Little People, Big Dreams
WELCOME, DREAMERS!
Introducing.... Little People, BIG DREAMS: the best-selling biography series for kids by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara.
Discover 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. Told as a story, with a facts and photos section at the back, this sweet series for kids celebrates triumph over adversity through some of history’s favorite characters.
Now with more than 3.9 million copies sold worldwide, the series continues to grow and expand, introducing children around the world to artists, trailblazers, and dreamers who each made a big impact in the world around them.
Little People, BIG DREAMS first came to life because author Maria Isabel had an idea—an idea that blossomed into a dream that came to life in a book series!
Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara is the author and creator of the inspirational best-selling series Little People, BIG DREAMS. Growing up in the ’70s in Barcelona, her heroines were Pippi Longstocking, Momo and Tinkerbell, and she felt great admiration for the Spanish poet Gloria Fuertes. She dreamed of becoming a poet just like her one day. It took Maria Isabel almost 40 years and most of her savings to make her dream come true. In 2012, after 20 years of working in advertising, she self-published her first book. Two years later, she released what was meant to be a birth present for her twin nieces, Alba and Claudia: the very first title in the Little People, BIG DREAMS series.
At the beginning the series was first published in Spain as Pequeña & GRANDE by Alba Editorial, and now Little People, BIG DREAMS is translated into more than twenty languages. Maria Isabel likes to think the success of the series relies on the fact that children love to read real stories about other children achieving great things. It gives them the strength and the courage to believe in themselves and dream BIG. As The Independent once said: “What a cool way to drift off to sleep.”
Now with more than 7.5 million copies sold worldwide, the series continues to grow and expand, introducing children around the world to artists, trailblazers, and dreamers who each made a big impact in the world around them.
Introducing a few our best sellers from the series:
Elton John
As a child little Elton was a child with a dream. Elton John (Little People, BIG DREAMS) is an inspiring story of the Rocket Man's life. Now an all time great in music history, discover how he came to be the piano wizard who rocketed to stardom with his music.
An inspirational story that allows children to believe that dreams really can come true! Little Elton began playing his grandmothers piano as a child. He could pick out tunes by ear and soon attended lessons at the Royal Academy. One day Elton answered an advertisement and teamed up with a lyric-writing buddy; Bernie Taupin. History began that day and Elton grew up to become one of the greats with his songwriting, talent, musical skill and dazzling outfits.
Steve Jobs
Little Steve fell in love with the possibility of the computer machine from a young age a child with a dream of something that had the power to change lives. Steve Jobs (Little People, BIG DREAMS) takes you on a journey of discovery and how he went on to become one of the most influential inventors in the world!
An Inspirational story that allows children to believe that dreams really can come true! Little Steve was always interested in how things were made. At school he stumbled across a computer! He though it was the most amazing tool ever invented spending hours learning everything he could. An intelligent and innovative thinker Steve thought computers were the future and his ideas would transform the world. Learn how Steve started, building a successful company from his garage and going on to be the co-founder of the famous Apple Computers and a visionary whose ideas still shape the word!
David Bowie
A star man from the beginning little David always broke the mould! David Bowie (Little People BIG DREAMS) tells the inspirational story of a musical legend with a head full of songs and ideas starting as a child with a dream.
An inspirational story that allows children to believe that dreams really can come true! From the beginning little Davie excelled in dance and music starting his very first band at an early age. Inspired by pop and mod scenes he picked up the saxophone, and earnt his stripes in some of the coolest bands in London. Going solo he became a celebrated musician and a magical performer, consistently dazzling his audiences with his talents making him one of Rock and Roll's all time greatest artists.
Mahatma Ghandi
In this international bestseller from the critically acclaimed Little People, Big Dreams series, discover the life of Mohandas Gandhi, the father of India, in this true story of his life.
As a young teenager in India, Gandhi led a rebellious life and went against his parents' values. But as a young man, he started to form beliefs of his own that harked back to the Hindu principles of his childhood. Gandhi began to dream of unity for all peoples and religions. Inspired by this idea, he led peaceful protests to free India from British rule and unite the country—ending violence and unfair treatment. His bravery and free-thinking made him one of the most iconic people of peace in the world, known as 'Mahatma' meaning 'great soul'.
Anne Frank
Beginning life as a child with a dream, discover the incredible life of Anne Frank, the writer whose diary captured the hearts of the public. Anne Frank (Little People, BIG DREAMS) is an inspirational story in following her hopes for peace.
