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Little People, BIG DREAMS
Muhammad Ali
New in the Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the incredible life of Muhammad Ali, 'the greatest' boxer of all time.
When he was little, Muhammad Ali had his bicycle stolen. He wanted to fight the thief, but a policeman told him him to learn how to box first. After training hard in the gym, Muhammad developed a strong jab and an even stronger work ethic. His smart thinking and talking earned him the greatest title in boxing: Heavyweight Champion of the World. 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 Greatest's' life.
Little People, BIG DREAMS is a bestselling 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 hardback 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!
When he was little, Muhammad Ali had his bicycle stolen. He wanted to fight the thief, but a policeman told him him to learn how to box first. After training hard in the gym, Muhammad developed a strong jab and an even stronger work ethic. His smart thinking and talking earned him the greatest title in boxing: Heavyweight Champion of the World. 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 Greatest's' life.
Little People, BIG DREAMS is a bestselling 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 hardback 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!
32 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2018
9 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
About the author
Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara
227 books446 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 115 reviews
February 20, 2019
Another great title in the series ‘Little people, big dreams’, the book has beautiful illustrations in bright bold colours, full of vibrant energy, which is very appropriate considering that this is the story of one of the greatest athletes in world history. The spread about Cassius’s rhyme-trash-talk-poetry was hilarious. I also loved the way the book shows not only his perseverance in getting sport titles, but also his dedication to his beliefs.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing group for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing group for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2019
This book gives some basic facts about the life of Muhammad Ali. We all know he was a boxer so I was hoping to learn a bit more about him. The fact he refused to fight in Vietnam was mentioned but very little else. I was hoping it would be mentioned that his choice of boxing was perhaps the only escape for some children from a poor working class background and the fact that their success was often paid for by the damage they received to their bodies, particularly in the days before head protection. I also found the illustrations unbearably ugly and wondered why Muhammad's skin was depicted a pale peach colour?
April 28, 2019
Although I do indeed much appreciate that Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara in Mahammad Ali focusses not only on Muhammad Ali's professional boxing career, but also and equally on his pacifism, his charity work, his conversion to Islam (and name change from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali), and indeed also on his very public refusal to fight in the Vietnam War (and that even though Muhammad Ali was undemocratically and in my opinion even disgustingly evilly stripped of his titles and banned from boxing for three years simply for in my opinion doing the right thing, refusing to fight in Vietnam and being openly critical of the American government, that his beliefs were more important to and for him than war and silly, problematic governmental dictates and mandates and indeed even his boxing career), there is also and indeed one major feature and component of Muhammad Ali's life that I for one consider totally and absolutely important and essential in every way, but which really is for all intents and proposes rather missing in action in Muhammad Ali.
For even though one of the last pictorial images in Muhammad Ali does actually show him walking with a cane and that indeed in the supplemental biographical time-line at the back of the book author Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara points out that at the end of his life (and for many years), Muhammad Ali suffered from Parkinson's disease, I am personally both annoyed and indeed also quite massively personally offended that she has not also presented that Muhammad Ali's Parkinson's disease was precipitated and caused by his career as a professional boxer and multiple blows on the head (and of course, no head protection, because professional boxers do not tend to don protective helmets), the mention of which I was both hoping for and even rather expecting (especially considering how much this sad state of affairs, how much the inherent dangers of head injuries in professional sports and in particular in sports like professional boxing, where helmets are not usually considered necessary or even acceptable, has been in the news recently and indeed even not so recently). And yes, that Muhammad Ali's Parkinson's disease (which also ultimately did lead to his death) was not even referred to at all in Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara's main narrative and that even in the supplemental information at the back of Muhammad Ali, the author does never actually mention that Muhammad Ali's Parkinson's disease was caused by his career as a professional fighter and boxers, wrestlers etc. not being allowed to wear head protection once they turn pro, this really and truly does bother me to no end, as I for one firmly think and believe that this omission is both rather an insult to Muhammad Ali's memory and indeed that prominently presenting in a critical manner (and even in a short biographical picture book meant for young children) how dangerous professional boxing etc. without adequate head gear is and that it obviously can and does cause serious long term health issues and diseases such as dementia and Parkinsons' would be a great message and admonishment that something needs to change, that professional boxers, wrestlers and the like do need to have their bodies, and especially their heads more adequately protected while they are fighting, while they are in the rink.
