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Little People, BIG DREAMS
Ella Fitzgerald: My First Ella Fitzgerald (Volume 11)
New, in the My First Little People, Big Dreams series: Introduce your littlest one to the pioneering jazz singer, Ella Fitzgerald.
Told in simple sentences, this young reader edition of the best-selling series is perfect to read out loud to little dreamers. This empowering series celebrates the important life stories of wonderful women of the world – and is now in available in a board format for little hands! These books make the lives of these role models accessible for the youngest children, providing a powerful message to inspire the next generation of outstanding people who will change the world!
Told in simple sentences, this young reader edition of the best-selling series is perfect to read out loud to little dreamers. This empowering series celebrates the important life stories of wonderful women of the world – and is now in available in a board format for little hands! These books make the lives of these role models accessible for the youngest children, providing a powerful message to inspire the next generation of outstanding people who will change the world!
24 pages, Board Book
First published January 1, 2019
9 people are currently reading
1076 people want to read
About the author
Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara
201 books447 followersMaria Isabel Sánchez Vegara, born in Barcelona, Spain, is a writer and creative director perhaps best known as the author of much of the Little People, Big Dreams series. Each book tells the childhood story of one of the world's female icons in an entertaining, conversational way that works well for the youngest nonfiction readers, allowing them to identify with the characters in each story.
You may find books from the "Little People BIG DREAMS" series on author page - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
You may find books from the "Little People BIG DREAMS" series on author page - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
May 7, 2019
“One of these mornings you're gonna rise up singing
And you'll spread your wings and you'll take to the sky”
Ella’s rendition of “Summertime”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2big...
Ella Fitzgerald is the fourth title I’ve read in the adorable “Little People, Big Dreams” book series about the childhoods of some people who have become cultural icons, by Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara. Ella didn’t like school, but she liked to sing:
“The only thing better than singing is more singing.”
Ella was one of the best jazz singers of all time, The First Lady of Song.
“Everybody wants to know about my style and how it came about. It’s no big secret. It’s the way I feel.”
She, who grew up poor, also said,
“I have been rich, and I have been poor. Believe me baby, rich is better!”
I thought this particular one was a little flat and unremarkable as a story, but the art is great.
And you'll spread your wings and you'll take to the sky”
Ella’s rendition of “Summertime”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2big...
Ella Fitzgerald is the fourth title I’ve read in the adorable “Little People, Big Dreams” book series about the childhoods of some people who have become cultural icons, by Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara. Ella didn’t like school, but she liked to sing:
“The only thing better than singing is more singing.”
Ella was one of the best jazz singers of all time, The First Lady of Song.
“Everybody wants to know about my style and how it came about. It’s no big secret. It’s the way I feel.”
She, who grew up poor, also said,
“I have been rich, and I have been poor. Believe me baby, rich is better!”
I thought this particular one was a little flat and unremarkable as a story, but the art is great.
April 26, 2018
From the series Little People, BIG DREAMS
A good introduction for children on the life of Ella Fitzgerald. Interesting layout, a distinctive style of illustration and a line or two of text on each page.
Ellen's story is one of hardship and loss but also hugely inspiring that Ella pursued her dreams and worked hard with her talent to succeed.
There's a double page at the back with photos and more information. Coincidentally we read this yesterday which was exactly 100 years since Ellen's birth.
A good introduction for children on the life of Ella Fitzgerald. Interesting layout, a distinctive style of illustration and a line or two of text on each page.
Ellen's story is one of hardship and loss but also hugely inspiring that Ella pursued her dreams and worked hard with her talent to succeed.
There's a double page at the back with photos and more information. Coincidentally we read this yesterday which was exactly 100 years since Ellen's birth.
May 17, 2019
Considering Ella Fitzgerald's musical talent and that yes, many, and myself included, do indeed think of her as forever being the so-called and very much deserving of that epitaph First Lady of Jazz, from a personal reading pleasure point of view, albeit that I do regard Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara's introduction to Ella Fitzgerald's life and career as both enlightening, factually realistic and interesting (and that I also much appreciate the inclusion of both joy and tragedy in the main text and narrative of Ella Fitzgerald), there is also just something not quite musical, rhythmic and engaging enough in the author's in all ways adequate but not really all that emotionally intense and satisfying printed words. For although I do indeed appreciate the textual information presented in Ella Fitzgerald and yes also believe that this instalment of the Little People, Big Dreams series provides a pretty well decent enough portrait of both Ella Fitzgerald's life and career as a jazz musician icon, personally, I really have had a rather ho-hum reading experience at best, and do think that considerably more could have been done to make Ella Fitzgerald a more attractive and engaging combination of presented text and accompanying images.
