| Title | : | David Bowie (Little People, BIG DREAMS) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 178603803X |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781786038036 |
| Format Type | : | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages | : | 32 |
| Publication | : | First published January 3, 2019 |
As a child, young David lived with his family in a tiny house on an ordinary street, but he had a head full of songs and ideas. At school he was loved music and dance, and he was inspired by his brother's rock and jazz records to pick up the saxophone and start writing his own songs.
After earning his stripes in some of the coolest bands in London, David splashed onto the solo scene. David knew that to be a star, he had to combine great songs with great performace, and so from this point on he took on a range of shapeshifting personas, from Ziggy Stardust to the Thin White Duke, but really, he was just being himself, expressing his art on the stage.
His songwriting talent and musical skill made him one of rock and roll's all-time greatest artists. Babies and toddlers will love to snuggle as you read to them the engaging story of this fascinating star, 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!
David Bowie (Little People, BIG DREAMS) Reviews
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5★
"And by never being afraid to be himself, little David became the most unique star who ever fell to Earth."
This is another from the "little people, BIG DREAMS" collection for kids. They fall into the category of biography and history, as most of those featured made their mark some time ago.
David Bowie had a pretty normal start to life, and the illustrations show him as just one of the kids.
Illustration of little David sitting outside reading a UFO book with his little spaceman
He especially loved music and dance, but apparently his teachers thought his dancing was "unusual", to say the least.
In fact, everything about young David was unusual! His teachers weren't sure if he was a boy or a girl.
Illustration of David painting
If you were as startled as I was to see two bright eyes in the earlier pictures, this one explains what happened. One eye was so damaged from a punch in a fight that the pupil stayed enlarged, making it look a different colour.
Illustration of David at the doctor and the "strangely magnetic" result
There is more about his progress through the world of music, but it's the out-of-this-world "A Space Oddity" that was a major hit. I bet most people reading this review can hear "Ground Control to Major Tom . . . " in their minds. It was released just before the 1969 Moon Landing.
Illustration of David singing A Space Oddity 'in space'
[This book doesn't mention (why not?) that astronaut Chris Hadfield recorded and broadcast it from the International Space Station in 2013 as the first music video shot in space. There was some consternation about who owned or controlled what rights because it was outside the jurisdiction of any country, however the problem was apparently happily resolved. But I digress, sorry.]
He kept reinventing himself with costumes, hair changes, styles.
Illustration of Ziggy Stardust performing
It's not until the closing article, with accompanying photographs, that the word 'chameleon' is used, but it's no exaggeration when trying to describe the phenomenon that was David Bowie.
Illustration of a few of Bowie's unique incarnations
There is one illustration of his wife, Iman, but no mention of her except in the photographic credits.
Illustration of David Bowie with his wife, waving to fans
For a little fellow, he sure did have big dreams. He took a lot of us along for the ride, and we loved him for it.
Illustration of little David Bowie performing in front of his little spaceman
The last pages of these books are factual accounts, in more adult language, with a few photographs and dates to help fill in the gaps. The illustrations are bright and fun and will help kids understand what an interesting, inventive performer Bowie was.
Thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing for the preview copy of the just-released book. It's a worthy addition to the collection, and I think a lot of adults will particularly enjoy this one. -
Another great title in the 'Little people, big dreams series'. Beautiful stylish illustrations go really well with Isabel Vegara's trademark conscise, accessible and inspiring text that introduces children to the life of this amazing artist. Great message of not being afraid to be yourself even if others might be trying hard to classify or pigeonhole you .
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group/ Frances Lincoln Children's books for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion. -
Part of Sanchez Vegara's Little People, Big Dreams series. I was bound to be a little disappointed, as excited I was to see Bowie as part of the series, the point of which is that some little people dream big and some of them get to be what they want to be. The art style could have been a little a little crazier, more inventive, and the story seemed disappointingly flat, as the point of Bowie's career seems to be reduced to his wanting to be different and famous and trying all these different styles. But you know, if you are a Bowie fan and have some little people in your life, I won't be able to keep you from checking out this book.
