Josephine Baker: Volume 16 (Little People, Big Dreams, #16)

by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and Agathe Sorlet

Meet Josephine Baker, the world-famous entertainer, activist, and French Resistance agent in this true story of her life! Part of the beloved Little People, BIG DREAMS series, this inspiring and informative little biography follows the incredible life of Josephine Baker, from growing up in St. Louis, Missouri, during segregation to defying expectations and performing on the stage in Paris, where audiences fell in love with her.

Josephine Baker was born for the stage. But growing up in segregated St. Louis, she didn't have the same opportunities as white entertainers. So, she moved to Paris where audiences fell in love with her. Josephine worked as a dancer, an actor, and even a spy. She then spent the rest of her life spreading the word that people of all colors can live together in harmony. 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 entertainer's amazing 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!

• ISBN13: 9781786032287
• Publish Date: 2 August 2018
• Publish Status: Active
• Out of Print: 17 August 2023
• 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.

My First Josephine Baker is a new young reader book in the series Little People, Big Dreams. Written by Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara and illustrated by Agathe Sorlet, it's due out 6th Aug 2019 from Quarto publishing on their Frances Lincoln imprint. Aimed at the youngest readers, it's 24 pages, perfect for a storytime or read-to-me read. It's available in boardbook format.

The text is inset into full color page illustrations and each page illustrates the accompanying text. The art is whimsical and simple (see cover) and very appealing. I absolutely loved that it's factually based and realistic and doesn't shy away from the reasons for Ms. Baker's emigration from the US or her life and activities without devolving into stridency or preachiness. The story is followed by a short biography with pictures of her life with ideas for further reading.

This is a perfectly charming little book. I enjoyed it very much and appreciate that this series takes on serious subjects in an accessible and digestible format for even the youngest readers.

Five stars for the format, subject matter, honesty, and charming presentation.

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