Still and even with my (in my opinion) legitimate concerns regarding Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara's presented narrative (or rather, with what I personally think should and needs to have been also been included in Muhammad Ali to feature and give a balanced account of Muhammad Ali's life story), I still do consider this book a generally decent and informative enough basic textual introduction to both Muhammad Ali the person and Muhammad Ali the professional boxer. And certainly and truly, I would readily and happily be rating Muhammad Ali with three stars instead of two stars, had (and like sadly oh so many of the Little People, Big Dreams picture books I have read to date) the accompanying illustrations been even somewhat to my tastes. For from a personal aesthetics point of departure, I have really and truly despised Brosmind's pictures with every fibre of my being and even tend to find them a total and utter visual crime, with a glaringly off-putting and clashing colour scheme and human figures who all and sundry much too often appear (at least to and for my eyes) like creepy caricatures and puppet-like entities. I mean, why have Muhammad Ali always (or at least far too often) frowning and rigidly staring into space and why do in Muhammad Ali so many of his boxing opponents have green Mohawk type hairdos and colourless, featureless eyes (not to mention that I also tend to find the fact that ALL of Broskind's depicted humans sport only four sausage like fingers on each hand rather aesthetically strange and visually jarring).
For even though one of the last pictorial images in Muhammad Ali does actually show him walking with a cane and that indeed in the supplemental biographical time-line at the back of the book author Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara points out that at the end of his life (and for many years), Muhammad Ali suffered from Parkinson's disease, I am personally both annoyed and indeed also quite massively personally offended that she has not also presented that Muhammad Ali's Parkinson's disease was precipitated and caused by his career as a professional boxer and multiple blows on the head (and of course, no head protection, because professional boxers do not tend to don protective helmets), the mention of which I was both hoping for and even rather expecting (especially considering how much this sad state of affairs, how much the inherent dangers of head injuries in professional sports and in particular in sports like professional boxing, where helmets are not usually considered necessary or even acceptable, has been in the news recently and indeed even not so recently). And yes, that Muhammad Ali's Parkinson's disease (which also ultimately did lead to his death) was not even referred to at all in Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara's main narrative and that even in the supplemental information at the back of Muhammad Ali, the author does never actually mention that Muhammad Ali's Parkinson's disease was caused by his career as a professional fighter and boxers, wrestlers etc. not being allowed to wear head protection once they turn pro, this really and truly does bother me to no end, as I for one firmly think and believe that this omission is both rather an insult to Muhammad Ali's memory and indeed that prominently presenting in a critical manner (and even in a short biographical picture book meant for young children) how dangerous professional boxing etc. without adequate head gear is and that it obviously can and does cause serious long term health issues and diseases such as dementia and Parkinsons' would be a great message and admonishment that something needs to change, that professional boxers, wrestlers and the like do need to have their bodies, and especially their heads more adequately protected while they are fighting, while they are in the rink.
Still and even with my (in my opinion) legitimate concerns regarding Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara's presented narrative (or rather, with what I personally think should and needs to have been also been included in Muhammad Ali to feature and give a balanced account of Muhammad Ali's life story), I still do consider this book a generally decent and informative enough basic textual introduction to both Muhammad Ali the person and Muhammad Ali the professional boxer. And certainly and truly, I would readily and happily be rating Muhammad Ali with three stars instead of two stars, had (and like sadly oh so many of the Little People, Big Dreams picture books I have read to date) the accompanying illustrations been even somewhat to my tastes. For from a personal aesthetics point of departure, I have really and truly despised Brosmind's pictures with every fibre of my being and even tend to find them a total and utter visual crime, with a glaringly off-putting and clashing colour scheme and human figures who all and sundry much too often appear (at least to and for my eyes) like creepy caricatures and puppet-like entities. I mean, why have Muhammad Ali always (or at least far too often) frowning and rigidly staring into space and why do in Muhammad Ali so many of his boxing opponents have green Mohawk type hairdos and colourless, featureless eyes (not to mention that I also tend to find the fact that ALL of Broskind's depicted humans sport only four sausage like fingers on each hand rather aesthetically strange and visually jarring).
