Salvador Dalí

by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, Mariona Tolosa Sisteré (illustrator)

Learn about the incredible life of Salvador Dalí, one of the pioneers of the Surrealism movement.

Little Salvador was born in Figueres, Spain, in the shadow of the death of his elder brother. In his teenage years, he was introduced to Cubism and Surrealism, which had a profound effect on his life. After an education in fine art, he began a career as an artist. Many people doubted Salvador and found him and his work to be too eccentric, but he proved his doubters wrong by creating some of the most iconic and enduring artworks to have ever graced the world. Salvador's life inspires generations of little creators to follow their own style.

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 artist's life.

Genres: Biography, Art, Nonfiction, Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

Published October 1, 2024

About the author

You may find books from the "Little People BIG DREAMS" series on author page - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Reviews

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dalí’s Persistence of Memory has been a favorite of mine since I was a kid. I enjoy all his works & have been to numerous exhibits of his. So I was pretty excited to get an ARC on NetGalley for this book.
Overall it does a good job of describing Salvador Dali’s life defining eccentric ways in an age friendly way.
As always these books are simple, but informative. The illustrations are fun & colorful.
They do always leave me wanting more & yes I mean for the kids.
Even so it’s a good easy way to introduce kids to brilliant inspirational humans.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dare to be different.

What an inspiring book to join this series of biographies for young children to see how an ordinary child can achieve wonderful things and make an extraordinary contribution within the wider world.

Little people, big dreams is a delightful, ever growing library of books bringing the famous and less familiar personalities within the reach of our inquisitive sons and daughters. Now for me, grandchildren who love books.

A series with a nice balance of text and accompanying wonderfully imaged illustrations. With a grown-up summary of the character’s life and real photos.

Here, the world of Art can be touched upon, perhaps not immediately an interest of our children in their early years.

However they will see an exceptional Salvador Dali succeed by being an individual, driven by a desire to succeed with a natural gift in drawing and painting.

I was moved by parents that perhaps spoiled and pampered their son. Understandable in part having earlier lost another child, but empowering for little Salvador, surrounding him with love and encouragement.

Hopefully, the book will help little ones appreciate art and taking risks to push established boundaries. Often we can labelled and as the day become square pegs in round holes. Dali conformed in part but allowed his imagination and talent full reign. He dared to be different.

[Sadie-Jane Huff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 310 of 350 ~ 2025

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Another artist that i like because of his quirky demeanour and take on life. I find him quite fascinating.

I also absolutely love this series by @mariaisabelsanchezvegara

#book310of350 #amreading #littlepeopleseries #tbrpile #instareads #readstagram #reading #bookreview #bookreviewer #booklover #booksAreLife #booksForTheWin #booknerds #thisbookfairyisreading #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramfeature #bookshelf #booksofinstagram #bookish #bookworm #goodreads #booklovers #bookaddict #theSGbookfairyReads #theSGtrekkiereads #bookaholic #bookchallenge2025 #reviews #lovebooks

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cute book in the "Little people, Big Dreams" series. Perfect for younger readers who want to learn more about Salvador Dali. Well written and cutely illustrated.

[Mehsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from Edelweiss/the publisher in exchange of an honest review.


The newest in the Little People Big Dreams series and this time one of my favourite painters/artists, Salvador Dalí! I was very curious to read this one, would I learn something new?

In this one we follow Salvador Dalí from childhood to adult! From a boy with big dreams to a man who went to pursue those dreams and stuck to being himself. And I love that you know. A lot of people have dreams when they are kids or are superpositive about their position in life, but this man? He just kept being awesome throughout his whole life. He never stopped pursuing what he liked and he did everything in the way he liked. For instance wearing a deep-sea diving suit when visiting an exposition. Or how he hung a tooth (yes, really, his own) in his home to make it really his. I just loved reading about Salvador Dalí, a lot I already knew, but there were a few new things to me and I definitely want to read more about this painter/artist. I loved that these books allow you not to just see someone in their childhood and how they became someone whose name is still recognisable/memorable, but also show how they were in adulthood and in some cases old age.

Oh, and I love how supportive his parents were! That was so sweet!

I also love that the timeline works in the ARC proofs. I have read many of these thanks to Netgalley or Edelweiss and especially in the earlier books I received there was no real time line just a sample/empty prompt to be filled. But lately the timelines have been around and I love seeing photographs and read just a bit more about the person.

Oh, and the art. Oh My Gosh to the illustrations. They were so fun and I love how well they fitted with Salvador Dalí. It is a shame he died, because I am sure he could have appreciated these whimsical fun illustrations.

All in all, another fun book in the series and I cannot wait which big names will get a book next! I would recommend this one to everyone, young and old.

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[Simon Omnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I discovered in 2000 the anime series Cardcaptor Sakura, based on Clamp’s manga and showrunned by that group’s writer Nanase Okhawa, its surreal images and scenes impressed me; especially its dream sequences whose moments forewarned crucial events for Sakura Kinomoto in her search for the Clow Cards or in helping her friends in times of need. One of these cards, the Maze, had a labyrinth of staircases and corridors that wowed audiences and readers. So through these surrealistic moments, Clamp left a big impression on the public, making them an unconventional group of artists within pop culture.

While studying their interviews, I learned that among the artists that influenced them, the painter Salvador Dali, famous for his work within the surrealist circle of Andre Breton, was a crucial influence on their artwork and storytelling; same thing for Alfred Hitchcock whose incredible films and images inspired their storytelling and their multiple twists and dramatic ironies. So thanks to that information learned from these interviews, I wished to learn more about Dali and his work; which I uncovered in an Alfred Hitchcock exhibition in 2001 and in 2007 at the Walt Disney exhibition, both set at The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.

So for schools and parents who want to introduce young readers to Salvador Dali’s art and life, this is where this biography from The Little People, Big Dreams collection comes in. Written by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vega, this volume summarizes the painter’s life. It explores his childhood, his eccentricities, his art, his studies, his career, his marriage to his wife Gala, and how he became famous with the surrealist circle, through his painting The Persistence of Memory, which made him a super star in the United States where he settled in and made a career in painting and in cinema.

As a concept, The Little People, Big Dreams collection is conceived to introduce young readers to the lives of big social figures. With Dali, it is made to inspire readers through his philosophy of how we can make each of our days special; either through art or through our daily routine as we sparkle our lives with our creativity and our eccentricities which should not be seen as weird, but as magical and inspiring for our lives and for others around us.

Therefore, the book is respectful towards Salvador Dali. No sensationalism, no tawdry revelations, nor sordid content like some biographies or articles have dove into. It introduces readers to Dali and reminds people that you don’t have to be tawdry to publish a biography made for young readers. Printed in a square sized format, it mixes very good illustrations from Mariona Tolosa Sisteré and a clear, well-sized text that accompanies her images and describes Dali’s life.

Furthermore, a classical summary of Dali’s life is present at the book’s end. It displays photos of the painter and a summary of his life. And although it doesn’t mention any bibliographical documentation that the author consulted, it does suggest readers to consult a biography on Salvador Dali and also to visit The Dali Theater Museum set in Figueras. A beautiful location that I visited with my dad in 2008. Although if you do go there, expect long crowded lines as the painter’s fame attracts many tourists. Same thing for his beach house at Figueras which my granduncle drove us to. Several cars were there as well, so be patient and civil at both locations; as we unfortunately witnessed some tourists who were not well-mannered at the museum and their rudeness would have upset the painter.

For those who want to appreciate more of Dali’s work, check out his short film Destino which he and Walt Disney did together. The animation is incredible and the scenes between the ballerina and the baseball player are amazing. And if you get to see Hitchcock’s Spellbound, starring Ingrid Bergman and Gregory Peck, don’t hesitate. It has incredible dream sequences that Dali developed and which the 2001 Hitchcock exhibition in Montreal detailed through photos of the film, paintings, and drawings from the painter’s archives.

In conclusion, this Salvador Dali biography is a necessity for any school or public library. Same thing for The Little People, Big Dreams collection. It introduces readers to other important figures of our world. And which I hope they shall enrich it with more names as well.

In terms of suggestions I would find it wonderful if they could do books on Johnny Depp, Michael Jackson, JK Rowling, Woody Allen, Jean Cocteau, Martin Scorsese, Howard Hawks, Betty Davis, Tim Burton, David Lynch, Alfred Hitchcock, Stephen King, Charles Dickens, Errol Flynn, Charlie Chaplin, Jerry Lewis, Robert Louis Stevenson, Moliere, Joseph Handel, Biggie Smalls, and Tupac Shakur. That would please many of their fans and introduce readers to these important art figures.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Salvador Dalí by 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.

Within this book you learn about the incredible life of Salvador Dalí, one of the pioneers of the Surrealism movement.