An inspirational story that allows children to believe that dreams really can come true! Discover the life of Anne Frank, the writer whose diary captured the hearts of the public, in this true story of her life. Little Anne was born in Germany to a liberal Jewish family. But when the Nazis came into power she was forced to go into hiding in a secret annex with her family. Here Anne wrote her famous diary, a young girl describing her belief in peoples goodness and her hopes for peace.
Audrey Hepburn
Follow little Audrey's journey in My First Audrey Hepburn Little People, BIG DREAMS, from when she was a child with a dream after living with the hardships of Word War Two to becoming one of the most famous iconic actresses of all time!
An Inspirational story that allows children to believe that dreams really can come true! Little Audrey dreamt of becoming an actress and ballet dancer, times were tough when she was young but throughout her life she achieved success of becoming a great actress. The proudest time of all for her was helping those in need as she had been as a young girl and traveled all over the world to help people.
Amelia Earhart
Little Amelia always imagined she could fly like a bird. Discovering the art of flying as a child Amelia Earhart (Little People, BIG DREAMS) takes you on a journey of a child with a dream becoming the first woman to fly solo over the Pacific Ocean! An Inspirational story that allows children to believe that dreams really can come true! Little Amelia at 10 years old saw her first plane at a state fair, she was not impressed. 'It was a thing of rusty wire and wood and looked not at all interesting'. Almost a decade later she attended a stunt flying exhibition and then she became interested, and something inside of her awakened. 'I believe that little red plane said something to me as it swished by' she exclaimed. She took her first flight in December 1920 and once off the ground knew she had to fly! Discover the amazing life of Amelia, her achievements and bravery growing up, becoming an American aviation pioneer.
Zaha Hadid
Zaha Hadid (Little People, BIG DREAMS) follows a life story of a child with a dream, from designing as a child from her own clothes and bedroom furniture she eventually changed the face of architecture recognised as a major Iraqi-British architect of the late 20th and early 21st century!
An Inspirational story that allows children to believe that dreams really can come true! Born in Bagdad, Iraq during a period of prosperity Zahid's childhood saw the completion of iconic buildings and by the age of eleven little Zahid decided that her future lay in architecture. Follow her life from a young child to an amazing artist and architect designing buildings that defy gravity.
Bruce Lee
Appearing in his first film at 3 months old Bruce Lee (Little People, BIG DREAMS) is an inspiring insight into how he became a legacy of self-expression, equality and pioneering innovation inspiring people around the world still today.
An Inspirational story that allows children to believe that dreams really can come true! Born in San Francisco but raised in Hong Kong Bruce Lee was a talented actor from the beginning, starring in the first of many films at just 3 months old. As a teenager he was sent to live in America where he found it hard to find roles as an Asian- American Actor. He harnessed his skill as a Martial artist and went on to act in blockbuster hits featuring and showcasing his skill in an entirely new way, catapulting him into International fame.
Stevie Wonder
Starting life as a child with a dream it was clear little Stevie was going to be a star! Stevie Wonder (Little People, BIG DREAMS) is charming journey of the musicians life and the genius behind some of the world's best-loved songs.
An Inspirational story that allows children to believe that dreams really can come true! At just eight years old it was clear that little Stevie was going to be a star! From banging on pots and pans in the kitchen to playing his uncles harmonica and an old neighbours piano, Stevie signed his first contract with Motown at aged just eleven. With a bright smile and an infectious optimism he became an icon. Making music people could sing along to and his talent on the piano and with other instruments he wrote and performed some of the biggest hits in the 1970's.
Jane Austen
In the beginning she was a child with a dream, becoming one of the most loved British writers of all time! Jane Austen Little People, BIG DREAMS tells of a young girl and her journey in becoming one of the most loved British writers of all time.
An inspirational story that allows children to believe that dreams really can come true! Born into a large family Jane Austen grew up reading and writing stories in the English countryside. Continuing as as an adult Jane went on to write witty commentaries about the landed gentry in a way never done before portraying young women who bravely made their own choices. As time went on this made her one of the most loved British writers of all time. Part of an empowering series offering inspiring messages to children of all ages, in a range of formats. Told in simple sentences, perfect for reading aloud to children. These simple biographies provide a powerful message to inspire the next generation of people who will change the world!
Bob Dylan
A beautiful and inspiring story of a child with a dream eager to make a difference in the world. Little Bob started a love affair with music at a young age in his fathers electrical appliance shop and went on to become an iconic singer-songwriter, poet, and artist. An inspirational story that allows children to believe that dreams really can come true! Little Bob discovered the blues and rock and roll on the radio working in his fathers appliance shop. Growing up his interest in music deepened, falling in love with folk music and the blues. As an adult he moved to New York performing poetry and music in clubs and cafe's. He went on to record a number of albums becoming the voice of a generation eager to make a difference in the world and one of the most influential musicians of history. Part of an empowering series offering inspiring messages to children of all ages, in a range of formats. Told in simple sentences, perfect for reading aloud to children. These simple biographies provide a powerful message to inspire the next generation of people who will change the world!
Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. (Little People, BIG DREAMS) tells of a child with a dream. Living in a deeply divided world he knew he was the one to change it. Follow his story to how he became an inspiring activist.
An Inspirational story that allows children to believe that dreams really can come true! Little Martin grew up in a family of preachers. Living in a time where rights, racism and injustice were daily, Martin vowed to put things right and touched peoples hearts with his journey using love and injustice rather than hatred and violence, becoming a successful activist. Part of an empowering series offering inspiring messages to children of all ages, in a range of formats. Told in simple sentences, perfect for reading aloud to children. These simple biographies provide a powerful message to inspire the next generation of people who will change the world!
Ernest Shackleton
Little Ernest always dreamt of travelling far and wide, further than any traveller before. A child with a dream he set his plans in motion. Ernest Shackleton (Little People BIG DREAMS) takes you on a journey of discovery through his life story and one of history's most treacherous journeys in the Antarctic.
An Inspirational story that allows children to believe that dreams really can come true! Growing up on a farm in County Kildare, Ireland Ernest always dreamt of travelling far and wide. Joining the merchant navy he qualified as a merchant mariner but always dreamt of exploring the poles! His own expeditions set records for the closest anyone had been to the South Pole. He always longed for a true adventure and his passion for exploration led him to one of the most treacherous journeys in the Antarctic. Always an explorer at heart this is an inspiring life story. Part of an empowering series offering inspiring messages to children of all ages, in a range of formats. Told in simple sentences, perfect for reading aloud to children. These simple biographies provide a powerful message to inspire the next generation of people who will change the world!
Iris Apfel
In this book from the critically acclaimed, multimillion-copy bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the life of Iris Apfel, the vivacious (and accidental) fashion icon.
Growing up in Queens, New York, little Iris was the only child at family events. Her grandmother would open a giant bag of fabric, filled with every colour and pattern, and let her play with fabric scraps. This inspired a lifelong love of fashion. Famous for her eclectic style, built around oversized glasses, bright colours and bold jewellery, Iris was the subject of an exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art when she was just 84 years young. 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 "geriatric starlets" life.
Ella Fitzgerald
Known as the First Lady of Song. Ella Fitzgerald (Little People BIG DREAMS) takes you on a journey of how she became one of the most influential jazz singers of all time. From the early days right through to her success, an awe-inspiring life story from when little Ella was a just a child with a dream.
An Inspirational story that allows children to believe that dreams really can come true! Ella Fitzgerald grew up in New York, surrounded by music and dance. Running away from home at a young age after a sudden tragedy, Ella made a living singing and dancing on the street corners of Harlem, her first stage! Performing in Jazz clubs, mastering every musical style and with a saying that 'Its not where you come from, but where you are going that counts' she took off and became the First Lady of Song. Part of an empowering series offering inspiring messages to children of all ages, in a range of formats. Told in simple sentences, perfect for reading aloud to children. These simple biographies provide a powerful message to inspire the next generation of people who will change the world!
Aretha Franklin
Achieving the title of The Queen of Soul, discover the life of little Aretha. Aretha Franklin (Little People BIG Dreams) tells of a child with a dream. Bringing heart and soul into her music, sparking hope and creating some of history's best-loved songs.
An inspirational story that allows children to believe that dreams really can come true! Born in Tennessee little Aretha grew up in a family of musicians, taking the stage at an early age at her fathers gospel choir. Bringing heart and soul into her music she went on to become the bestselling rhythm and blues singer of all time, and the first woman to be installed in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! Part of an empowering series offering inspiring messages to children of all ages, in a range of formats. Told in simple sentences, perfect for reading aloud to children. These simple biographies provide a powerful message to inspire the next generation of people who will change the world!
Andy Warhol
In this book from the critically acclaimed, multimillion-copy bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the life of Andy Warhol, the ground-breaking pop artist.
Little Andy was the tiniest and palest child of the Warholas, a humble couple from Slovakia who lived in Pittsburgh. Sketchbook glued to his hand, he loved every minute of drawing, but he was too shy to show his work to others, even to his family! As an adult he got a chance to publish his first illustration for a glamorous magazine. He turned his attention to the ordinary, like soup cans he ate from for lunch every day. He showed the world that the ordinary objects could POP, and founded a cultural movement. This moving 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 inspiring artist's life.