Space Oddity:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYYRH... -
This short and sweet little book about David Bowie is an excellent introduction to the musical legend.
I think books like these are not only great to introduce younger readers to famous individuals, but great for showing the unique life many people have led. Not everyone is "normal" or had a "normal" upbringing. Look at David Bowie and his incredible journey - he's such a wild card of a person and he's loved for it.
My favourite part of this book is the pages where it shows David in all of his wild outfits. Nothing screamed David Bowie like that page - the creativity, the uniqueness, and the nostalgia I felt for that rockstar. Maria did an excellent job with this book! I am thoroughly impressed. These illustrations literally scream David Bowie in all forms!
My only critique is that I wish this book was a little bit longer. There could have been a little more about his creativity and songs since he does have all of the exuberant outfits and performing history.
Overall, I thought this book was amazing! It's a great little read for young readers!
Three out of five stars.
Thank you NetGalley and Quarto Publishing for allowing me an opportunity to read this story! -
What a cute picture book about David Bowie.
This is great for first timers into the world that is Bowie.
The illustrations are fun and there is just enough information to pique your interest into Bowie.
I wish it had been longer; I was sad to see it end so soon.
As a fan of Bowie I felt it could have had more detail.
Thank you NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Childrens for this DRC. -
I'm an adult Bowie admirer and I adored this. This book shows, in just a few pages and sentences, what made David Bowie so unique and special, not just as an artist, but as a human being in general.
For adult readers, this offers a very first, very basic glimpse into the world of Mr. Bowie. For children, it also delivers another strong message: Be who you want to be, don't be afraid to be yourself, dare to be different - the way David Bowie is presented as role model for pretty much everybody is wonderful. As are the most adorable drawings.
The book's condensed form, however, might also be perceived as its weakness, since it can only scratch on the surface on all things Bowie. But hey, dear reader, regard is as some kind of hors d'oeuvre to the banquet o'Bowie. There's so much more to feast on from here on onwards: books. films, and, of course, music.
The gist: Adorable very first introduction that shows: one is never too young to have some Bowie in their lives :) -
After now having read a number of the Little People, Big Dreams series books in Spanish (and yes, having often rather enjoyed and appreciated perusing Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara's presented narratives in their original incarnations, not to mention being ecstatic about finding an easy and fun way to practice my rather rusty Spanish language skills with simple picture books), I also decided to try David Bowie in the latter (with the hope that I would find both the author's narrative and Ana Albero's accompanying artwork to my personal reading and aesthetic tastes). However and sadly, albeit I do believe that Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara's text does provide a generally sufficiently informative general introduction to David Bowie's life and how he became a famous rock and roll star (clearly featuring and showing how from early childhood, David Bowie was interested in music, art and dance and that a fight with a "friend" seemingly permanently changed the colour of one of his eyes from blue to brown) it does at least to my reading eyes also appear as though the author is often considerably more into showing to her young readers and listeners how different and how in many ways "unique" and "odd" David Bowie always seems to have been, how he did not fit in, rather than providing all that much detailed information on his stellar music career (for while I guess adequately enough presented for the intended age group, Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara's words are in my opinion also seriously lacking in detail in so far that most of David Bowie's famous and universally known songs, such as for example Space Oddity are at best only vaguely referred to and not actually listed by name within the test proper of David Bowie, which I for one do rather consider somewhat sad and even a bit of an insult to his musical legacy). Combined with the fact that although I have found Ana Albero's accompanying illustrations, whilst colourful and brightly descriptive also rather strange with regard to how dead "white" almost all of the Caucasians are depicted in their faces (with in my aesthetic opinion, especially David Bowie often being given an almost ghost-like countenance), I really cannot consider more than two stars at best for David Bowie, for a decent enough introduction to David Bowie's biography and career that does still and nevertheless feel rather disappointing with regard to the combination of the author's text and the illustrator's images.
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This is another outstanding children's book in the Little People, Big Dreams series! In a few brief pages with simple sentences, young readers learn about David Bowie's childhood interests and rise to stardom while being comfortable in his own skin and remaining true to himself.
