Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
In this book from the critically acclaimed, multimillion-copy best-selling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the life of Corazon Aquino, the first female president of the Philippines.

Little Cory was a shy, studious child with a great sense of justice. As a young woman and wife, she and her family felt compelled to speak out against the unjust leader who was ruining their country. Showing bravery, reliability, and honesty, she led the revolution that ended the dictator's rule and went on to become the president of the Philippines. 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 politician's life.

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

32 pages, Hardcover

First published August 4, 2020

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara

205 books450 followers
Maria 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...

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
79 (38%)
4 stars
81 (39%)
3 stars
42 (20%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for PattyMacDotComma.
1,816 reviews1,094 followers
July 31, 2020
5★
“When the greedy president faked the results of the election, she knew a revolution was about to start!”


But I’m getting ahead of myself! Cory Aquino was the very popular first female President of the Philippines, but it was a tough road to get there. The first page is a delightful representation of the variety across this nation of islands, with everything from small huts to skyscrapers.

Cory and the many different islands

At school, she helped another student by giving his speech for him when he couldn't be there.

Cory giving a speech in front of the school

It might seem unusual to include this as one of her accomplishments, but it is an excellent foreshadowing of what came next in her life. But first – off to America, where she was sent to study and met her future husband, Benigno (meaning ‘Good Man’) Aquino.

Cory and Benigno (“Ninoy”) having a picnic in front of the university

Ninoy was a very political man and was determined to try to clean up the corruption in the Philippines. I’m not sure why this book never mentions President Marcos by name (or his wife, Imelda Marcos, known for her thousands of pairs of shoes).

“Before long, her husband was the toughest critic against a dishonest president who was ruining their country with his unfair laws. When Ninoy was arrested, Cory wrote her first speech and became his voice.”

That’s the foreshadowing I referred to earlier. The president became a dictator, and when Ninoy was released from prison, the family was sent away.

Cory and Ninoy and their children, banished from their homeland

They moved to Boston, in the US. What a change!

The Aquino family enjoying the snow in America!

But when they returned to the Philippines, Ninoy was killed, so Cory decided to run for president in his place. The election rigging had been so bad that the public revolted, and Cory won!

Cory and the people celebrating her win

The book shows Cory in her trademark yellow in the first illustration at election time and then in every picture thereafter. It never mentions the significance that colour came to have, which I think is a pity. It became such a symbol of the Yellow Revolution.

She was an amazing woman, filling in for others at first, but stepping up in her own quiet, but impressive way when she was needed. I enjoyed this little book very much and was inspired to remind myself of some more details of the revolution.

It’s an excellent book, but I am disappointed not to see the villain named (Marcos) or reference to the yellow of the Aquino campaigns, since the world came to identify it specifically with Cory, the little girl who became an inspiring national leader.

Thanks to NetGalley and Frances Lincoln Children’s Books for the preview copy from which I’ve quoted and copied pictures. In this series, the last pages always have a short summary of the biography and a few real photographs, followed by a recommendation of a couple of books to learn more.

If you are interested in learning more yourself, here are a couple of links.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People_...

This is just the first part of a subscriber-only article, but the photo and introduction are enough.
http://content.time.com/time/magazine...

I'm sure she wore red here for the cover!

Time Magazine's 1987 Cover Woman of the Year

[P.S. When reviewing adult fiction, I’m careful (I hope!) not to summarise the plot or include spoilers. If I’m reviewing non-fiction, I do try to touch on some of the main topics and points to encourage people to read the book if what I've shared sounds interesting.

However, when reviewing a children’s picture book, I include as much as I can, because I don’t think anyone is going to buy this kind of book without seeing it first, either in a bookshop or a library. There are many more pages of illustrations, but at least this will give you a good idea.]
Profile Image for Briar's Reviews.
2,381 reviews587 followers
July 14, 2020
Ack! Another super adorable addition to the Little People, Big Dreams series.