And yes, I do have to say that while I have definitely appreciated Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara's text for what it is and what it achieves (even though I have not in any way and especially on a music appreciation level been all that narrationally wowed by Ella Fitzgerald), I absolutely and truly have not at all enjoyed on an aesthetic and visual level Bàrbara Alca's accompanying illustrations, finding them brightly hued and descriptive but sadly (and at least in my opinion) both much too cartoonish and also (at least in my opinion) not really all that visually flattering in particular to Ella Fitzgerald herself (with her hugely disproportionate head, her birdlike beak of a mouth and that especially as a young girl, the way that Bàrbara Alca has drawn Ella Fitzgerald's hairdos, they to my eyes often make her physically appear a bit like a Mouseketeer with Mickey Mouse like ears on her head).
And yes, I do have to say that while I have definitely appreciated Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara's text for what it is and what it achieves (even though I have not in any way and especially on a music appreciation level been all that narrationally wowed by Ella Fitzgerald), I absolutely and truly have not at all enjoyed on an aesthetic and visual level Bàrbara Alca's accompanying illustrations, finding them brightly hued and descriptive but sadly (and at least in my opinion) both much too cartoonish and also (at least in my opinion) not really all that visually flattering in particular to Ella Fitzgerald herself (with her hugely disproportionate head, her birdlike beak of a mouth and that especially as a young girl, the way that Bàrbara Alca has drawn Ella Fitzgerald's hairdos, they to my eyes often make her physically appear a bit like a Mouseketeer with Mickey Mouse like ears on her head).
February 19, 2024
Bei diesem Buch der Reihe haben mir vor allem die Zeichnungen von Bàrbara Alca gefallen. Der Stil hat mir sehr zugesagt und ich liebe Ella Fitzgerald Musik. ❤️
March 31, 2022
This is my favorite one so far, I think. The illustrations are good and it’s a good overview of Ella’s life. I do wish these books would go deeper into why these people should be introduced to children. I mean, more than just a page almost in passing about why they are famous or important in history. That aspect always seems a little superficial.
February 14, 2019
A copy 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.
This was a nice recap of Ella Fitzgerald's life. I think it's very good for children to read that if you believe in it you can achieve your dreams just like Ella did. It's a beautiful message.
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.
This was a nice recap of Ella Fitzgerald's life. I think it's very good for children to read that if you believe in it you can achieve your dreams just like Ella did. It's a beautiful message.
April 15, 2019
Isabel Sanchez Vegara does it again! Another wonderful entry into the Little People, Big Dreams series.
This is the second children's book I've read and reviewed about Ella Fitzgerald's life. This book is fully focused on how Ella knew she wanted to be a singer very early in life and took risks, even as a young girl, to pursue her dreams. She did her best, seized opportunities as they arose, and had a gift the likes of which none had seen before. The illustrations are wonderful - bright, colorful, and lively. And I'm even more interested in her life now than I was before.
The only disappointment for me: at the end of every book in this series to date, there has been a more detailed recap about the subject's life in the back of the book, including photographs. In the digital copy that I received, this final section was lacking, and it's a feature of the series that I have learned to look forward to. It is, of course, entirely possible that it didn't make it into the digital galley version. The next time I'm at the bookstore, I'll be sure to check, and if it's in the print copy, I will gladly revise this review.
Note: I received this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I pride myself on writing fair and honest reviews.
This is the second children's book I've read and reviewed about Ella Fitzgerald's life. This book is fully focused on how Ella knew she wanted to be a singer very early in life and took risks, even as a young girl, to pursue her dreams. She did her best, seized opportunities as they arose, and had a gift the likes of which none had seen before. The illustrations are wonderful - bright, colorful, and lively. And I'm even more interested in her life now than I was before.
The only disappointment for me: at the end of every book in this series to date, there has been a more detailed recap about the subject's life in the back of the book, including photographs. In the digital copy that I received, this final section was lacking, and it's a feature of the series that I have learned to look forward to. It is, of course, entirely possible that it didn't make it into the digital galley version. The next time I'm at the bookstore, I'll be sure to check, and if it's in the print copy, I will gladly revise this review.
Note: I received this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I pride myself on writing fair and honest reviews.
September 9, 2018
Bogen om Ella Fitzgerald er en skøn fortælling om en stærk og forbilledlig kvinde, der trodsede tidens undertrykkelse og trange kår og fløj til tops som den stjerne, hun var og er.