An excellent introduction to Bowie with great illustrations!
Thanks to Frances Lincoln Children's Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. -
This book tells you about the life of David Bowie. As with many books from this series I found it really vague and inaccurate. The book tells of a boy who grew up liking music and dance and his tutors where not sure if he was a boy or a girl. He wrote a famous song about an astronaut and a fight changed one of his eyes from blue to brown, which it didn't, it left the pupil permanently dilated which made it look darker. I didn't like the illustrations and found it told me nothing about this person really.
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I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely adore this series. Even though I´m not a child, obviously, they are still educational and I love reading them for my baby sister as English practice. -
Cute. Definitely cute.
To be fair, I’m not really in the target audience for this book. It's aimed at young readers. More specifically, it's aimed at the parents/guardians of young readers, since it's the older folks who will be more likely to recognize the name “David Bowie. “ The book covers his career in the broadest possible terms, hewing as closely as possible to the “Little People, Big Dreams” theme. There's a two-page biography of Bowie at the end of the book that goes into very slightly more detail about his life for readers unsatisfied with the bare bones version of the previous pages.
I assume that all of the books in this series follow the same formula: famous person follows their dreams to big success. It's not a bad idea, and I assume that the subjects of the various books matter more to the parents/guardians than they do to the children, though Bowie probably makes for a more intriguing visual on the cover than most.
As an adult David Bowie fan, this book was all about the novelty value (“Oh wow! A kids book about David Bowie!”) It didn't tell me anything about his life that I didn't already know. I can think of a few friends with young children that might appreciate this though. I’ll have to keep it in mind for upcoming birthdays and baby showers ... -
The books in this series have been hit or miss (mostly miss) for me, but this one is up there among some of the better ones I've read. It talks about David's early life, his passions for music, art, and performing, and even how he ended up with his distinctive eyes.
The main weakness this book has is its insistence on remaining vague. For example, it refers to "Space Oddity" in the main narrative as simply "a song about a lonely astronaut". It's a famous song! Could its name not have been mentioned in the main text?
The illustrations here aren't my favourite, and there's one confusing one where David's looking in a mirror and the wrong eye looks brown, but the rest of them help tell the story of this performer's life quite well. There aren't any obvious anachronisms, either (as there are in some of the other series titles).
Overall, this appears to be one of the stronger books in the series. I'd recommend this one to those looking for a simple biography of this legendary star.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lincoln Children's Books for providing a digital ARC. -
I found several of these little modern biographies for children on Libby through my local library. This one was better than the one about Dolly Parton, but I still wish it had been longer and more in depth. However, it is a children's book and for that it's a great introduction. There are recommendations for further reading and listening in the back of the book.
I liked the illustrations for this one a lot. There was a page of just his crazy outfits and make-up.
All in all, I think I would recommend this to any child who is curious about David Bowie and/or could benefit from reading about a person who was not afraid to be his crazy, creative, quirky self and was very successful because of it. -
In a step towards the other gender, Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara has taken her line of children's books called Little People, Big Dreams from primarily famous women into the stories of famous men. The idea of the series is to promote unique and influential people whom we want our children to look up to.
Obviously David Bowie was as unique a person as they come! He changed the landscape for people to start realizing that gender norms weren't necessary and that being 'weird' or 'different' was okay. The biggest disappointment I have in this release in Vegara's line of children's books is that there is very little said about how he influenced so many people to question their own sexuality and start conversations about the idea of gender fluidity and other realities that we are working to have society embrace today. It feels almost like Vegara, or her publisher, was not comfortable with stating outright the influence Bowie has had for so many in different marginalized community. Whether he was gay or not (note: he was married to a woman), gender fluid, bisexual, pansexual, etc. is irrelevant, partially because Bowie made it irrelevant; but also because it wasn't about being one thing in the 70's at the height of Bowie's fame. Bowie instead embodied the idea of allowing yourself to be whoever you wanted to be; even if that person didn't fit into the social box. While the book captures the idea of being weird is okay; it really misses out on emphasizing the gender norms that Bowie took head-on.