Even as an adult, I am loving this series since it is introducing me to numerous famous and talented people that I hadn't heard of before! Corazon Aquino is one of those people! I had no idea that she was the President of the Philippines! Her story is heart breaking yet heroic, and it's a story I hadn't heard before. Stories like these need to be heard!

This series is incredible: amazing non-fiction tales, incredible illustrations and a wonderful presentation! I can't recommend this series enough for little readers. What a great educational tool at everyone's disposable!

Four out of five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
Profile Image for Emma.
1,035 reviews1,024 followers
June 18, 2020
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 little book here describes the life of Corazón Aquino, the first female president of the Philippines. I think this volume shows a great example of strength and resilience, which are two qualities that Aquino definitely used to end the dictatorship in her own country.
Profile Image for Reading_ Tamishly.
5,333 reviews3,610 followers
November 3, 2020
What did I just read?

That is both inspirational ( both for me and the everyone who's listening me read this story) and traumatic (for the adult me reading this book to the kid).

Inspirational as the book tells us about a woman who brought democracy in her land making people believe in their right to choose their leader and vote after going through years of struggle and sacrifice.

And for the traumatizing part, I was not ready to read (I will never be) about what she had to lose in achieving such success and leadership.

I don't want to spoil anything.

But it's breaking my heart so bad...


Thank you NetGalley for the book.
Profile Image for Treena.
1,343 reviews83 followers
July 26, 2020
As a Filipino, I was so proud and happy to see this available on NetGalley. I think Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara did such an awesome job explaining in this children's book, the background and story of Corazon C. Aquino and how she became the first female President of the Philippines. Ginnie Hsu's illustrations were gorgeous and vivid. I am very glad this book will be published and more children will learn about what a quietly powerful woman President Cory was.
Profile Image for Natalie  all_books_great_and_small .
3,290 reviews194 followers
July 13, 2020
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Another delightful book in the little people, big dreams series telling the story of the first female president of the Philippines (Corazon Aquino) in a condensed but understandable way for children of all ages to enjoy and find encouragement from to do their best, go after their dreams and support their beliefs.

The illustrations are delightful and I always enjoy reading the more detailed time-line at the back of the book which is always accompanied with actual photographs of the person the book is written about.
Profile Image for Stef.
182 reviews6 followers
April 4, 2021
Really cute summary of Cory's life. I love how the author recognizes her contributions to the country without turning her into a savior. I did my final paper on her for my Women's Studies class back in the 80s, and my professor gave me a low grade supposedly because Cory wasn't feminist enough for her because she still supported the clergy/patriarchy and therefore she was just a puppet of the Catholic Church. RME. Apparently a woman can be president of a country and still not be "feminist enough". I'm glad this book was written for our young kids to be introduced to her.
Profile Image for Kammy.
159 reviews8 followers
June 22, 2020
Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy of this book via netgalley!

I read this book with my five year old. She said she liked it! I had to explain a few words to her which was great to get her thinking and asking questions (democracy, revolution, etc). She liked the pictures especially the first ones of the Philippines which were beautiful.(her words). Putting pictures of the actual person at the end of the book is a great idea! It made my daughter realize that it is not just a story, but the story of a real person.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kirsty.
Author 84 books1,484 followers
June 26, 2020
This was a fascinating little book about an inspiring woman I didn't know much about. It's not easy to explain the history of the Philippines in a way that's suitable for children, but I felt this book managed it well. I've read books in this series about musicians, actors, and sportspeople, so it was great to see one with a political figure. The illustrations are also lovely.
Profile Image for Jessica Haider.
2,297 reviews360 followers
June 22, 2020
This is the 3rd book that we've read in the Little People Big Dreams series. This one tells the story of Corazon Aquino, who became the first female president of the Philippines. As with all of the Little People Big Dreams stories, the books is appropriate for elementary students and is a quick-to-read picture book. We get the basics of Corazon's life presented in a child-friendly way with appealing illustrations. I didn't know much about Corazon Aquino before this, so even I learned something while reading it with the kids.

