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In this book from the highly acclaimed Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the incredible life of Jürgen Klopp, the game-changing soccer manager and inspirational leader.

Little Jürgen grew up in a village in Germany’s Black Forest and spent most of his time watching or playing soccer. As a small child, Jürgen listened to matches on the car radio, making tactical suggestions only to hear them implemented moments later!
 
As an adult, he spent ten years as a professional soccer player, before deciding his future lay off the pitch. Jürgen successfully managed German teams Mainz 05 and Borussia Dortmund to multiple victories, and then became the manager of Liverpool Football Club in England. Within just five years he had made them champions of England, Europe and the world. Jürgen is widely considered soccer’s best manager and is admired for his leadership style, which champions hard work, compassion and, above all, team spirit!

This powerful 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 footballer’s life.

Little People, BIG DREAMS is a best-selling biography series for kids that explores 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 of books 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 and paperback versions present expanded stories for beginning readers. With rewritten text for older children, the treasuries each bring together a multitude of dreamers in a single volume. You can also collect a selection of the books by theme in boxed gift sets . Activity books and a journal 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

Published November 7, 2023

2 people are currently reading
50 people want to read

About the author

Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

248 books143 followers
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 40 reviews
Profile Image for Mai H..
1,362 reviews806 followers
September 25, 2023
It's no secret I got sucked into soccer football by the 2010 World Cup. Great World Cup. Very attractive players. Was very into France and Spain.

Not much of a seasonal watcher, but 2012 EURO sucked me in, too. This time, we dropped France, kept Spain, and added Germany. I don't know why I said we. It was I. Or is it the royal we? Who knows? I suppose I should know.

Anyway, Germany has some hot players. And coaches. Jürgen is definitely one of them. I'm clearly not a great fan, as evidenced as everything previously, but his name looked familiar when I requested this book. Well, it's a Read Now on NetGalley, so anyone can read this series, but you know what I mean.

Is this a review? Are any of my reviews reviews? I'm very caffeinated right now. Anyway, I know this series is meant for kids, but I'm basically a thirty something kid, and the stories and illustrations nearly always amuse me. Not Charles'. But basically everyone else's. Don't come for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.
Profile Image for Annette.
964 reviews615 followers
October 2, 2023
This empowering biography series for children (4-7 years) brings another incredible figure of Jurgen Klopp who is an inspirational football manager.

Jurgen grew up in a small German village where he loved practicing football. He joined the local club and early on showed signs of a natural leader. At University, he learned what he needed to become a coach. Thanks to him, the team he coached moved up in ranking. Soon, every club in Europe wanted him as a leader.

He had some failures from which he learned and remained positive. He inspired his players to do better and to stay positive. He remained humble and very likeable.

From this biography children can learn how important it is to remain positive even if you don’t win. There is a lesson to be learned from each failure, and above all the positive mind set is important. Jurgen also shows that success is much more rewarding when you share it with others in any possible way.

With simple sentences, and colorful and fun illustrations, this book is perfect for children to grasp the context and the message.

Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jan.
6,531 reviews100 followers
October 4, 2023
Jurgen loved footie but came to realize that his best asset to the game was as coach.
"By working as a team and helping one another, anything is possible"
Because "there is something even better than scoring the final goal. It is being the person who inspires everyone to do better as a team."
After he attended special classes he grew to become a highly regarded FIFA coach.
The illustrations by Beatriz Castro are fun, simple, colorful, and delightful.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school or your local public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Quarto Publishing Group/Frances Lincoln Children's Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
@QuartoKids @CBCBook @Frances_Lincoln #littlepeoplebigdreams @sanchezvegara @TheQuartoGroup
Profile Image for Sheila.
3,127 reviews126 followers
September 30, 2023
I received a free copy of, Jurgen Klopp, by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegra, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Jurgen grew up in Germany. Jurgen loved soccer since he was young, but realized he would be a better coach then player. Jurgen seems like a great positive role model for kids. I really enjoyed this short story.
Profile Image for Carla.
7,646 reviews179 followers
December 31, 2023
Behind every good team, is a great coach. Having recently watched Ted Lasso, I can only think that a lot of his coaching techniques came from Jürgen Klopp. Young Jürgen love playing and watching football (soccer in North America). He was a great sport and remained upbeat, even when the team lost. He followed what the coaches did when something happened and had ideas of his own of what he would do. He decided the best way to help a team was to coach it, so her went to University and took sports science. He was quickly recruited to coach Mainz05 when the manager left before a very important game. The team won the game and after that Jürgen Klopp moved up to different divisions and his teams won many championships. He promoted team work, and working together, not as individuals on the field. His teams were also active in the community. Jürgen loved football and his dreams took him on another path to become an icon in the field of coaching and managing.