There are some cute pages in this book about Bowie being 'weird' or 'unusual' but overall it really missed the mark for me. There was an amazing opportunity in this children's book to really allow kids to consider gender norms and, perhaps, have little boys decide to wear dresses. Instead this story played it safe and for that reason I cannot say this is as good as it really could (should?) have been.
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review. -
David Bowie fans rejoice you now have a perfect little fan book to add to your collection. Hitting both demographics of small children and adults this installment from Isabel Sanchez Vegara is sure to please. A short, simple and colorful look at the inspirational life of David Bowie. If you're a Bowie fan or just a fan of being different and doing what you love this would be a perfect gift for your little reader!
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The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This series is always a joy to read, it’s a really nice introduction to well known people for little children. Of course the plot is always a little bit fast but that’s to be expected and it’s totally understandable.
I like David Bowie's music quite a lot and this little book is perfect for the singer's fans who want to introduce him to little ones. But I think it's also quite enjoyable for people who aren't really into his music. This book can teach children that there's nothing wrong with being different and that it should be something that's celebrated and shown with pride. It can teach to never be afraid to be who we truly are. I think it's a very good lesson, for adults and children alike. -
David Bowie by Isabel Sanchez Vegara is a book I requested from NetGalley and the review is voluntary. I think this is a great book for kids to show them that they can be themselves! It tells of Bowie as a child growing up and his interests then. It follows his story to stardom! I am glad I grew up when I did to experience his music as it happened!
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My wish was granted on Netgalley, but as always, all my opinions remain my own!
I have been wanting to read more muscian biographies and something like this makes it really accessible, fun and kid friendly. I like the concept of these type of books coming out of late, like the bedtime stories for rebel girls, this is reminding me of that.
I loved that at the back, it wrapped up basically what the book said but more in a straight forward, factual way.
I loved the colours and illustrations and wording of the text. It was a lovely quick snippet into the life of a legend, perfect for children to absorb (both in the vivid colours and the easy text), but I just wish it was longer. If it had been it would totally be something I'd consider collecting (I am still tempted but can't justify how short it is for the price, which still isn't as expensive as I had thought, but still something I'm processing).
Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy! >(^_^)<
Gén -
I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
This book is another fantastic short and inspirational book for children about famous people who had dreams and went after them.
I didn't know David Bowie wasn't born with different coloured eyes and will be researching more into that out of curiosity.
The only thing I wish this book would have included is David Bowie starring in the Labyrinth film as its one of my all time favourite films but thats just an idea that could have been included. But as always, the book flows smoothly, makes sense and sparks questions and interest about the person it is written about. -
And I'm floating in a most peculiar way
And the stars look very different today
For here
Am I sitting in a tin can
Far above the world
Planet Earth is blue
And there's nothing I can do."
For as long as I can remember I’ve always been obsessed with David Bowie. He was the first person I have ever seen where I felt it was cool to be yourself. Seeing him be who he truly was changed my life. His music spoke deeply to me and I’ll never forget the first time I heard his music.
This book was awesome. The illustrations were so super cute and colorful. Those alone could have been a book. The bio was short and to the point. A great introduction to the man who changed music and my life. -
The Little People, Big Dreams series shares the lives of extraordinary people through adorable, quirky illustrations and simple language. Each person represented has had an incredible impact on the world, but started life as a child with a dream.
And by never being afraid to be himself, little David became the most unique star who ever to Earth.
Well, that just says it all, doesn't it?
I love this new release under the "Little People, Big Dreams" banner. And what beautiful messages for children it holds. David Bowie is considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, acclaimed by critics and musicians, particularly for his innovative work during the 1970s. His career was marked by reinvention and visual presentation, with his music and magnetic stagecraft having a significant impact on popular music. He was an absolute visionary and his death in 2016 was tragic.
Many people throughout the world, throughout time, have had major impacts on human rights, politics, education and medical research, but it is important that other influential people are represented too, particularly those in the arts, I feel. Music has the potential to speak to people in a very unique way, particularly those who are lonely and misunderstood. Bowie helped those people to find their voice and dare to be different, and it is important for something as worthwhile as that to be celebrated.