Charles Dickens
In this book from the critically acclaimed, multimillion-copy bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the life of Charles Dickens, the influential author. When Charles was a boy he made up his own adventures. But after a Dickensian twist of fate saw his father go to prison for debt, Charles ended up working in a factory with other children. He worked his way out, trying his hand in a law firm, and then as an actor, before making a name for himself as a reporter and gifted storyteller. Charles became one of the most beloved novelists of all time, aware of the power of a tale and of giving poor children a voice. This moving 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 writer's life.
Michelle Obama
In this book from the critically acclaimed, multimillion-copy bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the life of Michelle Obama, the iconic first lady, advocate, lawyer and author.
Young Michelle grew up on the South Side of Chicago in a close-knit family. She loved school, achieving As, and worked hard to blaze trails at the universities of Princeton and Harvard. Then, at the beginning of her legal career, she met Barack Obama. As first lady, she used her platform to advocate for women and girls and continues to inspire many with her powerful voice, and bestselling books. This empowering 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 inspiring woman's life.
Nelson Mandela
In this book from the critically acclaimed, multimillion-copy bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the incredible life of Nelson Mandela, South Africas first Black president and his fight for equality.
Little Nelson's father would call him a trouble maker. However, Nelson's rebellious nature would lead him to become one of the worlds most inspirational civil rights leaders and anti-apartheid revolutionaries. Despite the many years of imprisonment and adversity he faced, Nelson remained victorious and was voted to become South Africa's first black president. 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 activist turned president's life.
Hans Christian Andersen
When Hans Christian Andersen was a little boy, he treated storybooks as jewels to be treasured. He wanted to perform on stage, but was always cast as the troll. Luckily, through theatre, he found a love for writing. He wrote about both the ordinary and fantastic, in stories like 'The Ugly Duckling' and 'The Little Mermaid', never talking down to children. This enchanting 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 writer's life.
Charles Darwin
From the critically acclaimed, multimillion-copy bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the life of Charles Darwin, the scientist who changed the way people see the world. Although he didn't do very well at school, Charles Darwin was passionately curious about wildlife, humans and plants. After a journey to South America, he developed his landmark theory: that all living things are related. Today, he is regarded as one of the most brilliant scientists who ever lived, and a hero to those who dare to think differently. 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 naturalist's life.
Stephen Hawking
New in the Little People, Big Dreams series, discover the life of Stephen Hawking, the genius physicist and author, in this true story of his life. As a child, Stephen used to look up at the stars and wonder what else was out there. After gaining his education at Oxford University, Stephen went on to make a groundbreaking discovery to do with black holes: Hawking radiation. Although his health was declining due to MS, Stephen was more determined than ever to study and share his findings with the world. With his trademark voice and wit, Stephen brought science to everyone and became loved around the world. Featuring innovative illustrations and extra facts at the back, this empowering series celebrates the important life stories of wonderful people of the world.
Vivienne Westwood
New in the Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the life of Vivienne Westwood, the flame-haired fashion designer and impresario.
When Vivienne was a young woman, she wasn't sure how a working class girl from England could make a living in the art world. But after discovering her passion for design and jewellery making, she erupted onto the fashion scene with a bang. Vivienne's designs became iconic, and she became famous for letting her clothes speak for themselves. This moving 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 designer's life.
Maria Montessori
New in the critically acclaimed Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the incredible life of Maria Montessori, the pioneering teacher and researcher. Maria grew up in Italy at a time when girls didn't receive an equal education to boys. But Maria's mother was supportive of her dreams, and Maria went on to study medicine. She later became an early years expert - founding schools with her revolutionary educational theories and changing the lives of many children. This moving 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 educators life.
Michael Jordan
In this book from the critically acclaimed, multimillion-copy bestselling Little People, Big Dreams series, discover the life of Michael Jordan, one of the greatest basketball players of time.
Little Michael wanted to be the first at everything - especially if that meant beating his older brother. One day, he came home crying... he'd been rejected from the basketball team at school. With his mum's message of 'go out and earn it' ringing in his ears, Michael practised all summer. Soon he was the star of the team, going from school, to college, to the Olympics. After six titles, more than 1,000 games and exactly 32,292 points, MJ had become a sporting legend, who encouraged kids to 'make it happen!' 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 baller's life.
Mother Teresa
With stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, this empowering series celebrates the important life stories of wonderful women of the world. From designers and artists to scientists, all of them went on to achieve incredible things, yet all of them began life as a little child with a dream.
These books make the lives of these role models accessible for children, providing a powerful message to inspire the next generation of outstanding people who will change the world!