This was another wonderful child friendly biography in the Little People, BIG DREAMS series. I love that this series showcases different people from different walks of life, different professions and ethnicities. Jürgen Klopp wanted to be a soccer player when he was young, and he was, but this book also shows that your dreams can change. He ended up being one of the greatest coaches in soccer. I mentioned Ted Lasso and if you haven't watched that series, I recommend it. His philosophy was to have fun, work as a team, be the best human you can be and when you win, that is a bonus. I liked that this was also a big part of Jürgen Klopp's philosophy. My oldest grandson read this after I read it to the little ones and he liked it. He was proud that his dad coached his soccer team, but had some critiques about what they chose to do. Once again, a book I recommend to families, schools, teachers and public libraries. I really liked the illustrations in this one. They were a bit more realistic and easier to relate to. The timeline at the back of the book gives a bit more information, especially for those who might want to research and learn more.
Profile Image for A.J. Sefton.
Author 6 books61 followers
October 12, 2023
This is a lovely little book about the formative years of the Liverpool Football Club manager, Jurgen Klopp. It is part of the series aimed at very young children Little People, Big Dreams and tells of Klopp's interests and ambitions and how he achieved his goals.

The book is illustrated in colour by Beatriz Castro, and shows Klopp as a child but still wearing his famous cap and glasses - rather quirky but very endearing as well. The images show Klopp with his family and playing football, studying and eventually managing football clubs.

​The text is suitable for reading aloud and perhaps for older children to read by themselves. The significant feature here is not just the telling of Klopp's early life but how his dedication and commitment worked for him, while the emphasis is on his team spirit. At the back of the book there is a timeline to mark Klopp's achievements.

​Informative, enjoyable and a great introduction to biography and inspiring famous people. As an adult, it is safe to say that I love this book too.
Profile Image for sanju.
83 reviews3 followers
October 10, 2023
This children’s book about Jürgen Klopp was very entertaining even for me (most definitely not a child). As a passive Liverpool fan (my cousin supports the Reds so I guess I do too kinda), this book was a good intro to the life of Coach Klopp. The illustrations were super cute and I loved the inclusion of kid Klopp with glasses! At the end, there’s a short fact timeline about Klopp’s career so far and it was cool to see the actual images compared to the illustrations of his most important accomplishments. Would definitely recommend this book to anyone (child or not) who wants to learn more about Jürgen Klopp.
139 reviews1 follower
May 9, 2024
He might not have coached Real Madrid but a big respect to Klopp and his achievements.
Profile Image for Tracy Wood.
1,272 reviews28 followers
October 5, 2023
Jürgen Klopp is a name to bring a smile to any Liverpool fan, myself included. His leadership, recruitment, and successful reign have made him one of the all-time greats at Anfield. This short, beautifully illustrated book covers his life and career so far with just enough information for a young football fanatic.

It shows how, although a professional footballer for a short period, Klopp was destined to be a coach from a young age. His personality shines through on each page, and, apart from the German names, which they might need help with, this book would be ideal for someone beginning to gain confidence in their reading ability.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Frances Lincoln Children's Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a quick informative read which any young Liverpool fan will enjoy along with quite a few not so young ones!
Profile Image for Tina.
415 reviews31 followers
September 22, 2023
I am German, so when I stumbled upon a children’s book about one of my favorite soccer managers since childhood, I got not only curious but excited. Jürgen Klopp has always been a very inspiring figure in the german, now international soccer world, and that is wonderfully reflected in this book! It is a little glimpse into his life, how he grew up to become the man he is today, and I feel like reading this to your children could open up wonderful discussions about what finding your passion and success can look like. The drawings are a beautiful addition to the story.