Little Salvador was born in Figueres, Spain, in the shadow of the death of his elder brother. In his teenage years, he was introduced to Cubism and Surrealism, which had a profound effect on his life. After an education in fine art, he began a career as an artist. Many people doubted Salvador and found him and his work to be too eccentric, but he proved his doubters wrong by creating some of the most iconic and enduring artworks to have ever graced the world. Salvador's life inspires generations of little creators to follow their own style.

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 artist's life.



I am so glad these books are being published and I highly recommend all of these books

Salvador Dali is one of my favourite artists of all time and this book was Just brilliant.....A man that should never be forgotten. His art work is just WoWoW!!!!!!!

Many thanks to Quarto’s Frances Lincoln Children’s Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

With thanks to the author, publishers Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books, and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

This is another worthy instalment in the Little People Big Dreams series, always a fun way to learn about some of history’s most interesting characters. The story’s message is once again a positive one for young readers, that great things can happen if we believe in ourselves and have the courage to be different.

Even at a young age, Salvador was a somewhat eccentric child who stood out as being different from other children. He didn’t let that stop him from expressing himself though, particularly through his art. At just 17 he was accepted to the most prestigious art college in Spain, but found himself frustrated by the restrictions imposed on him by his professors. When he was 25 he moved to Paris to join other artists who were also interested in a concept that excited him, namely surrealism, or the expression of the unconscious mind through art. He progressed from there to have great success in the United States, and to eventually become on of the world’s most highly-regarded artists.

The mini-biography of Salvador (complete with a timeline) at the end of the book is a great resource for young readers to cement the facts learned in the book, and offers advice on how to learn more about him.

Top marks as always, and I look forward to reading more of the series.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never been a fan of surrealism art, but many people are. I had heard of Salvador Dali, but didn't know much about him except that he was extremely flamboyant and was a well know surrealism artist. This book introduces the reader to a young Salvador (named after a brother who died just before he was born), and how he was rather eccentric even as a child. He was spoiled by his parents and they never said no to him. He began drawing at a very young age and his parents encouraged it. He eventually enrolled in a prestigious art school, but it was not what he was looking for to develop his art. When he met the surrealists, he felt that was where he belonged. He followed his own path, eventually becoming a hit in the US as well as in Europe. He moved to the US when war broke out in Europe and returning to Spain in the 1948. He not only wanted to be known for his art, but for being himself as well. He would arrive at shows dressed in various costumes, and even opened a museum with only his works. He felt that his own life was his greatest work of art. I loved the final page from the book, And little Salvador kept waking up every morning asking himself the same question: What wonderful things will I achieve today? This is a question worth asking ourselves if we want to live each day to the fullest. Another great addition to this series.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great installation in the Little People, Big Dreams series of books. Salvador Dali is a fascinating figure in art history and this story gives a great look into a few key things about his life and work. I love how the story pulls in some of the other things that Dali did - like moving to New York and designing furniture, writing books, creating shop-window displays, etc. Much more than just the surrealism art that he's known for. As expected, this book has a great moral to the story - the importance of asking ourselves "What wonderful things will I achieve today?" to live each day to the fullest.

I also enjoyed the recap/timeline at the end and the emphasis that "great things can happen when we believe in ourselves and dare to be different". I think both of these takeaways are great for young readers and can help to encourage creativity and perseverance. The illustrations in this book felt appropriate for a story about a surrealist painter. For the most part, the pictures on the page supported the text of the story and helped to bring the words to life. The illustrations are colorful and whimsical with a surrealist flair, while still depicting realistic scenes.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC of this book!

[Roshni Patel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The newest addition of the Little People, Big Dreams collection follows Salvador Dalí. The structure of the text is laid out in a similar pattern to other books in the collection, starting with Dalí’s childhood, moving then to his accomplishments throughout his lifetime, and then finally returning to a young Dalí who is still dreaming. The book, like the series, encourages kids to dream big and demonstrates the ability to achieve. As with the other books, this book’s backmatter includes a timeline, a slightly more detailed biography, and further resources (the most interesting part being that one of the resources is a museum mentioned within the text!).

The text itself is written by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, who does a decent job at summarizing Dalí’s life—that being said, there’s still something left to be desired with how quick she moves through Dalí’s achievements and milestones. For instance, her definition of surrealism did nothing to create an understanding of what the movement was, other than “weirdness,” and no amount of age-appropriateness/simplicity could excuse it.

The real gem within this book, however, is the art by Mariona Tolosa Sisteré. The illustrations are colorful and fun for the youngest of children. Older readers may even find references to Dalí’s work scattered in these splash pages.