John Lennon
From the critically acclaimed Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the life of John Lennon, the boy from Liverpool who dreamed of peace.
When John Lennon formed a band while still in school, he couldn't have known they were about to change music forever. With their exciting new sounds, rebel attitudes and gift for songwriting, everyone went crazy for The Beatles. Today, John is remembered not just as a musical icon, but as a champion of world peace. 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 legendary Beatle's life.
Jean-Michel Basquiat
In this book from the critically acclaimed Little People, Big Dreams series, discover the life of Jean-Michel Basquiat, the graffiti street art movement pioneer. Jean-Michel was born in Brooklyn, New York.
His father was from Haiti and his mother was Puerto Rican-American. As a child, his gift for art was noticed by his teachers and nurtured by his mother. After struggling in high school, he gained recognition as part of the graffito duo SAMO that spray-painted cryptic messages and images around the landscape of Manhattan's Lower East Side. He eventually made his way to the New York gallery scene and on to international acclaim. This moving 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 brilliant artists life.
Audrey Hepburn
In the Little People, Big Dreams series, discover the lives of outstanding people from designers and artists to scientists. All of them went on to achieve incredible things, yet all of them began life as a little child with a dream. This book follows the life of Audrey Hepburn, from her early life during World War Two, to ballet school, her acting career and UNICEF work. This inspiring and informative little biography comes with extra facts about Audrey's life at the back.
This book follows the life of Audrey Hepburn from her early life during World War Two, through ballet school, into her acting career, and UNICEF work. This inspiring and informative little biography comes with extra facts about Audrey's life at the back.
Coco Chanel
A biography of Coco Chanel, the first lady of fashion, looking specially at her childhood to inspire young children.
In this exciting new series, children will discover the lives of outstanding women who made a big difference in just about every field; from designers and artists to scientists. All of them went on to achieve incredible things, yet all of them began life as a little child with a dream.
The first instalment in the Little People, Big Dreams series follows Coco Chanel. Starting with her early life in an orphanage where she is a genius with needle and thread, the story moves to her time as a cabaret singer, hat maker, and, eventually, international fashion designer.
This inspiring and informative little biography comes with extra facts about Coco's life in the back of the book, and is illustrated throughout with the Little People, Big Dreams distinctive art style.
Pablo Picasso
In this book from the critically acclaimed, multimillion-copy best-selling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the life of Pablo Picasso, one of the world's greatest artists in the 20th century.
Little Pablo grew up in an artistic household and after drawing his first painting at nine years old, he went on to becoming one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. His artistic style inspired many movements in art, music and literature, which we still see today. 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 Pablo Picasso's life.
Marie Curie
In the Little People, Big Dreams series, discover the lives of outstanding people from designers and artists to scientists. All of them went on to achieve incredible things, yet all of them began life as a little child with a dream. The book follows Marie Curie, whose love of learning helped her to revolutionise the fight against cancer with her discovery of radium and polonium. This inspiring and informative little biography comes with extra facts about Marie's life at the back.
Albert Einstein
In this book from the critically acclaimed, multimillion-copy bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the life of Albert Einstein, the legendary scientist. Little Albert grew up in Germany, where it took him four years to formulate his first word. He was fascinated by how objects worked and, although he didn't love school, he loved physics and maths books. His brilliant mind contemplated space and time, and he eventually came up with the theory of relativity. He shared his knowledge with the rest of the world, becoming the most original mind of the twentieth century. 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 theoretical physicist's life.
Jane Goodall
New in the Little People, Big Dreams series, discover the amazing life of Jane Goodall, the world expert on chimpanzees, in this true story of her life. When Jane was little, her father gave her a toy chimpanzee called Jubilee which sparked her early love of animals. As an adult, Jane travelled to Tanzania to study chimpanzees in a new way - by living with them in their habitat. This is how Jane made many discoveries that people had missed. With stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, this empowering series celebrates the important life stories of wonderful women of the world. From designers and artists to scientists, all of them went on to achieve incredible things, yet all of them began life as a little child with a dream. These books make the lives of these role models accessible for children, providing a powerful message to inspire the next generation of outstanding people who will change the world!
Frida Kahlo
In this new series, discover the lives of outstanding people from designers and artists to scientists. All of them went on to achieve incredible things, yet all of them began life as a little child with a dream.
Follow Frida Kahlo, whose desire to study medicine was destroyed by a childhood accident. Frida began painting from her bedside and produced over 140 works, culminating in a solo exhibition in America. This inspiring and informative little biography comes with extra facts about Frida's life at the back.