February 19, 2019
Once again Little People Big Dreams provides a well-rounded biography that’s informative for both children and the adults reading to them. Ali was a complex man that made some controversial decisions during his time and I liked the way Sanchez Vegara presented them. I also enjoyed the illustrations of this one too.
December 8, 2022
عنوان ترجمهٔ فارسی: محمدعلی کلی
(عنوان مجموعه: مردان کوچک، رؤیاهای دور و دراز)
دلم میخواهد آداب و ترتیب را به کناری نهم و بگویم قربان ریختش❤️
(عنوان مجموعه: مردان کوچک، رؤیاهای دور و دراز)
دلم میخواهد آداب و ترتیب را به کناری نهم و بگویم قربان ریختش❤️
October 2, 2019
Jeg har efterhånden skrevet en masse om Små mennesker, store drømme-serien, og min begejstring vil ingen ende tage. Oprindeligt var det ideen om biografier om stærke kvinder formidlet for de mindste, der udgjorde min begejstring, men nu er der kommet to mænd med i serien, og jeg er vild med det. Du ved det sikkert allerede, serien består af en række biografier, og bøgerne kan karakteriseres ved deres simple sprog og enkle fortællinger, som billedsiden udgør en væsentlig del af. Bagest i bøgerne er der altid en udvidet forklaring til den voksne, så hun/han kan besvare sin lille lytters spørgsmål.
I denne omgang er det fysiker, Stephen Hawking, og bokser, Muhammad Ali, der er hovedpersonerne.
Stephen Hawking var allerede som helt lille optaget af at udtænke, bygge og finde på. I bogen lærer vi, hvordan hans nysgerrighed driver ham til storslåede resultater, selvom han faktisk ikke var en særlig flittig skoleelev. Det var først, da Hawking fik lov at forfølge sin interesse inden for kosmologi, at han nød skolearbejde. Historien fortæller, hvordan han trodsede lægernes prognoser efter at have fået konstateret ALS, og hans evne til at kæmpe bragte ham til store videnskabelige opdagelser i det 20. århundrede.
Historien om Muhammad Ali starter i Kentucky, da Ali endnu var Cassius Clay. Den fortæller, hvordan han hadede at træne, men trænede hårdt alligevel, fordi han drømte om at blive den bedste bokser i verden. Den fortæller også om hans behov for at konvertere, og om den ro, der fulgte med hans konvertering til islam. Muhammad Ali var krigsnægter, velgørenhedsarbejder og –fordi han var viljefast – verdens bedste bokser.
Bøgerne er illustreret af dygtige kunstnere, og deres tegninger er helt uundværlige for historien. Stephen Hawking fortælling bærer præg af dæmpede jordfarver og kantede tegninger, hvor Muhammad Alis historie ledsages af en farvelade af runde, sjove tegninger.
Begge bøger er oplysende og samtaleindbydende, og jeg må endnu en gang give mine varmeste anbefalinger til serien.
I denne omgang er det fysiker, Stephen Hawking, og bokser, Muhammad Ali, der er hovedpersonerne.
Stephen Hawking var allerede som helt lille optaget af at udtænke, bygge og finde på. I bogen lærer vi, hvordan hans nysgerrighed driver ham til storslåede resultater, selvom han faktisk ikke var en særlig flittig skoleelev. Det var først, da Hawking fik lov at forfølge sin interesse inden for kosmologi, at han nød skolearbejde. Historien fortæller, hvordan han trodsede lægernes prognoser efter at have fået konstateret ALS, og hans evne til at kæmpe bragte ham til store videnskabelige opdagelser i det 20. århundrede.
Historien om Muhammad Ali starter i Kentucky, da Ali endnu var Cassius Clay. Den fortæller, hvordan han hadede at træne, men trænede hårdt alligevel, fordi han drømte om at blive den bedste bokser i verden. Den fortæller også om hans behov for at konvertere, og om den ro, der fulgte med hans konvertering til islam. Muhammad Ali var krigsnægter, velgørenhedsarbejder og –fordi han var viljefast – verdens bedste bokser.