This wonderfully quirky and colourful book traces the early years of Bowie and all the experiences that made him who he was. It is a beautifully tender story with some lovely messages for children about friendship, forgiveness, expression, uniqueness, using your voice and believing in yourself no matter what. The illustrations are incredible and I absolutely adored it.
It would be a pleasure to share this book with my children. 5 very heartfelt stars. -
The style and text of this book aim at a very young age group (pre-school) who have probably not heard of David Bowie so far. But although it is a very short book, they get to know him fairly well. They even dedicate two pages to the reason why his eyes are 2 different colours (and I always thought he was born like that!)
Of course it is a very abridged version of his biography, but it might arouse interest to hear more about (and from) this great musician.
Thus it's a perfect gift by parents, aunt/uncle or even grandparents who want to spark the love for David Bowie in the youngsters. They should definitely also play Bowies music to the kid! And besides the songs mentioned in this book they should definitely include "Heroes", my personal favorite.
Only the price is a bit high, a tenner would be my limit for this short book I guess. -
I loved this book. In addition to having a better understanding of David Bowie's story, the way it is written is very cared for and loved, passing on a message to the children that they can follow their dreams.
Also, the illustrations are very beautiful, and just make the book better! -
This is okay, but if someone punched me in the face so hard that my eye permanently changed color, I would expect my biographer to cover that issue with a lot more sensitivity and not just make it sound like a cool look.
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'David Bowie' by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara, with illustrations by Ana Albero, is one of the ever burgeoning 'little people BIG DREAMS' series of board books for children about the innovators, the trailblazers, people who made a difference - each book dedicated to the life of a different individual.
This is a very well written book with lovely illustrations which captures extremely well (albeit in the very brief manner of the 'little people' series) the life, the individuality, the creativity, the impact and the cultural icon that is David Bowie. It's also surprisingly although not overtly movingly told.
'little people BIG DREAMS' is a lovely series of books aimed at capturing the interest of and inspiring the younger reader. 'David Bowie' is amongst the strongest of the range. -
This is another brilliant book shining a light on the career and life of a person who made a massive difference to the world.
David Bowie is represented from his childhood days to his last as a chameleon who defied what society expected of him as an artsit. He broke boundaries, he broke records and challenged what was understood by gender. He was unashamedly always himself, despite being made to feel like an outsider, he existed as an emblem for the disenfranchised, the misunderstood who found refuge in his music.
My 8 year old and I are bg fans of this series and look forward to whoever Quarto books focus on next!
She learnt a lot about his early years, and was able to contextualise the songs which have been in the background of her life with the man behind them.
Yes I cried reading it, he is still hugely missed and this book has distilled the essece of what made him him. -
The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The ‘My First Little People, Big Dreams’ series provides informative and inspirational biographies about people who left a mark on this earth, no matter what difficulties they have encountered.
These stories are very short, but that’s because they’re books for children, so it’s totally understandable.
I think they are a very smart and wonderful way to introduce little children to such important figures.
This one is about Davide Bowie, the most unique figure in the music world. He was never afraid to show his true colours and I think this is an important lesson to teach to little children. Being different is not wrong, and you should be proud to be who you are. -
David Bowie by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara is another lovely addition to the Little People BIG DREAMS series, a collection that continues to charm and delight. This time, the focus is on the incomparable musician, David Bowie, and the contributions he made to the arts during an impressive and ever-evolving career. I did find the text a little light compared to previous books, but very much enjoyed the illustrations which are never short of detail, and are always full of joy and light.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Childrens for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title. -
Oh how I adore the Little People, Big Dreams series of bios for kids, and this latest on Ziggy Stardust does not disappoint. In fact it shines as brightly as Bowie’s stellar career in music and film. Includes the absolute coolest illustrations by Ana Albero, plus a biographical timeline with historical pics and a detailed profile of the life of Iman’s husband, as über-elegant as she. 5/5
Pub Date 07 May 2019
Thanks to the author and illustrator, Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Childrens Books, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine. #DavidBowie #NetGalley
