Rudolf Nureyev by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

Rudolf Nureyev (Little People, Big Dreams, #36)

by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

This board book version of Rudolf Nureyev--from the critically acclaimed Little People, BIG DREAMS series--introduces the youngest dreamers to the incredible life of one of the greatest male ballet dancers of all time.

Rudolf fell in love with dance as a child. But he was not allowed to go to ballet school until he was 17. There, he had to make up for lost time and hone his skills to compete with the other dancers. As a professional, he dazzled audiences with sensational performances and star power. He went on to become a world-renowned choreographer and master of perfection in dance. Babies and toddlers will love to snuggle as you read to them the engaging story of this fascinating dancer and will also enjoy exploring the stylish and quirky illustrations of this sturdy board book on their own.

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!

Reviewed by annieb123 on

5 of 5 stars

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Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Rudolf Nureyev is a new young reader book in the Little People, Big Dreams series. Written by Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara and illustrated by Eleonora Arosio, it's due out 30th July 2019 from Quarto on their Frances Lincoln imprint. Aimed at young readers, it's 32 pages, perfect for a storytime or classroom circle read. It'll be available in ebook and hardcover formats. I've reviewed a number of these titles previously and all of them have been delightful and exuberant little books which cover the lives of famous cultural, science, arts, and innovation icons while maintaining an age-appropriate level of detail.

This series is really amazing for its accessibility and charm. The subjects are profoundly important people culturally and historically who have lived through often deeply difficult lives. How does one write them into a digestible and appealing format for very young children (and their caregivers)?

This particular book and the artist's finesse with settings and postures/expressions is truly charming. There are also number of subtle and reassuring messages about inclusivity, respect, passion for one's art, and doing what one loves.

I really love all of these books I've read and reviewed and can recommend this one unreservedly. In addition to the biography, there is a short additional bibliography/suggested reading list included at the end of the book.

Lovely book! Five stars

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

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  • 29 July, 2019: Reviewed