Bøgerne er illustreret af dygtige kunstnere, og deres tegninger er helt uundværlige for historien. Stephen Hawking fortælling bærer præg af dæmpede jordfarver og kantede tegninger, hvor Muhammad Alis historie ledsages af en farvelade af runde, sjove tegninger.
Begge bøger er oplysende og samtaleindbydende, og jeg må endnu en gang give mine varmeste anbefalinger til serien.
December 14, 2019
I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Another fantastic installment in the Little people, BIG DREAMS series.
This series is such a fantastic idea for children to encourage them to make a difference in the world through learning about people who started out little like them but went on to do and achieve great things.
Another fantastic installment in the Little people, BIG DREAMS series.
This series is such a fantastic idea for children to encourage them to make a difference in the world through learning about people who started out little like them but went on to do and achieve great things.
February 17, 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.
This one focuses on the famous boxer Muhammad Ali. What I really liked about it, it's that it didn't just talk about his trainings and success in his sport, but it also shows which were his beliefs and values in his every day life.
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 focuses on the famous boxer Muhammad Ali. What I really liked about it, it's that it didn't just talk about his trainings and success in his sport, but it also shows which were his beliefs and values in his every day life.
February 13, 2019
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.
This volume in particular focuses on Muhammad Ali, the famous boxer. This book shows all the effort this man put into his training, but it also gives us a glimpse into his life and beliefs which is something I truly appreciated.
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 volume in particular focuses on Muhammad Ali, the famous boxer. This book shows all the effort this man put into his training, but it also gives us a glimpse into his life and beliefs which is something I truly appreciated.
March 17, 2019
What could I say that I haven't yet said about the other sweet little books in this series?
This one was a very quick read for me again (obviously), and just as cute, inspiring and educational as the ones I read before. Another hero that I think is worth looking up to, another role model for kids, and another book I would love to spread the word about and discover together with my future kids. Or any kid, for that matter. They all should have this series!
This one was a very quick read for me again (obviously), and just as cute, inspiring and educational as the ones I read before. Another hero that I think is worth looking up to, another role model for kids, and another book I would love to spread the word about and discover together with my future kids. Or any kid, for that matter. They all should have this series!
March 24, 2022
Reflections and lessons learned:
“I float like a butterfly, sting like a bee”
I’ve always enjoyed a bit of contemporary boxing, but am not huge on history so this was a lovely basic on some of the most important elements of the sport as well as an insight into one of the most influential sporting heroes of all time. In just a few pages we were able to discuss physical fighting, racism, health - struggling and perseverance over such a long period. My son immediately dressed like a boxer and started to come up with small inspirational phrases of his own - what a great role model
“I float like a butterfly, sting like a bee”
I’ve always enjoyed a bit of contemporary boxing, but am not huge on history so this was a lovely basic on some of the most important elements of the sport as well as an insight into one of the most influential sporting heroes of all time. In just a few pages we were able to discuss physical fighting, racism, health - struggling and perseverance over such a long period. My son immediately dressed like a boxer and started to come up with small inspirational phrases of his own - what a great role model
February 28, 2019
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.
This new edition tells the story of 'The Greatest', legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. Beginning with his younger years in Kentucky, back when he was called Cassius Clay, we see that having his bike stolen inspires the young boy to want to learn to fight. Quick on his feet, clever and sharp, Muhammad Ali spouted poetry outside the ring that his opponents dismissed as 'trash-talk'. Soon, he was winning every fight he took on and even took home a gold medal from the Olympics.
This book explores how Muhammad Ali was always an advocate of believing in oneself and doing what is right. On top of being a supporter of African-American rights, the boxer was also involved with many charities, helping people all over the world.
Both a factual and a moving book, this account of Muhammad Ali's life is a wonderful addition to the Little People, Big Dreams series.
This new edition tells the story of 'The Greatest', legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. Beginning with his younger years in Kentucky, back when he was called Cassius Clay, we see that having his bike stolen inspires the young boy to want to learn to fight. Quick on his feet, clever and sharp, Muhammad Ali spouted poetry outside the ring that his opponents dismissed as 'trash-talk'. Soon, he was winning every fight he took on and even took home a gold medal from the Olympics.
This book explores how Muhammad Ali was always an advocate of believing in oneself and doing what is right. On top of being a supporter of African-American rights, the boxer was also involved with many charities, helping people all over the world.
