'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Monday 29 August 2016

Review: Little People, Big Dreams: Amelia Earhart / Maya Angelou

The latest two books in this divine picture book series - Little People, Big Dreams -  we meet Amelia Earhart and Maya Angelou.

Amelia Earhart, was of course, the first female to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, but she was also the first woman to fly up to 14,000 feet.

Her courage, strong will and self-belief drove Amelia to ignore detractors, rise above prejudice and live an incredible life in the sky. She even shared her passion by creating a 99-strong group of female pilots.

Sadly, Amelia's attempt to be the first woman to circumnavigate the globe failed, and she went missing, along with her navigator, over the mid-Pacific on 2 July 1937.

Similarly, Maya Angelou stood strong after a traumatic upbringing, horrendous racial and gender prejudice. After losing her will to speak as a child, she grew up to become a singer, dancer, actress, poet, novelist, and eminent Civil Rights campaigner.

For a poor little black girl who was told she would amount to nothing, Maya's talent, determination and compassion changed the lives of people all over the world, and her legend lives on.

Amelia and Maya join Frida Kahlo and Coco Chanel in this charming, beautifully-produced series.

Although these books have variant illustrators, the colour palette and artistic styles invoke enough cohesion and sensibility to create a visually beautiful set.

Additional information and photographs at the back of each book invite further inquiry into the lives of these amazing women.

Title: Little People, Big Dreams: Amelia Earhart / Maya Angelou
Author: Isabel Sanchez Vegara
Illustrator: Mariadiamentes
Publisher: Frances Lincoln, $29.99
Publication Date: 9 August 2016
Format: Hard cover
ISBN: 9781847808882 / 9781847808899
For ages: 3 - 7
Type: Picture Book