I received a review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sharah Powell.
744 reviews28 followers
June 19, 2020
Corazon Aquino is another fantastic book in Maria Vegara's Little people, Big Dreams series. Maria Corazon, known as Cory, became the first female President of the Philippines after the death of her husband, journalist and politician Benigno. She fought to bring back democracy to the Philippines. I'm ashamed to say I have never heard of her. I love that these children's books are teaching me things! Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.
65 reviews1 follower
July 6, 2020
At school I am aiming to get a bit more variety into the book area, including non fiction. So when I saw this on Netgalley I was keen to read it. A great little read with beautiful illustrations. I don't know how I have never heard of this inspirational lady before. Fantastic!
Profile Image for Laura.
3,325 reviews105 followers
June 21, 2020
Another wonderful book from the Little People Big Dreams serious, this time about the first woman president of the Philippines, Corazon Aquino.

Very simple, of course, because it is a picture book, but it does go over the family's exile, before they returned, and her husband was assassinated, and how she took up where he had left off.

Very uplifting story, with hope, although the present state of the Philippines is a bit more dire.

As always, bright pictures, and an easy to read story of her life, with a more detailed biography at the back of the book.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
Profile Image for Martina.
339 reviews41 followers
June 22, 2020
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 here is about Corazon Aquino, the first female President of the Philippines. Her story really touched my heart and I think she's a great example of honesty and bravery. Now I'm even more curious about this great figure and I want to discover more about this woman that led the revolution that ended a dictatorship. I'm so glad children have the opportunity to read about her.
Profile Image for Jeanie.
3,093 reviews1 follower
August 6, 2020
Known affectionately as Cory, she become the first female president of the Philippines. She ended the long dictatorship of her beloved country. It was a hard battle but winning the hearts of her people, she inspired courage to her people. This children's book gives us a hero of a woman that changed her country for good.

Children will love the pictures and the reflection of what it takes to change the world around you. Understanding, honesty, and perseverance.

A special thank you to Quarto Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Profile Image for Aimee.
233 reviews9 followers
July 5, 2020
This tiny biography of Corazon Aquino, first Female President of the Philippines, is a nice entry into the Little People, Big Dreams series. Starting in her childhood when she stepped up to give a speech in place of a classmate who couldn't, we follow her to school in the US, to law school, to meeting her husband, to stepping in to his shoes to run for President after he is killed.
The illustrations are vibrant and bright, and the excitement of her election leaps off the page. Nice addition to the series.
Profile Image for Amber Webb.
735 reviews19 followers
July 5, 2020
This series of books always provides something I look forward to! I have never been disappointed and always learn something new...from a children's book!
Corazon Aquino was no exception! I never knew the story behind the first female President of the Philippines and was excited to learn.
I love how the series keeps the story and language simple and engaging for even the youngest of readers. The author tells the full story in language that is relatable and not frightening.
2,714 reviews9 followers
June 29, 2020
A new entry in this excellent series is always most welcome. This time, young readers will be inspired by Corazon Aquino.
Readers of this charmingly illustrated book will learn that Cory came to the U.S. to be educated. She later returned to the Philippines with her husband, Ninoy. Corazon always had a voice but it was magnified when her husband was arrested for criticizing the government. As a dictator gained power, the couple and their child were exiled.
What happened to the family? What did Corazon go on to achieve? Readers will find out and hopefully will be inspired to question what governments do when there is a void in democracy.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Eule Luftschloss.
2,175 reviews54 followers
June 23, 2020
This is the story of Corazon Aquino from the Phillippines, who after the murder of her husband, became the first female president in her country in 1986.

So, okay, wow. This is not the first time this series of tiny biographies for tiny people introduces me to someone I never heard about, and I am kind of shocked - and amazed. A female president in 1986? You go, Phillippines!

In some parts, the wording of the story felt like it was more about her husband than about Cory, which I didn't like as much, making it sound as if she were continueing the work only because he had begun it and not neccessarily because it was where her ideals and ambitions were taking her, which is kind of contradictory to the whole story.