Both a factual and a moving book, this account of Muhammad Ali's life is a wonderful addition to the Little People, Big Dreams series.
April 23, 2019
Muhammad Ali is a person who has always fascinated me. I have seen movies, clips of his fights, read about him and actually met him at an event. This little book geared to children and part of the Little People, Big Dreams series is a winner. This book shares one of the greatest athletes of all time with children who would have been born after his death. Born Cassius Clay in a time when Black Americans were treated extremely poorly, he became a spokesperson for his race. One of the things he was well-known for was his poetry trash talk. His most famous saying was "I float like a butterfly, and stink like a bee - his hands can’t hit what his eyes can’t see.”" and the page illustrating that was wonderful. This book not only shares his dream and perseverance, but his beliefs and the importance of sticking to them, even when faced with something he didn't want to see happen. I love the way these books are illustrated. The bold, vivid colours give the quirky illustrations life. Another book i recommend to 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.
February 15, 2019
Il ritratto di un campione, che fu campione non solo sul ring ma anche nella scelta di opporsi a una guerra, quella del Vietnam, che riteneva ingiusta, perdendo la sua posizione e la stima di molti. ma non il rispetto di se stesso e di quello in cui credeva.
Il primo volume al maschile di questa meravigliosa serie è dedicato a Muhammad Ali, nato Cassius Clay; e non potevo non appropriarmene immediatamente.
Mio padre, da piccola, mi raccontava la storia della boxe, e anche se non ho mai visto un incontro, né dal vivo, né in tv, conosco l'incontro di Kinshasa come se avessi assistito dagli spalti.
Un grande atleta, e un ricordo caro: come non tenermi caro questo volume?
Il primo volume al maschile di questa meravigliosa serie è dedicato a Muhammad Ali, nato Cassius Clay; e non potevo non appropriarmene immediatamente.
Mio padre, da piccola, mi raccontava la storia della boxe, e anche se non ho mai visto un incontro, né dal vivo, né in tv, conosco l'incontro di Kinshasa come se avessi assistito dagli spalti.
Un grande atleta, e un ricordo caro: come non tenermi caro questo volume?
February 15, 2019
Little People, Big Dreams is a biographical series imported from Spain.
"In this new series, discover the lives of outstanding people from designers and artists to scientists. All of them went on to achieve incredible things, yet all of them began life as a little child with a dream."
These are simple biographies to introduce young readers to these people.
The books include a timeline and photos.
While the original titles were all women, the newer ones are including men as well.
I did not like the illustrations in this book.
"In this new series, discover the lives of outstanding people from designers and artists to scientists. All of them went on to achieve incredible things, yet all of them began life as a little child with a dream."
These are simple biographies to introduce young readers to these people.
The books include a timeline and photos.
While the original titles were all women, the newer ones are including men as well.
I did not like the illustrations in this book.
May 9, 2019
This is another great book to add to the Little People, Big Dreams collection!
I love this series as they are perfect introductions to young people about some of the most famous and influential people from our past.
4 stars from me for this one, very highly recommended and can't wait for my daughter to get involved in the series!!
I love this series as they are perfect introductions to young people about some of the most famous and influential people from our past.
4 stars from me for this one, very highly recommended and can't wait for my daughter to get involved in the series!!
February 14, 2019
Another of those books about a great person who achieved something great in his field of activity. No so sure about the illustration style of this one but definitely a good way for young readers to learn about Ali!
October 4, 2019
Lovely young readers biography of Muhammad Ali. Important especially for young Muslim boys because there are so few books written for them. African American boys love him too as well as others. Loved it.
December 14, 2019
Wonderful and informative book for young kids to learn the basics from biographies of big people. Bought today for my partner's grandson for Christmas and read immediately. Very recommended for young ones and definitely going to buy more from these series.
March 16, 2019
A simple biography of a complex man. Well told and accessible for young readers. The illustrations are a bit cartoonist. I wish it had covered his brave battle with Parkinson's Disease.
May 7, 2019
Again, the Little People, Big Dreams is a MUST have for your children! They will learn a lot and enjoy learning!