I feel like this won’t be the last „Little People, Big Dreams“ book I‘ll read in my lifetime!

Thank you Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kay West.
538 reviews24 followers
September 27, 2023
Essential reading for little Liverpool fans!

There's lots of love for LFC players, but I love this unique look at head coach Jurgen Klopp. He's my favourite LFC coach to date and always acts with integrity. I love that this book uses the same language you'd hear on UK TV such as football and saked. The real-life photos of Klopp at the end of the book are a fun bonus, although I wish there was one of him as a child.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto for this advanced reader copy.
Profile Image for Jill.
1,596 reviews11 followers
November 11, 2023
Spend much time around me and you will find out that I am a big soccer nerd. I love watched European soccer, and one of my all-time favorite managers to watch is Jurgen Klopp. I first came to notice him when he worked in Germany, coaching Borussia Dortmund (go Bumblebees!). Now, he coaches in the English Premier League, and I will watch Liverpool whenever I can to see how he leads the team.

The Little People, Big Dreams series has put together a book about Klopp for early readers (4-7 ages is what’s recommended, but as someone who is a little older than that age group, I can attest that readers of all ages may be interested in this book).

The book starts with Klopp as a kid growing up in a small town in the Black Forest, playing soccer (it’s called football in the book) with friends and becoming a leader on his soccer team early on. Listening to games of his favorite team, he started to think like a manager, making substitutions that often came to fruition on the field.

At university, he studied sports science and got the chance to play for a German team. And while he enjoyed being on the field, he felt could offer more as a coach, so he would drive for hours to go to German Sport University a couple times a week. He got his chance to coach when the team he had been playing for needed a manager. He was able to raise that team to the Bundesliga, the highest league in German soccer.

From there he went to Borussia Dortmund, where he took a top team and made them champions. Then it was off to England, to Liverpool, where they had been struggling and losing hope. He was the one who turned the team around and made them winners. But he never forgot what was really important—helping people. Whether it was through things like trips to the local children’s hospital or by encouraging his soccer team to play their best, Klopp is a hero, and this small book will inspire fans to find their unique skills and share them to feel successful.

The story of Jurgen Klopp is brought to life by author Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and the charming illustrations of Beatriz Castro. There is even a timeline of his life with photographs of Klopp as a player and a young manager. Young soccer fans will find interesting information and inspiration from this book, which is tiny but packs a punch.

Egalleys for Jurgen Klopp were provided by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books through Edelweiss, with many thanks.
Profile Image for Richard.
2,328 reviews196 followers
January 30, 2024
Like everyone else in the world of football and especially those associated with the great English city of Liverpool, I heard the news of Juergen Klopp’s intention to leave Liverpool FC at the end of the season. Most were surprised and interviews in Liverpool showed that the fans were shocked. It goes some way to reflect the high regard in which he is held. Not just for improving the team and winning trophies but due to his personality and the humanity he brought to the job.

I therefore wanted to get this book within the series little people, big dreams to share with my grandchildren and get the measure of the man.

Great illustrations with rich and apt colouration. The text is sufficient for the story to be clear and young fingers to follow before reading it themselves. The boy loved his sport and participating fairly and similarly motivated kids. He found an aptitude for understanding soccer his first passion and applied the tactical acumen necessary to improve a team. He was a natural leader and despite not rising to the top in his playing career was able to find his way into football coaching.

That he was both successful and popular registers with me. While he recognising you cannot win on every occasion he also always brought balance to his management. I guess this is the humility and humanity seen with his decision to leave Liverpool at the end of season 23/24. He will be a loss to the identity of Liverpool and the Premier League. He says he would never manage another English club which reflects his heart and passion being at Anfield.

We can only wish him. He is a legend and those qualities are adequately captured in this excellent book.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
3,210 reviews26 followers
November 13, 2023
Jürgen Klopp by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara was another brilliant book. Little Jürgen grew up in a village in Germany’s Black Forest and spent most of his time watching or playing soccer. As a small child, Jürgen listened to matches on the car radio, making tactical suggestions only to hear them implemented moments later!

As an adult, he spent ten years as a professional soccer player, before deciding his future lay off the pitch. Jürgen successfully managed German teams Mainz 05 and Borussia Dortmund to multiple victories, and then became the manager of Liverpool Football Club in England. Within just five years he had made them champions of England, Europe and the world. Jürgen is widely considered soccer’s best manager and is admired for his leadership style, which champions hard work, compassion and, above all, team spirit!


WoW! Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara books must be one of the best little books to purchase for children, these are the 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.
Profile Image for Sadie-Jane Huff.
1,904 reviews12 followers
December 15, 2023
Book 162 of 200 ~ 2023

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

The minute I see this series, I have to read it, even if I am not too familiar with the person - but isn't that the purpose of the series? I should think so as it is supposed to be a quickie biography to introduce individuals who have impacted the world in their capacity.

Interesting (obviously) introduction to one of the best coaches in football for sure. I am quite awestruck after reading his journey.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#book162of200 #amreading #netgalley #tbrpile #instareads #readstagram
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9,081 reviews130 followers
August 5, 2023
Heavily showing the virtues of teamwork and encouragement of others, this biography of the Normal One is actually very good. It also shows that not the greatest of success in one field can be swapped for glories elsewhere, as like a lot of the game's best managers, Klopp was not exactly a worldie when it came to playing. The artwork carries the perma-grin through the ages, so I can suggest the idea of boundless optimism as a further takeaway from this. OK, this is typically light and one-sided, and makes no attempt to show anything very negative, such as the huge dip in form since he stopped wearing glasses, but I liked it and it will speak to kids who need a lesson in collaboration. A strong four stars.
Profile Image for Ellie Dunne.
438 reviews3 followers
Read
October 5, 2023
I'm not a big football fan, so didn't really know what to expect going into this book (I'd never even heard of Jurgen Klopp). What I found was the typically charming picture book I've come to expect from this series, and I enjoyed learning about someone I wasn't previously familiar with. I appreciated how this book, whilst centred around football, was really focused on the value of team work and supporting those around you. For this reason I think that, whilst this book may be really enjoyable for young football fans, it is of great value to any young reader.
Overall this will probably be one of the more forgettable Little People Big Dreams books for me simply because I don't have that interest in football, but its still a great addition to the series and one I would recommend.
Profile Image for Catherine Craig (Angelic Light).
1,136 reviews20 followers
December 20, 2023
This is a wonderful children's book from the Little People, Big Dreams series, which is an amazing, educational series of books, focusing on inspirational people in the world.

This book focuses on Jürgen Klopp, a football manager and inspirational leader. He grew up in a village in Germany’s Black Forest and most of his time was spent watching or playing football. When he was an adult, he studied sports science at university and then he played football professionally for ten years before becoming a football club manager. He is an inspiration to those in the football world.

I found this book interesting, and I loved looking at the beautiful illustrations in the book, as well as the informative text sections and photographs at the end of the book.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
643 reviews
October 2, 2023
My kids love the Little People, Big Dreams books for the very simple and approachable way they highlight notable public figures, and Jürgen Klopp is a fantastic new addition. Klopp is a celebrated and well-loved soccer coach who has led teams in Germany and England to unprecedented victories. The book also highlights his philanthropic efforts, reminding us that "shared success is the sweetest of all." This book can be really inspiring for many kids, and I highly recommend it, along with many others from the Little People, Big Dreams series!

Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books via NetGalley for gifting my family with an ARC to review. We loved it!
Profile Image for Wayne McCoy.
4,296 reviews32 followers
December 4, 2023
‘Jürgen Klopp’ by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara with illustrations by Beatriz Castro is a biography for young readers in the Little People, Big Dreams series of a famous soccer manager.

