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.
Little People, BIG DREAMS is a best-selling series of books and educational games that explore 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. This empowering series offers inspiring messages to children of all ages, in a range of formats. The board books are told in simple sentences, perfect for reading aloud to babies and toddlers. The hardcover versions present expanded stories for beginning readers. Boxed gift sets allow you to collect a selection of the books by theme. Paper dolls, learning cards, matching games, and other fun learning tools provide even more ways to make the lives of these role models accessible to children.
Inspire the next generation of outstanding people who will change the world with Little People, BIG DREAMS!
A kids' introduction to the life of an iconic musician
This is another fantastic addition to Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara's brilliant "Little People, Big Dreams" series. Its publication is timed to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the iconic musician's death.
The book follows John Lennon from his roots in wartime Liverpool, through his meeting with Paul McCartney and the Beatles' rise to fame, his relationship with Yoko Ono and his activism for peace. While Lennon's musical and political legacy and his early death are mentioned, the circumstances of his death aren't referred to. There are a few important messages reinforced by the book. Firstly, the collaboration between people who have different strengths (in this case Lennon and McCartney) to produce something extraordinary. Secondly, the loneliness of fame and feeling the need to project a certain image, and the value of finding someone who sees and loves the real you, rather than that image. Finally, Lennon's belief in fostering respect and understanding between different cultures, and the way he manifested this belief through his music and political activity. While the lyrics of his song "Imagine" aren't included in his book, there are clear references to it in the final page. I believe young readers would enjoy listening to and reflecting on the song after reading this book.
This was a delightful book, illustrated in a similar whimsical and colourful style to the others in the series. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it with my Beatles-obsessed 11-year-old daughter.
My thanks to the author Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, illustrator Octavia Bromell, publisher Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this title prior to publication.
Sarah, 08/12/2020
