happy so she set up a library that sent books to children in need. She also built a theme park and became a successful businesswoman. To this day, Dolly remains a legend and is loved and respected by many.
Aim high, and keep on rising
This book is great for teaching children to follow their dreams (as the title of the series suggests). Dolly is a familiar face among people of all ages and is a true icon, particularly to those that dream of becoming singers. The illustrations perfectly accompany the words and are really visually appealing. They are also quite child-like which I think would go down well among the younger readers.
This is a heartwarming tale that children (especially singing superstars) will love.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Greta Thunberg
‘What started with just one girl with a handmade sign became a movement that includes us all.’
Synopsis
When Greta was young, her parents taught her important life lessons, like saving energy and water, and not wasting food. She was very conscious of how humans treated the Earth and worried about what would happen to the planet if they continued. She embarked on a mission to slow down global warming, using her Asberger’s syndrome to her advantage. This kept her focused on her task. She began striking from school and protesting outside parliament. Soon, other students around the world began to join her and the environmental protest soared. She took the stand and addressed world leaders, urging them to use their powers to make a difference. She started a very crucial movement that shows no signs of slowing down.
Fighting for our future
This is one of the most inspirational books that children could ever read. It focuses on a very real issue that will continue to get worse if things don’t change. By reaching children, Greta can encourage them to follow in her footsteps and help take control of their own futures.
This book is so empowering to children. As humans, we are responsible for our planet, and the sooner children learn that, the more influence they can have. Greta is an incredible role model, especially considering her young age. She has proven that if you stand up for what you believe in, you can make a huge difference.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Alan Turing
‘The boy who believed that those who can imagine anything, can create the impossible.’
Synopsis
Alan Turing was a smart boy who loved maths and science. At University, he dreamed of a machine that could calculate anything calculable – his design was the brainchild of the computers we use today. During the war, he developed a machine that could decipher the Nazi code, helping to end the war and save hundreds of lives. Despite this incredible achievement, Alan was cast out for being a gay man and it wasn’t until 50 years had passed that the government apologised for their treatment.
The battle with prejudice
This story has a couple of distinct morals. The first is that anything is possible. The second is that sexuality does not define a person or make them wrong. Alan was cast out for being gay and was very miserable at his treatment. He was alive during a time of great prejudice and probably suffered a great deal. The book also shows that these days, people are much more open and accepting. It’s important for children to understand the history, but it’s also important to highlight how much the world has changed for the better.
The only thing I would have liked with this one was a bit more information about Alan’s life after the war.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vivienne Westwood
‘Little Vivienne dreamed of mending the world to make it a better place.’
Synopsis
This is a simpler story for younger readers that focuses on Fashion Designer, Vivienne Westwood. She expressed her views through her unique clothes, using fashion to voice her protests, to be anti-fashionable, and to change the world.
Campaigning for what is right
The illustrations in this book are great – really detailed and add a lot to the short sentences on each page. I would have liked a little more information about the how’s and why’s (for example, why did she encourage people to buy fewer clothes, how did she show us to speak up and change the world, and what was she protesting against)? I would love a Vivienne Westwood story aimed at older children covering more details.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overview
Genre: Children’s non-fiction
Pages: 24 – 32
About the author: Isabel was born in Barcelona and works as a writer and creative director. Her children’s series Little People, Big Dreams feature simple profiles of famous icons written in a way to engage with and inspire children.
I loved all of these books and will definitely collect the series, especially when I have a child of my own. The messages are so important and should be instilled in children at an early age. Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with free digital copies of these books in exchange for honest reviews.
Backpacking Bookworm 
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