Young Jürgen grew up in Germany and was so fascinated with soccer that he could make play suggestions while listening to games that were then performed in real life. He was a professional player for ten years but realized his true talents lie in coaching. He rose in the ranks and led many amazing teams to victory.

This was an inspiring story of having a dream and learning that it can be different than what you think it will be. The art is cheery and bright and made me smile.
135 reviews3 followers
November 10, 2023
Dreams do come true as they did for Jurgen Klopp. This biographical account of Klopp becoming a footballer and coach could likely inspire other young lads to follow their dream but also realize the dream's limitations. I like this balance. Nice illustrations strengthen the script.

~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~

September 2023

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by Net Galley and the publisher.
397 reviews55 followers
November 15, 2023
I really love this series! They're all so informative while still being fun and entertaining for the little kids. As a semi-Liverpool supporter (my dad supports them) I've witnessed Jürgen being a great manager, but as not the biggest football fan in general I never knew much about him or what he's done/how he got there. It was great to read a bit about his backstory and how he discovered his calling as a manager/coach. And as always I love the timeline photos and extra information at the back for those older readers.
Profile Image for Sarahlovesbooks76.
770 reviews17 followers
October 1, 2023
Another fabulous addition to the Little People Big Dreams collection, this time following the life of Jurgen Klopp.

I didn't know much about the current Liverpool manager, so this was an interesting brief look into his life. It is the perfect example to use to show children that life doesn't always follow the path you originally intend, with Jurgen starting as a player before heading into management.

Wonderful illustrations as always, making the story come to life
2,714 reviews9 followers
October 14, 2023
Often I know the little person who is portrayed in these titles but I was not familiar with Jurgen Klopp. I was pleased to learn more about this football loving German boy who grew up to be a fantastic coach and manager in his sport. He also sounded like a positive and encouraging person. His story is nicely told and illustrated here.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Sharley.
559 reviews8 followers
October 16, 2023
My sons are Liverpool fans so how could I not choose to read this with them!
Their excitement at picking up this familiar series with a familiar name themed was the perfect enticement to sit down and read. The book opened up further topics of conversation and interest in who else may be featured
As always the illustrations are great, although I’m not sure the front image is recognisable to Juergen Klopp for me

I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Lisa Gisèle.
769 reviews12 followers
November 4, 2023
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own opinions.

When reading this book, I kept thinking he was a real-life Ted Lasso! Jurgen Klopp seems like the type of coach you would want around any sports team. I did not know we existed until 30 mins ago, but I did cider to look him up on YouTube, and I'm glad I know how this man is. My niblets will know about him over breakfast tomorrow for sure.
Profile Image for Bethany.
1,187 reviews20 followers
November 24, 2025
I'm not great with anything sports, but I just heard about this guy in a Brene Brown book. Never heard of him before. But now I guess I know a little more about it. I think what deeply bothers me about some of these books, is you don't understand what makes them great (to be worthy of a book, for example) at the end of reading it. Ok, this guy was a good coach and won a lot of games and awards. But, what exactly made him a great coach? You won't find out here.
Profile Image for Brenda.
1,109 reviews
September 25, 2023
I absolutely love this book! My kids were soccer players, now my granddaughter has started playing. This is going to be such a fun book to read with her. I learned a lot about Jurgen from this book. But even more important, this book has wonderful lessons about leadership and being a team a player, whether you're referring to sports or life in general.
Profile Image for Karen Gunning.
91 reviews6 followers
September 28, 2023
I have a mini Liverpool fan so I had to give this a go! This is our second book in this series & we have loved both of them. We loved learning about Jurgens past & how he became a coach. We admired his dedication & love of the sport. The illustrations were beautiful & the addition of the photos & mini bio at the end are a fantastic touch.
Profile Image for Jen James.
451 reviews10 followers
November 7, 2023
Liverpool, and Jurgen Klopp, are firm favourites in our house, so I was thrilled to find this lovely book.

Jurgen is such an inspiring man, and it’s lovely to see this being shown to children. The book has so many positive themes, to discuss with little ones, and the illustrations were very engaging.

This is a fantastic addition to a wonderful series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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