August 19, 2020
I've read critiques of this series that say that they are too simplistic. I think it depends on who you're thinking the audience is. For me, I'm planning to use these with my k-1 kids as an introduction to biography. They're perfect for that start. And then you can work them up to more advanced texts that tell more of the story and get more complex in their tellings. But I really like these books as a pathway.
Read
March 28, 2024Great accessible book that also goes a lil more in depth into Muhammad Ali's life at the back of the book. Also love that it gives recommendations for further reading on him. Looking forward to reading more of this collection.
November 22, 2022
My granddaughter, seven, likes this series. She told me that she likes books about real people and real things better than stories at the moment!
March 14, 2019
This empowering best-selling series of books and educational games that explore outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists, is truly exceptional. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream. Cassius Clay was one of those children.
When he was a little guy his bike was stolen and he was determined to find the thief and get it back. A policeman advised him that he had better learn to box first. Cassius took that councel to heart and that lead him on a journey to become the greatest boxer in the world.
He worked tirelessly at the gym becoming more agile and strong as his dream drove him onward. His cunning moves, smart thinking and using rhymes outside of the ring to tease and taunt his opponents gave him victory after victory.
" I float like a butterfly... and sting like a bee." is one of his most famous quotes.
He earned the title: "Heavyweight Champion of the World." In fact he managed to secure that high status three times! What an amazing accomplishment. All his hard work and dedication paid off and his dream became a reality. He became inspired by the teachings of Islam and changed his name to Muhammad Ali, a name, that to him, made him feel strong and proud.
He was admired, loved and acknowledged worldwide for his extraordinary boxing prowess. After he retired he still didn't stop making his mark in the world. He became an avid defender of African-American rights at a time when it was dangerous to speak up and advocate for such things and he worked for charities and helped others unceasingly.
To this day other young boxers follow in his footsteps... the little kid who used to say:
"One day, I'm going to be the greatest." And he was. Mission accomplished!
The inspiring message of the book is compelling and the illustrations have a special charm to them. I really liked them. I highly recommend this book and the entire series. Great books to collect!
When he was a little guy his bike was stolen and he was determined to find the thief and get it back. A policeman advised him that he had better learn to box first. Cassius took that councel to heart and that lead him on a journey to become the greatest boxer in the world.
He worked tirelessly at the gym becoming more agile and strong as his dream drove him onward. His cunning moves, smart thinking and using rhymes outside of the ring to tease and taunt his opponents gave him victory after victory.
" I float like a butterfly... and sting like a bee." is one of his most famous quotes.
He earned the title: "Heavyweight Champion of the World." In fact he managed to secure that high status three times! What an amazing accomplishment. All his hard work and dedication paid off and his dream became a reality. He became inspired by the teachings of Islam and changed his name to Muhammad Ali, a name, that to him, made him feel strong and proud.
He was admired, loved and acknowledged worldwide for his extraordinary boxing prowess. After he retired he still didn't stop making his mark in the world. He became an avid defender of African-American rights at a time when it was dangerous to speak up and advocate for such things and he worked for charities and helped others unceasingly.
To this day other young boxers follow in his footsteps... the little kid who used to say:
"One day, I'm going to be the greatest." And he was. Mission accomplished!
The inspiring message of the book is compelling and the illustrations have a special charm to them. I really liked them. I highly recommend this book and the entire series. Great books to collect!
December 8, 2019
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
My First Muhammad Ali is a new biography for the youngest babies to toddlers 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 innovation icons while maintaining an age-appropriate level of detail. Due out 4th Feb 2020 from Quarto on their Frances Lincoln Childrens imprint, it'll be 32 pages and will be available in boardbook format.
Written by Isabel Sánchez Vegara it's well written in clear accessible language. The gentle and sweetly humorous slightly cartoonish illustrations are brightly colored and well done. The art by Brosmind is appealing and colorful and supports the text well. The illustrations are rich in small details which invite a closer look.
Well written and appealing, I am really enjoying all of these little books. This one is a worthy addition. It would make a lovely read-along for even the youngest babies. The boardbook format is sturdy and robust enough for babies to toddlers.
Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
My First Muhammad Ali is a new biography for the youngest babies to toddlers 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 innovation icons while maintaining an age-appropriate level of detail. Due out 4th Feb 2020 from Quarto on their Frances Lincoln Childrens imprint, it'll be 32 pages and will be available in boardbook format.
Written by Isabel Sánchez Vegara it's well written in clear accessible language. The gentle and sweetly humorous slightly cartoonish illustrations are brightly colored and well done. The art by Brosmind is appealing and colorful and supports the text well. The illustrations are rich in small details which invite a closer look.
Well written and appealing, I am really enjoying all of these little books. This one is a worthy addition. It would make a lovely read-along for even the youngest babies. The boardbook format is sturdy and robust enough for babies to toddlers.
Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
April 22, 2020
Illustrations were awesome!
March 9, 2019
'Muhammad Ali' by Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara with illustrations by Brosmind is a board book for young readers about the famous fighter and all the things he fought for.
Born Cassius Clay, little Muhammad Ali had his bike stolen and wanted to fight the thief, but was directed towards boxing by a policeman. From there, the rest is history. His unwillingness to fight in Vietnam, and changing his name. To the big fights and how he kept fighting for people even after his career was over.
This is a really great series, but occasionally one volume rises above the rest for me. In this case, it's because of the really great art by Brosmind. The pictures are detailed and have a kind of pop art sensibility. I looked Brosmind up after reading this, and I was impressed by the work I saw. This book is also fun and another impressive addition to this series.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Quaro Publishing Group-Frances Lincoln Children's Books, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
Born Cassius Clay, little Muhammad Ali had his bike stolen and wanted to fight the thief, but was directed towards boxing by a policeman. From there, the rest is history. His unwillingness to fight in Vietnam, and changing his name. To the big fights and how he kept fighting for people even after his career was over.
This is a really great series, but occasionally one volume rises above the rest for me. In this case, it's because of the really great art by Brosmind. The pictures are detailed and have a kind of pop art sensibility. I looked Brosmind up after reading this, and I was impressed by the work I saw. This book is also fun and another impressive addition to this series.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Quaro Publishing Group-Frances Lincoln Children's Books, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
December 4, 2019
This is further evidence for me that this ultra-basic, pre-school series of biographies does not work. The artwork is awful in this one, for one thing, which I believe to have been brought across from the companion book for older readers – some people get eyeballs, some don't; everything looks completely cartoonish and not in keeping with the man or his times. But we're told so little, and chances are the adult sharing this with their infant will not know enough to fill in the many gaps. Forget the "war far away" comment, which is just a fudge – we're also told Clay/Ali "defended justice and people's rights" and liked to generally "help others", but we're never once told how. Was he a lawyer, was he a vigilante, did he write letters to the President? I know he jabbered a lot on talk shows, but even I need to know more. A simple book for inquisitive young minds could and would convey the truth, but this stripping back to 'a life in under a hundred words' proves once again to be completely unable to tell a proper story. One and a half stars.
December 20, 2019
I just realised how important the illustrations in a picture book are for me. This book tells of the story of Muhammad Ali, and I learned things I didn't know beforehand, like that this is not the name his parents gave him.
The cover of this installment of the Little People, Big Dreams series looked different to me, without beng able to pinpoint what's the matter, and I thought I imagined it, but then the illustration style differs from the previous books I've read. They're not bad, they're colourful and as detailed as the other books were, but streamlined. They look like digital art, which is nothing bad, it just didn't appeal to me as the pictures in the other books did.
This still is an awesome book. If you want you and a little one to learn more about Muhammad Ali, or maybe show that anger can be a great starting point if put in the right direction, go for it.
My problem is probably that I just read the book from this series I liked most and the change for me was too abrupt.
I recieved a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The cover of this installment of the Little People, Big Dreams series looked different to me, without beng able to pinpoint what's the matter, and I thought I imagined it, but then the illustration style differs from the previous books I've read. They're not bad, they're colourful and as detailed as the other books were, but streamlined. They look like digital art, which is nothing bad, it just didn't appeal to me as the pictures in the other books did.
This still is an awesome book. If you want you and a little one to learn more about Muhammad Ali, or maybe show that anger can be a great starting point if put in the right direction, go for it.
My problem is probably that I just read the book from this series I liked most and the change for me was too abrupt.
I recieved a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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