Som 17-årig deltager Ella Fitzgerald i en amatørkonkurrence på Apollo Theatre og vinder med sin sang. Det bliver starten på drømmen om at synge på store scener, og det giver hende også troen på, at hendes drøm måske kan blive til virkelighed. Vi skal dog spole tiden noget tilbage i fortællingen om Ella i Små mennesker, store drømme. Vi møder hende nemlig allerede som lille pige, der lytter til jazz i stuen, mens mor sidder og læser. Da Ella er teenager dør hendes mor, og Ella havner først hos nogle slægtninge, dernæst på børnehjem og til sidst på et gadehjørne i Harlem, hvor hun overlever ved at tjene en skilling på sin sang og dans. Det er på gaderne i Harlem, den unge pige beslutter sig for at deltage i amatørkonkurrencen på Apollo Theatre, som hun selvfølgelig vinder. Herefter går der ikke længe før, hendes talent bliver opdaget. Med et bigband rejser hun land og rige rundt, og bogen forklarer både i tekst og illustrationer, hvordan Ella brugte musikken til at udtrykke sine følelser og hvordan lytterne oplevede hendes varme toner. Da Ella beslutter sig for at blive solist, bliver hun kimet ned af folk, som alle vil have fornøjelsen af at optræde med hende.
Bogen slutter med oversættelsen af Ella Fitzgeralds berømte ord: “It isn't where you came from, it's where you're going that counts.”, som er fint oversat til “Det er ikke vigtigt, hvor du kommer fra, men hvor du er på vej hen.” og efterlader læseren eftertænksom og med mod på alle de drømme, som synes så svære at opnå. Det er Små mennesker, store drømme-seriens store styrke, at de viser børn, at det er muligt at opnå sine største drømme, uanset hvem man er eller hvor man kommer fra.
Jeg skriver mere lige her: https://bookmeupscotty.blogspot.com/2...
Som 17-årig deltager Ella Fitzgerald i en amatørkonkurrence på Apollo Theatre og vinder med sin sang. Det bliver starten på drømmen om at synge på store scener, og det giver hende også troen på, at hendes drøm måske kan blive til virkelighed. Vi skal dog spole tiden noget tilbage i fortællingen om Ella i Små mennesker, store drømme. Vi møder hende nemlig allerede som lille pige, der lytter til jazz i stuen, mens mor sidder og læser. Da Ella er teenager dør hendes mor, og Ella havner først hos nogle slægtninge, dernæst på børnehjem og til sidst på et gadehjørne i Harlem, hvor hun overlever ved at tjene en skilling på sin sang og dans. Det er på gaderne i Harlem, den unge pige beslutter sig for at deltage i amatørkonkurrencen på Apollo Theatre, som hun selvfølgelig vinder. Herefter går der ikke længe før, hendes talent bliver opdaget. Med et bigband rejser hun land og rige rundt, og bogen forklarer både i tekst og illustrationer, hvordan Ella brugte musikken til at udtrykke sine følelser og hvordan lytterne oplevede hendes varme toner. Da Ella beslutter sig for at blive solist, bliver hun kimet ned af folk, som alle vil have fornøjelsen af at optræde med hende.
Bogen slutter med oversættelsen af Ella Fitzgeralds berømte ord: “It isn't where you came from, it's where you're going that counts.”, som er fint oversat til “Det er ikke vigtigt, hvor du kommer fra, men hvor du er på vej hen.” og efterlader læseren eftertænksom og med mod på alle de drømme, som synes så svære at opnå. Det er Små mennesker, store drømme-seriens store styrke, at de viser børn, at det er muligt at opnå sine største drømme, uanset hvem man er eller hvor man kommer fra.
Jeg skriver mere lige her: https://bookmeupscotty.blogspot.com/2...
February 14, 2019
Another of those books about a great person who achieved something great in his field of activity. The book is good but it lacks the kind of real biography or chronological even at the end that most book in this collection have...
October 8, 2019
Every young child seems to loves music and dance. In Ella Fitzgerald they have that young talent who had the X Factor. Not sure running away from school and busking on the streets of New York City is the perfect role model. But as with other strong females in this series she had ambition at a young age and followed her dreams.
This is the message in these potted biographies aimed at babbies and todlers but which will engage early readers themselves with the simple sentences and vivid illustrations,
There is much more than here, that could be said about Ella's life and I'm happy that one drawing in particular flags up the rascism of the day.
I think the idea is to keep it simple and introduce the characters who can then be read about in greater detail by the growing child and young teenager.
A great idea for a series: Little People, BIG DREAMS. The story does not suffer in being translated into English and as a board book should be robust and stand the test of time of grubby hands and inquisitive fingers. A book to be read and adored growing up celebrating music and a unique voice.
