Aretha Franklin (Little People, Big Dreams, #44)

by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

Amy Blackwell (Illustrator)

In this book from the critically acclaimed, multimillion-copy bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the life of Aretha Franklin, 'The Queen of Soul'.

The fourth of five children, Aretha was born in Tennessee and took the stage at an early age in her father's church choir. 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. 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 broadcaster'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.

This empowering series of books 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 hardback and paperback versions present expanded stories for beginning readers. With rewritten text for older children, the treasuries each bring together a multitude of dreamers in a single volume. You can also collect a selection of the books by theme in boxed gift sets. Activity books and a journal 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!
 

• ISBN13: 9780711246874
• Publish Date: 4 August 2020
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: GB
• Publisher: Frances Lincoln Publishers Ltd
• Imprint: Frances Lincoln Children's Books
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 32
• Language: English

Reviews

[annieb123]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Aretha Franklin is a new biography for young readers in the Little People, Big Dreams series. I've reviewed a number of these titles and all of them are delightful and exuberant little books which cover the lives of famous cultural, science, arts, and innovative icons while maintaining an age-appropriate level of detail.

Due out 4th Aug 2020 from Quarto on their Frances Lincoln imprint, it'll be 32 pages and will be available in hardcover, and ebook formats.

Written by Isabel Sánchez Vegara it's well written in clear accessible language. The gentle and vibrant illustrations were well done. The art by Amy Blackwell is appealing and colorful and supports the text very well. The illustrations are rich in small subtle details which bear a closer look. (Many of her outfits in the book are taken from photographs of events at the time, for example).

Well written and appealing, I am really enjoying all of these little books. This one is a worthy addition. I also appreciate that there are suggestions for further reading in the back of the book with the timeline of Aretha's life.

Five stars. This would make a superlative reading circle book, classroom library book, or gift. Aretha was an intelligent and accomplished woman and this book is a nice tribute to an iconic entertainer.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes