Tag: little people big dreams

Little People, Big Dreams: Marie Curie (Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara)

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Hello, friends! Our book today is Little People, Big Dreams: Marie Curie, written by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and illustrated by Frau Isa, a gorgeous, inspiring and moving little book about the famed scientist.

Little Marie was never quite what people expected of girls in her time: instead of a princess, she longed to be a scientist. However, girls were not allowed to attend college in her country – but that wasn’t going to stop her. Marie moved to Paris to study physics and chemistry, becoming a top student, despite studying in a completely new language! Paris is also where she met Pierre Curie, who would become the love of her life. They both loved science, and even won a Nobel Prize for their work together, Marie being the first woman ever to do so. After losing Pierre to a tragic accident, Marie focused on her work, developed x-rays to help the injured and sick, and won another Nobel prize. Marie never let her hardships define her, and become one of the greatest female pioneers science has ever known.

This is our second Little People, Big Dreams book, and it is just as stirring and beautiful as the first. Marie’s life is condensed to its most crucial events and themes, creating a storybook-like narrative that moves at a brisk pace but is no less impactful. The art here is strikingly gorgeous, using a soft, muted palette to frame Marie’s life of passion, triumph, and loss, and there are a few spreads that are truly, heartbreakingly remarkable. The length is perfect for even tiny bookworms, and JJ absolutely adored it. These are a marvelous treat, and we love reading them. Baby Bookworm approved!

Little People, Big Dreams: Amelia Earhart (Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara)

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Hello, friends! Today’s book is Little People, Big Dreams: Amelia Earhart, written by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and illustrated by Mariadiamantes, a sweet and very cute picture book biography of Amelia Earhart that inspires all little ones to chase their dreams.

Cutting down the details of Earhart’s remarkable life to bare-bones, easy-to-grasp highlights, our story starts with little Amelia and her dream: to fly. Falling in love with aviation at a young age, she never let conventions or doubts deter her from chasing the excitement and dangers of her passion for flying. She founded an aviation club for female pilots, navigated the Atlantic both with a team and solo, and nearly made it around the globe before disappearing. And though her ending is a sad one, Amelia disappeared doing what she felt she should, and what she felt she must: paving the way for more explorers to chart their own paths, regardless of their gender.

Sometimes it’s hard to properly capture inspirational yet tragic figures such as Earhart in children’s books, but this one does a commendable job. The story is meant to focus on Earhart’s courage and achievements, but doesn’t shy away from her disappearance, and even provides a more in-depth timeline of her life as an appendix for older readers. The art is simple yet lovely, using bold colors and basic shapes to paint poignant visuals. The length is great, and JJ enjoyed this one a lot. This is a great way to introduce the littlest readers to feminist icons, and we look forward to checking out more of the series! Baby Bookworm approved!