But I liked it, I'd recommend it - I'd recommend the whole series. I've read quite a few books from this series now, and liked them all. Some I even loved.
And, just for your interest, I am not reading these to a toddler, I am reading them myself. If I should ever be in the position of having to find a gift for a toddler, I'd totally go for these.
Profile Image for Shauna Morrison.
2,559 reviews5 followers
June 28, 2020
I requested and received an e-ARC of this book from Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and Quatro Publishing Group through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I love the Little People, BIG Dreams series. I love that these books introduce kids to amazing people and this one did not let us down. I knew of President Marcos and that he was a corrupt leader of the Philippines, but I did not know that Maria Corazon was the person that brought democracy back to the Philippines. Again, these books taught me something new!
Profile Image for Kayla .
319 reviews32 followers
June 27, 2020
This is a great book about helping to amplify the voices of those that are silenced. Corazon helped make sure ideas were heard from a young age, and later assisted her husband with this when he was wrongly imprisoned. Even after his death she fought for equality and became the first female president of her country. A very important read teaching that everyone has a voice that matters.

Received e-arc for honest review.
Profile Image for Aysha Imran.
493 reviews15 followers
July 4, 2020
Thanks to Net Galley and publisher for ARC of this book.

An interesting biography of a strong woman from Philippine.I was not aware of the journey and hardships she faced .A good book for every child's library.
9,646 reviews137 followers
June 18, 2020
The adult reading this will quickly twig 'no, this is not the one with the shoes – this is the one who got rid of her'. The child reading this will see an inspiring thumbnail of a biography of a politician, who managed to take The Philippines by the scruff of the neck and more or less get them into the 21st century. I can see why she wasn't front and foremost in this series, for she did have to finish off the job her husband started, as opposed to tread what was entirely her own path, but at the same time I hadn't heard of the man who inspired her to such heights, so this book did manage what it should do, and educate any reader. The artwork, too often a bone of contention with this series, is reasonable – although nobody looks in the slightest Filipino. They're generally a lot more attractive than the representatives on these pages – but more importantly Aquino is an appealing role model in this growing collection of role models.
Profile Image for Helena#bookdreamer.
1,217 reviews10 followers
June 25, 2020
Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A powerful mini biographical storybook about the courageous life of the first female Philippine president. In very short summaries we learn about her life and the struggles she faced when bringing democracy to her people. Love it!!
Profile Image for Andréa.
12.1k reviews114 followers
Want to Read
June 22, 2020
Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Profile Image for Wendy.
165 reviews6 followers
July 5, 2020
Corazon Aquino was the first female president of the Philippines. However, she wasn’t always powerful. This biography gives children a brief, but informative, insight into her life up to becoming president.

Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Katie.
760 reviews3 followers
June 18, 2020
I love this series of books. Vegara does an excellent job of writing interesting and engaging biographies for young readers. This is a great story overall, but especially useful if your little one is learning about feminism or the Philippines.
"I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
Profile Image for Carla.
7,936 reviews186 followers
August 26, 2020
This is another wonderful addition to the Little People, Big Dreams series. As usual there is a short, simple, child friendly biography of a famous person, this on being the first female president of the Philippines, Corazon Aquino.This one is a bit different than some of the others, as there is also a lot of information on her husband, Benigno Aquino, who was her inspiration. There is a brief description of her early life and education in the U.S., then her fight for democracy against a corrupt and greedy leader of the Philippines. My biggest complaint about this book are the illustrations. Yes, they add to the story sharing Corazon Aquino's life, and yes they are well done and child friendly, but, the characters do not look Filipino and I think that is a disservice. I love the important message, of ordinary children, doing extraordinary things while pursuing their dreams. There is a short biography, photographs and timeline at the end of the book to add to what the reader learns in the story. There are also a couple of other books mentioned for follow up reading, especially for adults and older children who might be reading these to a younger child. As always, I recommend this series to libraries, both public and school. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews