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Oprah Winfrey
Learn about the inspiring story of Oprah Winfrey! The trailblazing entertainer and businessperson who became a global icon.
Growing up between Mississippi, Wisconsin, and Tennessee, little Oprah loved reading and performing poems and Bible verses at church. Sadly, life at home was very tricky. She lived in poverty and was not always treated with kindness. But Oprah didn't let this hold her back. She worked hard to achieve a scholarship to university, and by age nineteen she was a news anchor on television!
From there, she went on to host her own TV show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, and became a household name. Her empathy and openness changed television forever. She became one of the most powerful voices in media, working as an actor and producer as well as an interviewer and host, and proved herself to be an amazing businessperson. Oprah didn't stop she used her success to become a philanthropist and advocate for education and social justice. From the bestselling series Little People, BIG DREAMS, this title is the perfect gift for little storytellers and budding entrepreneurs.
This powerful book features quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of Oprah's life.
Little People, BIG DREAMS is a bestselling 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.
Growing up between Mississippi, Wisconsin, and Tennessee, little Oprah loved reading and performing poems and Bible verses at church. Sadly, life at home was very tricky. She lived in poverty and was not always treated with kindness. But Oprah didn't let this hold her back. She worked hard to achieve a scholarship to university, and by age nineteen she was a news anchor on television!
From there, she went on to host her own TV show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, and became a household name. Her empathy and openness changed television forever. She became one of the most powerful voices in media, working as an actor and producer as well as an interviewer and host, and proved herself to be an amazing businessperson. Oprah didn't stop she used her success to become a philanthropist and advocate for education and social justice. From the bestselling series Little People, BIG DREAMS, this title is the perfect gift for little storytellers and budding entrepreneurs.
This powerful book features quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of Oprah's life.
Little People, BIG DREAMS is a bestselling 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.
34 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 15, 2026
2031 people want to read
About the author
Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
201 books161 followersYou 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 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 2, 2026
I’ll admit I’ve never been Oprah’s biggest fan. Even though her book club has given readers (including me) plenty of great recommendations, I sometimes found her delivery a little too over-earnest. Still, I probably shouldn’t even lead with that, because Little People, BIG DREAMS: Oprah Winfrey completely won me over.
Like others in the series, the book traces Oprah’s success back to childhood—in her case, a love of reading that began when she was a toddler reading aloud to farm animals. It’s a sweet and believable origin story, especially knowing how that passion eventually grew into one of the most influential book clubs in the world (and, yes, a billion-dollar empire). The story also gently reminds readers of her very difficult upbringing, which helped me see her with fresh appreciation.
The artwork is soft, literal, and full of heart—you can tell the illustrator truly enjoyed the project. Young readers will too, especially those who recognize Oprah as a still-relevant cultural figure today.
Like others in the series, the book traces Oprah’s success back to childhood—in her case, a love of reading that began when she was a toddler reading aloud to farm animals. It’s a sweet and believable origin story, especially knowing how that passion eventually grew into one of the most influential book clubs in the world (and, yes, a billion-dollar empire). The story also gently reminds readers of her very difficult upbringing, which helped me see her with fresh appreciation.
The artwork is soft, literal, and full of heart—you can tell the illustrator truly enjoyed the project. Young readers will too, especially those who recognize Oprah as a still-relevant cultural figure today.
Review of advance copy
I thought this was interesting, I never knew about Oprah's back story before her show began.
January 26, 2026
I received this book from Edelweiss/the publisher in exchange of an honest review.
Another new Little People Big Dreams book! I really love this series and getting to know people or getting to know more about them. That last part is for Oprah Winfrey. I used to see her on TV at times when I was younger and still watched TV (or well more than I do know, haha). But I don’t know much about her, so when I saw this book up on Edelweiss? I had to request it!
In this one we learn of Oprah and how she became the Oprah we all know now. From how she learned to read at age 3 and loved talking to her animals to reciting at church to her big love of reading and telling stories and listening to people which eventually led to her own studio and show. Of course there were also harsh moments that the book kinda glosses over, like how strict her grandma was or how her mom didn’t have time for her as she had to work long hours. And how she found comfort in reading. I loved reading about her show, and I loved that we got some illustrated photographs about some parts of the show.
I also loved reading about her other accomplishments that aren’t her show. Reading about her opening a school in South Africa. Or how she launched a book club and how she is always trying to get people to read read read and find comfort in that, just like how she found comfort in reading.
I also learned that she is actually called Orpah but everyone kept mispronouncing it so eventually everyone just called her Oprah.
As I said before and I will say it again, I love that the timeline is actually a timeline now with photographs and information!
The illustrations by Sera Latterell were so much fun! I also love the colour they choose as a background for the cover. The yellow just POPS. Love it!
All in all, another inspirational and fun read and I learned so many new things! I would recommend it to all.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Another new Little People Big Dreams book! I really love this series and getting to know people or getting to know more about them. That last part is for Oprah Winfrey. I used to see her on TV at times when I was younger and still watched TV (or well more than I do know, haha). But I don’t know much about her, so when I saw this book up on Edelweiss? I had to request it!
In this one we learn of Oprah and how she became the Oprah we all know now. From how she learned to read at age 3 and loved talking to her animals to reciting at church to her big love of reading and telling stories and listening to people which eventually led to her own studio and show. Of course there were also harsh moments that the book kinda glosses over, like how strict her grandma was or how her mom didn’t have time for her as she had to work long hours. And how she found comfort in reading. I loved reading about her show, and I loved that we got some illustrated photographs about some parts of the show.
I also loved reading about her other accomplishments that aren’t her show. Reading about her opening a school in South Africa. Or how she launched a book club and how she is always trying to get people to read read read and find comfort in that, just like how she found comfort in reading.
I also learned that she is actually called Orpah but everyone kept mispronouncing it so eventually everyone just called her Oprah.
As I said before and I will say it again, I love that the timeline is actually a timeline now with photographs and information!
The illustrations by Sera Latterell were so much fun! I also love the colour they choose as a background for the cover. The yellow just POPS. Love it!
All in all, another inspirational and fun read and I learned so many new things! I would recommend it to all.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
February 13, 2026
Oprah Winfrey is a household name, but her early life was not as glamorous as the modern-day presence she has built for herself. Raised by a strict grandmother and hurt by people she trusted, Oprah often sought solace in books. As she grew and transitioned to living with different caregivers, however, more opportunities were opened to her, and she found herself pursuing her passion and love for humanity to become one of the most beloved television show hosts of all time. This addition to the Little People, Big Dreams series follows a similar pattern to its companion stories. Built on quality board covers with an iconic felt spine, the book stands out on library shelves. The narrative carries readers through Oprah Winfrey’s life from a young age, highlighting both the moments that brought her success and those that were more challenging. Utilizing only a handful of sentences on each page, the text is succinct yet informative, giving young readers a concise overview of Winfrey’s lived experiences. At the end of the book, a timeline and more detailed discussion of Winfrey’s life is included to provide readers with greater context for the details mentioned within the narrative. Accompanying the words are cartoon-like, child-friendly illustrations that feature Winfrey in the many moments described by the story, and the endpapers highlight the metaphor of planting seeds that will grow into something beautiful. Best suited to an early elementary school-aged audience, this book is a charming addition to its series as well as an accessible introduction to nonfiction biographical texts for young readers.
April 12, 2026
Little People, Big Dreams: Oprah Winfrey is a heartfelt, inspiring biography that encourages children to dream big and believe in their own potential.
Oprah’s journey is shared with honesty and care, making even the more difficult parts of her story approachable for young readers. The narrative highlights powerful themes like perseverance, empathy, and the transformative value of education in a way that feels both meaningful and uplifting.
The soft, expressive illustrations by Sera Latterell bring warmth and emotion to every page, perfectly complementing the story.
The inclusion of a timeline and additional facts at the end adds depth and context, making it both engaging and informative.
Overall, my grandchildren and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s an excellent addition to the Little People, Big Dreams series.
I’m grateful to have received this lovely book through a Goodreads Giveaway.
Oprah’s journey is shared with honesty and care, making even the more difficult parts of her story approachable for young readers. The narrative highlights powerful themes like perseverance, empathy, and the transformative value of education in a way that feels both meaningful and uplifting.
The soft, expressive illustrations by Sera Latterell bring warmth and emotion to every page, perfectly complementing the story.
The inclusion of a timeline and additional facts at the end adds depth and context, making it both engaging and informative.
Overall, my grandchildren and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s an excellent addition to the Little People, Big Dreams series.
I’m grateful to have received this lovely book through a Goodreads Giveaway.
October 27, 2025
A decent biography of the star presenter and reading influencer. It has to scout around the issue of what happened to her as a child, for this very young audience, but shows someone coming from an awkward upbringing to global success and much adoration. It seems to leave out her acting credentials, mind – and the mahoosive fortune the lass has gathered – but leaves us with someone with a school to her credit in South Africa and as someone able to inspire many other people with her literacy campaign and her positive outlook alike. It also avoids talk of that horrendous hairstyle she had to interview Harry and Meg"h"an. But while I am not the biggest fan of the subject, I can't really dismiss the book's merits – this is a four star read, for all I think about the subject.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Oprah Winfrey by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, with illustrations by Sera Latterell, offers a warm and inspiring look at a cultural icon.
The book shares Oprah’s love of learning, perseverance, and compassion in a way that young readers can easily understand.
The expressive illustrations and clear message about believing in yourself show that where you start does not have to limit what you can achieve.
The book shares Oprah’s love of learning, perseverance, and compassion in a way that young readers can easily understand.
The expressive illustrations and clear message about believing in yourself show that where you start does not have to limit what you can achieve.
February 4, 2026
I received an electronic ARC from Frances Lincoln Children's Books through Edelweiss+.
Sanchez Vegara is gifted at taking huge lives and summarizing them at a level elementary students can understand. She shares Winfrey's life - the joys and the difficulties, in a sensitive way. Sadly, too many of our children will connect with the abuse Oprah dealt with. The author always includes a timeline at the end of the story so readers learn more.
Sanchez Vegara is gifted at taking huge lives and summarizing them at a level elementary students can understand. She shares Winfrey's life - the joys and the difficulties, in a sensitive way. Sadly, too many of our children will connect with the abuse Oprah dealt with. The author always includes a timeline at the end of the story so readers learn more.
October 21, 2025
Another great book on the this on going series. Not too much emotion on some dramatic parts of the life our Oprah in this book.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews