annieb123's Review of Freddie Mercury (Little People, Big Dreams)

by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

In this book from the critically acclaimed, multimillion-copy bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the life of Freddie Mercury, the trailblazing musician who rocked the world!

Born on the tiny island on Zanzibar off the coast of modern-day Tanzania, young Farrokh dreamt of having a fabulous life. When his parents sent him to boarding school in India, he discovered his true talent for singing, as well as a love of playing rock'n'roll songs on the piano.

After school, Farrokh knew he wanted to be a musician. After moving to London, he became the singer of a rock band called Queen... and the rest is history! Freddie became the biggest glam-rock star ever, touring the world and charming the world with his exuberant zest for life.

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 musician's life.

Little People, BIG DREAMSis 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!

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Freddie Mercury 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 icons of innovation while maintaining an age-appropriate level of detail for young kids. There are over 100 books in the series at this point and they're all worthwhile.

Released 7th Feb 2023 by Quarto on their Frances Lincoln imprint, it's be 32 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

Written by Isabel Sánchez Vegara it's presented in clear and accessible language. The gentle and sweetly whimsical illustrations are well done. The art by Ruby Taylor is appealing and colorful and supports the text very well. The art is rich in small subtle details which bear a closer look, including many of Freddie's outrageous stage outfits based on real life appearances. I loved seeing his beloved cats making an appearance as well.

Well written and appealing, I am really enjoying all of these little books. This one is a worthy addition.

Five stars. This would make a superlative reading circle book, classroom library book, or gift. Queen and Freddie Mercury were and are an important part of the soundtrack of the world's experience for the last 40 years to and this little book is a nice introduction to Freddy's (and Queen's) work for the youngest generation.

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

Reading updates

11 February, 2023: Started reading

11 February, 2023: Finished reading

11 February, 2023: Reviewed