This book was reviewed as a digital ARC thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group.

[Margaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, many thanks to Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, the author, Mariona Tolosa Sisere, the illustrator, Frances Lincoln Children's Books, and NetGalley for the privilege of being able to read and review this cute children's picture biography book.

I adored this book about Salvador Dali! I starts when he is a young boy, his family life, early career and surrealism, his turn to more traditional painting techniques, etc. The illustrations are lovely and unique, and give lots to look at and colors that are striking and interesting. I think this is a great way to introduce younger children 3-5 to surrealism, art, and Salvador Dali. This book covers the major points in a way children can relate to and be motivated by! There is also a timeline and some real photos of Dali at the end along with more biographical context that parents can share with kids to stir more discussions and learning about art and artists.

The cover is incredibly cute and eye-catching, and I would definitely buy this book as a gift for a kid in my life at some point! Would definitely recommend to anyone looking to introduce their children to history, art, artists, and entertaining true stories.

[Karen Siddall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple yet vividly illustrated, capturing the artist’s eccentric life and groundbreaking work.

SALVADOR DALÍ (Little People, BIG DREAMS) is a new children’s picture book by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and illustrated by Mariona Tolosa Sisteré that portrays the life and work of famed Surrealist artist Salvador Dalí. While aimed at children, older readers curious about the man who created the iconic “melting clocks painting,” The Persistence of Memory, would get a clear and basic introduction and perhaps be tempted to delve further; it’s that enticing!

Vegara tells about the man’s indulgent upbringing and his fascination with the Surrealist movement during the 1930s in Paris and concisely conveys the concept behind his art: consciousness vs. unconscious. Thoroughly enjoyable!

I recommend SALVADOR DALÍ (Little People, BIG DREAMS) to elementary-aged readers (and curious elders) with an interest in art, artists, or just that fascinating clock painting.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy via Netgalley.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who is this smiling person wearing a beret and a really singular mustache? His name is Salvador and he was born in Spain, was an eccentric child, and loved to paint pictures in a different way. He has a large section in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MOMA) in NYC and built the Salvador Dali Museum is in St. Petersburg, FL.
Dare to be different!
The illustrations by Mariona Tolosa Sisteré are simple, colorful, and expressive.
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 temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Quarto Publishing Group/Frances Lincoln Children's Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
@QuartoKids @CBCBook @Frances_Lincoln #LittlePeopleBIG DREAMS @sanchezvegara #FineArtist @TheQuartoGroup #Cubism #Surrealism #illustrator @SistereTolosa

[Madison LibraryBookFamily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Salivador Dali is the painter most people recall when they think of Surrealism. Salvador was born and raised in Spain to a well off family that indulged his quirks. He was bold, proud, and adventurous. Salvador dared to be different and left his mark on the world.
I love the Little People Big Dreams book series and was thrilled to receive this digital ARC from Quarto Publishing Group on NetGalley. The art work is engaging and bright and the facts are interesting and give the basics of Salvador's life. This is a great introductory non-fiction book for younger readers looking to learn more about a famous artist. If you have not seen more from this series you should definitely check them out. They are very popular in the fourth grade classrooms at our school.

[Silvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was provided with a digital ARC of this book thanks to the publishing house, Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Children's Books, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are completely my own.

I always love these little books that have the intent to explain to little children some of the biggest figures ever existed. This one follows the great surrealist painter Salvador Dalí, a very interesting and unique painter, whose ideas maybe could be a little harder for children to understand. Nevertheless, I think this book really captured the essence of his works and of his figure, and I think the illustrations that accompany the text are always so well done and so in line with the figure the book talks about.
Highly recommended.

[A Bookworm Crafts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book in the series.

My four-year-old and nine-year-old love the Little People, Big Dreams series. This latest book focuses on the life of painter Salvador Dali, presenting his childhood and career with simple text and quirky illustrations. Many of the artist's paintings can be recognised in elements of the illustrations, making this a fun read for parents as well.

A recommended read for fans of Salvador Dali and fun educational reads for children.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing group for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Catherine Craig (Angelic Light) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting children's book, which is part of the awesome Little People, Big Dreams series.

It is about Salvador Dali, a Spanish artist who created some iconic artworks which have inspired people around the world.

I enjoyed reading this book, which has beautiful images and easy to read text. There are also extra facts at the back of the book which I found very interesting and enjoyable.

This would be a good book for any child, whether it be from their home library, local library or school library. It is full of knowledge, wisdom and history, which any child would enjoy. Highly recommended!

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

A finely done young biography of the quirky, wacky, Dali, bringing in Surrealist inspiration from Paris, life in New York, Gala, melting timepieces, the Figueres museum, and principally the fact that by the end he himself was acting as his own work of art. Suggesting briefly we should always aim to do something wonderful, at least once a day, may be a bit on the hopeful side, but the inventive multi-disciplined creator Dali is certainly worth his entry to this series. Shame, then, that the art on these pages is risible, despite the fun the cover provides.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quirky angled art accented with lots of melty gooey arugula and ants that are worthy of its subject—the ambitious and creative Salvador Dali! Though not a lot is said about his childhood, he was privileged enough to be allowed to be eccentric. He dared to be different and it paid off with his acceptance into the Surrealists.

Exceptional entry in the Little People, Big Dreams series, with the art and subject suitably matched.

Be like Salvador: wake up each morning with the question what wonderful thing will you achieve today?

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review will be live on donnasbookblog on 1 October 2024 - publication day!

I really enjoy the books in this series and I was delighted to pick up this new release in the series on Salvador Dali.

The book has some great illustrations that helped bring the story of Salvador to life.

The book is a great overview on how he got in to his painting style and what inspired him.

It is 5 stars from me for this one, very highly recommended and a great addition to the Little People, BIG Dreams series!

[Jennifer Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic ARC from Netgalley, thank you so much for the chance to get to read it. My daughter has historically loved all of the Little People, BIG DREAMS books series. She is now 11 but we still have and collect these, as they are always a fantastic look in a respectful way into the lives of historical figures. This is no exception, a wonderful look into the Surrealist artist, and his life. This one is not to be missed!!

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little People, BIG DREAMS has turned out another adorable biography for the kiddos, this time focusing on Salvador Dali. I thought this one was especially cute. I learned more about Dali's life and history, and it encouraged me to google and learn more! This is a great intro to Dali, and the art was fantastic!

Thanks to NetGalley, Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, and Quarto Publishing for the advance copy. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Amna Waqar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful insight into the life of renowned Surrealist artist, Salvador Dali. Being somewhat familiar with some of his paintings, I had no idea about his personal life or background until now. There are also some fantastic, vibrant illustrations.

This is yet another wonderful addition to the Little People, BIG DREAMS series.

My thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group - Francis Lincoln Children's Books for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books for an advanced reader copy!

What an adorable Little People, Big Dreams book! The illustrations were the best part as an adult, but I’d bet for any child as well. They were well done and capture a touch of the essence of Dali. The storyline wasn’t as inspiring as some of the other books within this series, but it was still enjoyable to read. Any budding artist will enjoy this short read. #SalvadorDalí #NetGalley

[Bube Ale · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Salvador Dali" is an educative picture child book. The book teaches the kids about one of the greatest artists in the world, Salvador Dali. His childhood was interesting, his studies were very inspiring, and his work was worth it. His wife Gala was his Muse and great support. My children love this book because they love the painting and enjoy painting of his best painting as a model . I really enjoyed reading this book from NetGalley and I am thankful for it!

[Jeimy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love the Little People, Big Dreams series, but the Salvador Dalí tome might be my favorite one yet! Each page feels like a tribute to the surrealist style that Dalí brought to life in his art. The illustrations are playful and imaginative, capturing the quirky essence of Dalí's world and making it a perfect introduction to his life and work. It’s a fantastic way to inspire little dreamers and introduce them to one of Spain's most iconic artists!

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC for #SalvadorDalí from #NetGalley

Who doesn't know about this painter? Though I don't share the love of surrealism, but I believe some people found themselves different from others, and they don't belong. Through this book, children will understand that being different shouldn't worry them. Parents should encourage them and be with them to guide. The story of a whimsical painter such as Dali is truly enlightening us to be ourselves and be proud of our works.

[Saloni Porwal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been reading every book from this series I can get my hands on, and this one was good! Dali is one of the personalities I didn't know prior to reading the book so I was happy to learn more about him. The illustrations are beautiful and quirky. I believe they would fit the personality of Dali and he would approve. I've said this before and I'll say it again- this series is amazing and kids need to read this. Adults too.

[Sarahlovesbooks76 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful addition to the Little People Big Dreams series. The illustrations perfectly showing the eccentricity of the famous artist, and the prose is perfectly pitched at the target audience.

I really enjoyed catching a glimpse into an interesting and varied life, and I particularly enjoyed the suggestion of a love story. A great way reintroduce children to the often bizarre work of Dali.