This is the message in these potted biographies aimed at babbies and todlers but which will engage early readers themselves with the simple sentences and vivid illustrations,
There is much more than here, that could be said about Ella's life and I'm happy that one drawing in particular flags up the rascism of the day.
I think the idea is to keep it simple and introduce the characters who can then be read about in greater detail by the growing child and young teenager.
A great idea for a series: Little People, BIG DREAMS. The story does not suffer in being translated into English and as a board book should be robust and stand the test of time of grubby hands and inquisitive fingers. A book to be read and adored growing up celebrating music and a unique voice.
March 17, 2019
“Ella never sang a song the same way twice.”
According to this, Ella ran away from home when she was really young, because she didn’t like her strict school. I guess it’s not important to the story, but I would have liked to see how a little girl managed, not so much money-wise, as we see her singing on the street for tips, but how she procured the place where she’s seen sleeping, etc.
I’ve read a lot of these little books, and I have to say they’re getting worse. Even though they’re meant to be read by kids, they should still have a more logical structure. It feels like a lot of random facts are tossed in without continuity.
According to this, Ella ran away from home when she was really young, because she didn’t like her strict school. I guess it’s not important to the story, but I would have liked to see how a little girl managed, not so much money-wise, as we see her singing on the street for tips, but how she procured the place where she’s seen sleeping, etc.
I’ve read a lot of these little books, and I have to say they’re getting worse. Even though they’re meant to be read by kids, they should still have a more logical structure. It feels like a lot of random facts are tossed in without continuity.
July 4, 2018
So glad books like this one exist.
September 2, 2021
This is a much briefer look at this great singer's life than biographies of others I have read in this series. But I am glad to see she is included in this collection of biographies for children.
April 11, 2019
Way to simplistic. Little People Big Dreams series, and all this book did was shorten that story, and take away it’s meaning. The best way to put it, is this is a slightly narrative timeline of a great woman's life. Get the real book, leave the board book at the store.
February 27, 2019
I was aware of this series for a while but hadn't read any of them until I picked up Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Tales of Extraordinary Women and was inspired by stories of important women around the world. I started the
Little People, Big Dreams
series with Emmeline Pankhurst, leader of the British suffragette movement who helped women win the right to vote. I was eager to read more.
As is the gist with all of the stories in this series, Ella Fitzgerald achieved incredible things as a grown woman but began life as a child with a dream. This book provides a brief biography into her childhood and then life as "The First Lady of Song". While simple in its idea, this book provides a creative and insightful look at Fitzgerald and is an inspirational read for both adults and young children. I especially enjoy how it is presented; it is visually so fun and cute, appealing to young minds who now have the opportunity to read about important female figures in history.
This is such a wonderful series.
As is the gist with all of the stories in this series, Ella Fitzgerald achieved incredible things as a grown woman but began life as a child with a dream. This book provides a brief biography into her childhood and then life as "The First Lady of Song". While simple in its idea, this book provides a creative and insightful look at Fitzgerald and is an inspirational read for both adults and young children. I especially enjoy how it is presented; it is visually so fun and cute, appealing to young minds who now have the opportunity to read about important female figures in history.
This is such a wonderful series.
October 10, 2018
She liked to sing; she was good at singing; she sang. 🤷♀️
September 3, 2019
Esta colecação de livros é ÚNICA!
April 22, 2019
New in the Little People, Big Dreams series, discover the incredible life of Ella Fitzgerald. Ella always wanted to sing, even as a young girl. She constantly seized opportunities as they arose and took risks to be able to sing and entertain. She had a gift many had never heard before and she used it to the best she could. This is a child friendly biography with delightful illustrations. It is a story that shows a young woman striving to achieve her dream. This book could be used to teach young children how to write a biography, show that it is important to have a dream and strive to achieve it. This seems to be a sub-group to the series as it is simpler (for younger children) and is subtitled, "My First Ella Fitzgerald". I am not sure if that is why the section at the back of the book found in others in this series is missing. The end pages with notes, timeline etc. is something that I have come to expect and enjoy, but again, it may be because this is for a younger audience. I recommend this book to all public and school libraries. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon my request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
March 10, 2019
I've read 4 books of the Little People, Big Dreams series, and since they're very similar (thus I can only say the same things about them), I've reviewed them together:
These are exactly the books I would love to dive in with my kid (once I'll have one)! They're very short, with very simple and short text - well, they're picture books. It's definitely suitable for only very little kids, toddlers. In themselves, at least. I can imagine telling a more detailed story about Hawking, Parks, Fitzgerald, Pankhurst, or any other hero of these books to a bit older child - I think when an adult reads it with them, adds things, and it's possible to discuss, than it could be quite enjoyable for even 5-6 year-olds. I find it very important to give role models to kids, ones who'd done something in their lives worth mentioning, especially in this age when all these celebrities and influencers are thrown at us who have never done anything useful that would earn them respect. These little board books (I've downloaded like 4) give help with that from a very early age, and that's wonderful!
These are exactly the books I would love to dive in with my kid (once I'll have one)! They're very short, with very simple and short text - well, they're picture books. It's definitely suitable for only very little kids, toddlers. In themselves, at least. I can imagine telling a more detailed story about Hawking, Parks, Fitzgerald, Pankhurst, or any other hero of these books to a bit older child - I think when an adult reads it with them, adds things, and it's possible to discuss, than it could be quite enjoyable for even 5-6 year-olds. I find it very important to give role models to kids, ones who'd done something in their lives worth mentioning, especially in this age when all these celebrities and influencers are thrown at us who have never done anything useful that would earn them respect. These little board books (I've downloaded like 4) give help with that from a very early age, and that's wonderful!
April 25, 2018
Ella Fitzgerald is the first title I’ve read in the Lincoln Children’s Books series “Little People, Big Dreams” focusing on the childhoods of those who achieved cultural importance. Author Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara finds the elements with kid appeal in Ella’s story: trouble in school, loss of a parent, and making new words and sounds with her voice. The discrimination faced by Fitzgerald and other black artists is downplayed but still signified by an illustration showing a sassy Ella posing by a “White Only” sign. Bàrbara Alca’s colorful illustrations reinforce the hopeful, uplifting message of this book and presumably the “Little People, Big Dreams” series.
February 15, 2019
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.
Ella's story is a very inspirational one and it teaches us to never give up on our dreams and keep fighting for them 'till we achieve them.
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.
Ella's story is a very inspirational one and it teaches us to never give up on our dreams and keep fighting for them 'till we achieve them.
March 11, 2019
This little book is a lovely way to introduce children to Ella Fitzgerald and I absolutely adore the illustrations - they are gorgeous and the artist did a wonderful job telling Ella's story through pictures. However, I think the text needed some more work. I know it's supposed to be short but it feels a bit choppy and might be difficult to understand for small children who do not know anything about music yet.
July 2, 2019
RATING: 4 STARS
2019; Quarto Publishing Group/Frances Lincoln Childrens
(Review Not on Blog)
(General series review) These are fabulous stories about great women and men in history (for the most part). The illustrations are so amazing, both for kids and adults. There is a brief history on the person that explains how this person contributed to history and matters.
***I received an eARC from NETGALLEY***
2019; Quarto Publishing Group/Frances Lincoln Childrens
(Review Not on Blog)
(General series review) These are fabulous stories about great women and men in history (for the most part). The illustrations are so amazing, both for kids and adults. There is a brief history on the person that explains how this person contributed to history and matters.
***I received an eARC from NETGALLEY***
February 22, 2019
3.5 Stars
I felt this was bit fluffier than other Little People, Big Dreams titles, but it was still cute and charming.
I felt this was bit fluffier than other Little People, Big Dreams titles, but it was still cute and charming.
August 17, 2020
Cazin kralicesini anlatan bol gorselli enfes bir kitap...
May 10, 2021
A very sweet book.
Read
April 10, 2024Mignon livre sur la merveilleuse Ella ✨
June 24, 2019
This is another brilliant addition to this series – even as an adult I look out for the next book in the series being released. I love the images in this series and this is a delightful introduction to Ella Fitzgerald, one of the most amazing jazz singers we have had.
These mini books are excellent introductions to some of the well-known, and less well-known, characters that have had a great impact in our lives through a variety of subjects such as literature, women’s rights and music.
Ella was a brilliant artist with a fab story to show how she got to where she was and her story should encourage dreams for all ages, she literally went from singing on the streets of Harlem to singing to millions around the world. 5 stars from me for this one – a delightful read and one I will be highly recommending!!
These mini books are excellent introductions to some of the well-known, and less well-known, characters that have had a great impact in our lives through a variety of subjects such as literature, women’s rights and music.
Ella was a brilliant artist with a fab story to show how she got to where she was and her story should encourage dreams for all ages, she literally went from singing on the streets of Harlem to singing to millions around the world. 5 stars from me for this one – a delightful read and one I will be highly recommending!!
July 2, 2017
This was not a bad introduction to Ms. Fitzgerald for kids.
January 21, 2018
Pequeño y hermoso libro, espero luego comprarlo en físico.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews