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Little People, BIG DREAMS
Alan Turing
Alan grew up in England, where his best friends were numbers and a little boy called Christopher. When his young friend died, Alan retreated to the world of numbers and codes, where he discovered how to crack the code of the Nazi Enigma machine. 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 brilliant mathematician's life.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published April 7, 2020
11 people are currently reading
294 people want to read
About the author
Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara
201 books446 followersMaria Isabel Sánchez Vegara, born in Barcelona, Spain, is a writer and creative director perhaps best known as the author of much of the Little People, Big Dreams series. Each book tells the childhood story of one of the world's female icons in an entertaining, conversational way that works well for the youngest nonfiction readers, allowing them to identify with the characters in each story.
You may find books from the "Little People BIG DREAMS" series on author page - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
You may find books from the "Little People BIG DREAMS" series on author page - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
August 9, 2020
Having disliked most of this series because of their ugly or anachronistic illustrations, omissions of details or inaccuracies, I was pleasantly surprised by this one. The illustrations are quite nice and the text was informative and gave an interesting, although brief introduction to Alan Turing's life in a way suitable for the young target audience.
I'm glad this book mentions the persecution of the gay people and how terribly they were treated. The story mentions the devastating effect this had on Alan and other members of the gay community and how the government has apologised for their treatment.
I know this series can't be too heavy due to it's young readers but as the story mentioned that the boy Alan fell in love with died at the age of 19 I think it would have been good to explain how, even if only in the notes. The story mentions he forced to take a strange treatment because he was gay but again doesn't mention in the notes what this was or that Alan killed himself, which is perhaps too much for a preschool book but it also doesn't feel right leaving it out.
I do appreciate it's hard to get the right balance of age appropriate details and not omitting important facts and I did appreciate reading this much more than others I have read in this series.
I'm glad this book mentions the persecution of the gay people and how terribly they were treated. The story mentions the devastating effect this had on Alan and other members of the gay community and how the government has apologised for their treatment.
I know this series can't be too heavy due to it's young readers but as the story mentioned that the boy Alan fell in love with died at the age of 19 I think it would have been good to explain how, even if only in the notes. The story mentions he forced to take a strange treatment because he was gay but again doesn't mention in the notes what this was or that Alan killed himself, which is perhaps too much for a preschool book but it also doesn't feel right leaving it out.
I do appreciate it's hard to get the right balance of age appropriate details and not omitting important facts and I did appreciate reading this much more than others I have read in this series.
February 10, 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 book here is about Alan Turing, the father of computer science. I already knew his story thanks to the 2014 biographical movie The Imitation Game but it was definitely nice to read it in this format as well. I think the author did a great job in telling us the most important moments of his life. And also, I really appreciated how the mistreatment of gay people was included in the narrative. It's something horrible that happened and that we need to talk about, even with children.
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 book here is about Alan Turing, the father of computer science. I already knew his story thanks to the 2014 biographical movie The Imitation Game but it was definitely nice to read it in this format as well. I think the author did a great job in telling us the most important moments of his life. And also, I really appreciated how the mistreatment of gay people was included in the narrative. It's something horrible that happened and that we need to talk about, even with children.
March 1, 2020
I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
This is another fantastic installment in the Little People Big Dreams series. This time it is about Alan Turing whos amazing mathematical mind played such a huge role in code breaking and stopping the war.
I liked how it included that Alan was homosexual and how unfairly he was treated for being this way. It shows children being different is their right and that the world has changed so much and that they can help to keep on changing it for the better by following their own hopes and dreams.
This is another fantastic installment in the Little People Big Dreams series. This time it is about Alan Turing whos amazing mathematical mind played such a huge role in code breaking and stopping the war.
I liked how it included that Alan was homosexual and how unfairly he was treated for being this way. It shows children being different is their right and that the world has changed so much and that they can help to keep on changing it for the better by following their own hopes and dreams.
February 22, 2020
Another small book for children with a big message told with her usual skill by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara. This, Little People, Big Dreams series just gets stronger with each new title I manage to read.
I would without hesitation buy the set. The share in simple sentences the heart of what makes someone special and enhances biography to a creative art.
What I like best is the desire it generates to want to learn more and read more widely to understand the person.
Alan Turing has become a name most adults now recognise due to Enigma and the recent successful movie “The Imitation Game” 2014. I knew nothing of his work and life growing up in the 1970’s.
Other movies and TV dramas were produced from the mid 1990’s but again these mostly passed me by.
So, I feel all kids need to have shared the life story of this quiet and often lonely man with them.
Linzie Hunter’s illustrations add to this brilliant book with good use of reds and browns to paint the picture and make it another unique backdrop.
Alan was a shy and withdrawn lad; with time on his own thinking rather than talking and not sociable. He was the type of child who was easily passed over and not considered ready to contribute or amount to anything. But as the author writes: “But sometimes that’s just the kind of people who do the things no one can imagine.”
Misunderstood by society’s narrow thinking, despite his contribution to computers and the war in saving countless lives. We may think such prejudices are a thing of the past in our more modern liberal thinking but there remain people passed over, dismissed and hounded for being different from us. Let Alan’s story challenged today’s bullying and social media trolls to ensure we have really moved into the 21st century.
I would without hesitation buy the set. The share in simple sentences the heart of what makes someone special and enhances biography to a creative art.
What I like best is the desire it generates to want to learn more and read more widely to understand the person.
Alan Turing has become a name most adults now recognise due to Enigma and the recent successful movie “The Imitation Game” 2014. I knew nothing of his work and life growing up in the 1970’s.
Other movies and TV dramas were produced from the mid 1990’s but again these mostly passed me by.
So, I feel all kids need to have shared the life story of this quiet and often lonely man with them.
Linzie Hunter’s illustrations add to this brilliant book with good use of reds and browns to paint the picture and make it another unique backdrop.
Alan was a shy and withdrawn lad; with time on his own thinking rather than talking and not sociable. He was the type of child who was easily passed over and not considered ready to contribute or amount to anything. But as the author writes: “But sometimes that’s just the kind of people who do the things no one can imagine.”
Misunderstood by society’s narrow thinking, despite his contribution to computers and the war in saving countless lives. We may think such prejudices are a thing of the past in our more modern liberal thinking but there remain people passed over, dismissed and hounded for being different from us. Let Alan’s story challenged today’s bullying and social media trolls to ensure we have really moved into the 21st century.
March 8, 2020
Another biography for the Little People, Big Dreams series. This one introduces children to the mathematician and scientist, Alan Turing. The children who read this will learn about a heroic man who helped the allies win World War 2. And, they will also learn about the fact that he was treated unfairly because he was homosexual. It is quietly straightforward with information that might have been omitted in biographies published in earlier years. The artwork is lovely, and the story inspiring
Thank you to Netgalley and Frances Lincoln Children's Books for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and Frances Lincoln Children's Books for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
February 14, 2020
Alan Turing by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara is another delightful addition to the Little People BIG DREAMS franchise. This time around, the subject is the computer science genius, whose code-cracking played such a pivotal role in defeating the Nazis during World War II. Turing's homosexuality, and resulting persecution, are also noted, giving a well-balanced account of a remarkable life.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Childrens for this ARC.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Childrens for this ARC.
April 7, 2020
I have read many a book from this series and love how empowering, inspiring, and educational they are.
Alan Turing was a smart boy who loved maths and science. At University, he dreamed of a machine that could calculate anything calculable - his design was the brainchild of the computers we use today. During the war, he developed a machine that could decipher the Nazi code, helping to end the war and save hundreds of lives. Despite this incredible achievement, Alan was cast out for being a gay man and it wasn't until 50 years had passed that the government apologised for their treatment.
This book has a couple of distinct morals. The first is that anything is possible. The second is that sexuality does not define a person or make them wrong. Alan was cast out for being gay and was very miserable at his treatment. He was alive during a time of great prejudice and probably suffered a great deal. The book also shows that these days, people are much more open and accepting. It's important for children to understand the history but it's also important to highlight how much the world has changed for the better.
The only thing I would have liked with this one was a bit more information about Alan's life after the war.
Alan Turing was a smart boy who loved maths and science. At University, he dreamed of a machine that could calculate anything calculable - his design was the brainchild of the computers we use today. During the war, he developed a machine that could decipher the Nazi code, helping to end the war and save hundreds of lives. Despite this incredible achievement, Alan was cast out for being a gay man and it wasn't until 50 years had passed that the government apologised for their treatment.
This book has a couple of distinct morals. The first is that anything is possible. The second is that sexuality does not define a person or make them wrong. Alan was cast out for being gay and was very miserable at his treatment. He was alive during a time of great prejudice and probably suffered a great deal. The book also shows that these days, people are much more open and accepting. It's important for children to understand the history but it's also important to highlight how much the world has changed for the better.
The only thing I would have liked with this one was a bit more information about Alan's life after the war.
April 10, 2020
Another winner in the Little People, Big Dreams series. I have to say that I did not know who Alan Turing was, so I am glad that this important person has been included in this series. Alan was a shy quiet young man who loved numbers. He fell in love with a friend, Christopher, but unfortunately he died young and this broke Alan's heart. Alan went to university and dreamed and designed a machine that could calculate anything. Alan worked with other scientists to break the code of the enigma machine which helped defeat the nazis in WWII. Because Alan was a homosexual, he never got the credit he deserved and suffered from a lot of persecution. This was handled simply and honestly in the book. The simple illustrations added to this book and helped to portray the message of Alan Turing, the father of computer science. I always recommend this series to teachers, schools and libraries. The messages of being yourself, following your dreams, not giving up are important to children and to show them people who did just that is important. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
May 19, 2020
A good introduction to the life and accomplishments of Alan Turing for early readers. The bold, bright illustrations compliment the text nicely, and the text covers the more difficult aspects of his life in an age appropriate way, and will lead to further discussion. Love this series!
#AlanTuring #NetGalley
#AlanTuring #NetGalley
February 11, 2020
Another one well done in this collection. I like that it include both the math part of his life as well as the injustice he suffer from because of his homosexuality. Well done!.
April 19, 2020
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Alan Turing is a new biography for young readers in the Little People, Big Dreams series. I've reviewed a number of these titles and all of them are delightful and exuberant little books which cover the lives of famous cultural, science, arts, and innovative icons while maintaining an age-appropriate level of detail.
Released 7th April 2020 by Quarto on their Frances Lincoln imprint, it's 32 pages and available in hardcover and ebook formats.
The text by Isabel Sánchez Vegara is well written in clear and accessible language. The art by Linzie Hunter is appealing and colorful and supports the text very well. The art is rich in small subtle details which bear a closer look (like the books, birds, and more which appear throughout). I love to see so many kids and adults reading in the illustrations! I also appreciated the paraphrased Turing quotes in the text.
Well written and appealing, I am really enjoying all of these little books. This one is a worthy addition.
Five stars. This would make a superlative reading circle book, classroom library book, or gift. Alan Turing was and a brilliant and unique man with a prodigious intellect and this little book is a nice introduction to his life and work for the youngest generation.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Note: I received an early eARC and in my copy of the material, there was a formatting error which caused the timeline biography and artist credits to be switched with an earlier book in the series (Astrid Lindgren). This will presumably be corrected in the final published version.
Alan Turing is a new biography for young readers in the Little People, Big Dreams series. I've reviewed a number of these titles and all of them are delightful and exuberant little books which cover the lives of famous cultural, science, arts, and innovative icons while maintaining an age-appropriate level of detail.
Released 7th April 2020 by Quarto on their Frances Lincoln imprint, it's 32 pages and available in hardcover and ebook formats.
The text by Isabel Sánchez Vegara is well written in clear and accessible language. The art by Linzie Hunter is appealing and colorful and supports the text very well. The art is rich in small subtle details which bear a closer look (like the books, birds, and more which appear throughout). I love to see so many kids and adults reading in the illustrations! I also appreciated the paraphrased Turing quotes in the text.
Well written and appealing, I am really enjoying all of these little books. This one is a worthy addition.
Five stars. This would make a superlative reading circle book, classroom library book, or gift. Alan Turing was and a brilliant and unique man with a prodigious intellect and this little book is a nice introduction to his life and work for the youngest generation.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Note: I received an early eARC and in my copy of the material, there was a formatting error which caused the timeline biography and artist credits to be switched with an earlier book in the series (Astrid Lindgren). This will presumably be corrected in the final published version.
April 24, 2020
'Alan Turing' by Ma Isabel Sanchez Vegara with illustrations by Ashling Lindsay is the story of the man who helped break the Nazi code and win the war.
Alan Turing grew up in England with his friend Christopher. When Christopher died, Alan threw himself into his work of creating a computing machine. Alan Turing did great work for England, and in return was not recognized until many years after his life.
Alan Turing's story is a difficult one, so I wondered how they would approach it for children. It works, but there are odd gaps. It's obvious in the book that Alan loves Christopher and is gay, but details are a bit missing, as they probably should have been. The illustrations are lovely and befitting this man's life.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Childrens, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
Alan Turing grew up in England with his friend Christopher. When Christopher died, Alan threw himself into his work of creating a computing machine. Alan Turing did great work for England, and in return was not recognized until many years after his life.
Alan Turing's story is a difficult one, so I wondered how they would approach it for children. It works, but there are odd gaps. It's obvious in the book that Alan loves Christopher and is gay, but details are a bit missing, as they probably should have been. The illustrations are lovely and befitting this man's life.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Childrens, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
February 14, 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 Alan Turing, the English famous mathematician. I already knew his story thanks to the movie The Imitation Game, in which Benedict Cumberbatch played Alan. It was really nice to revive his story. He had such a brilliant mind!
In addition, I did love very much that the mistreatment of gay people, of him in particular, was mentioned here. It is important to let kids know about all this, in order to prevent such horrible mistakes to be made again.
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 Alan Turing, the English famous mathematician. I already knew his story thanks to the movie The Imitation Game, in which Benedict Cumberbatch played Alan. It was really nice to revive his story. He had such a brilliant mind!
In addition, I did love very much that the mistreatment of gay people, of him in particular, was mentioned here. It is important to let kids know about all this, in order to prevent such horrible mistakes to be made again.
February 11, 2020
I usually love the Little People, Big Dreams books, but I have several reservations about this one. Several difficult topics are covered here, and while I know children are completely capable of understanding and dealing with death and the reprehensible treatment of LGBTIAQ folks in history, this text leaves some pretty big questions lying there, and a lot of kids will pick them up. Christopher does "suddenly" and with no explanation. A sentence about how he'd had tuberculosis (or even just "an illness") for years before succumbing would help stave off some kids' questions and fears. The mention of "a bizarre" treatment" that Turing is subjected to leaves about a hundred questions unanswered.
Overall, a lovely little book about an important figure, but do some research Before reading it to a child because they will have questions.
Overall, a lovely little book about an important figure, but do some research Before reading it to a child because they will have questions.
February 18, 2020
Like all of this series, this is a brief look into the life of someone famous. In this case, Alan Turing is famous for two things, for breaking the enigma code, and for being gay.
It is refreshing how this is dealt with, in a kids picture book. It is not ignored, just talked about as a matter of course. Of course they don't say what the chemical he had to take that made him take his own life. But it is sweet that it includes his first love.
Cute introduction to Alan Turning's life.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
It is refreshing how this is dealt with, in a kids picture book. It is not ignored, just talked about as a matter of course. Of course they don't say what the chemical he had to take that made him take his own life. But it is sweet that it includes his first love.
Cute introduction to Alan Turning's life.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
April 18, 2020
Wonderful tribute to Alan Turing's great accomplishments, while also acknowledging his horribly unjust treatment by the British government at that time. I love that children can discover his story in this way. It's not a exactly a story with a happy ending, and the author doesn't shy away from the ugly truths Alan Turing had to confront, but does so in a way that is appropriate for young readers. The illustrations are beautiful, with a lot of small details and a colorful elegance that fits the setting of the story and is perfect to draw the attention of its young audience too.
March 5, 2020
The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I thought this was such a great little biography of Alan Turing. He was one of the smartest men out there who helped win WWII with his machine to help crack codes and it was sad how his life turned out in the end. I hope kids can start learning a little bit about him now and when they get older read more about him.
I thought this was such a great little biography of Alan Turing. He was one of the smartest men out there who helped win WWII with his machine to help crack codes and it was sad how his life turned out in the end. I hope kids can start learning a little bit about him now and when they get older read more about him.
January 10, 2024
Alan Turing did so much to help win WW II - and he was treated so badly after the war just because he was gay. Powerful introduction to this singular genius who is now considered the father of computer science and AI. It is only recently he has been given the accolades he so richly deserved.
October 19, 2023
Little People, Big Dreams: Alan Turing is a short biography picture book about the mathematician Alan Turing who is today considered to be the father of computer science and Artificial Intelligence.
Liked: This is the first book I have read by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and I enjoyed her style of writing. I felt that Alan’s story was told in a way that would interest a child and that they could understand. I liked that the story explains that it is courageous to be yourself and those who can imagine anything can create the impossible.
Didn’t like: I struggle to find something I didn’t like about this book. Obviously Alan’s story includes some pretty heavy topics that need to be told in an age appropriate way.
Quote: “He was shy and nobody expected much from him. But often, the quietest people achieve the most extraordinary things...”
Illustrations: I enjoyed the illustrations by Ashling Lindsay. The colours and style of the artwork work well with the story.
Vegan Notes: No vegan topics arise in the text.
Audience Age: 4+
Alan’s friend Christopher died of Bovine Tuberculosis. The book simply says he died suddenly. The story mentions nazis and war and also conversion therapy. These are all told mentioned in what I found to be an age appropriate way however children will likely have further questions. There is no mention of Alan’s suicide. The vocabulary is accessible and not likely to confuse young readers.
Liked: This is the first book I have read by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and I enjoyed her style of writing. I felt that Alan’s story was told in a way that would interest a child and that they could understand. I liked that the story explains that it is courageous to be yourself and those who can imagine anything can create the impossible.
Didn’t like: I struggle to find something I didn’t like about this book. Obviously Alan’s story includes some pretty heavy topics that need to be told in an age appropriate way.
Quote: “He was shy and nobody expected much from him. But often, the quietest people achieve the most extraordinary things...”
Illustrations: I enjoyed the illustrations by Ashling Lindsay. The colours and style of the artwork work well with the story.
Vegan Notes: No vegan topics arise in the text.
Audience Age: 4+
Alan’s friend Christopher died of Bovine Tuberculosis. The book simply says he died suddenly. The story mentions nazis and war and also conversion therapy. These are all told mentioned in what I found to be an age appropriate way however children will likely have further questions. There is no mention of Alan’s suicide. The vocabulary is accessible and not likely to confuse young readers.
December 13, 2021
I was pleasantly surprised by this entry into this series, which I have, overall, found to be disappointing. From the other reviews, I think that this WAS disappointing in the galley, but I read the actual print book, and inaccuracies seem to have been corrected. The best thing here is the straightforward way Turing's sexuality and mistreatment was addressed. It is a bit too simplistic when it comes to his creation of a way to crack the enigma code, but mostly, this is a decent kids' biography that doesn't shy away from hard things.
April 11, 2022
What a sad life this poor man had. And he still did amazing things. These are the things left out of history books that should not be so that we learn from mistakes and evolve. When we pretend that we were perfect, it only makes us repeat the same atrocities. We lobotomized or shock treated homosexuals?!?! What in the hell. Screw your apology England.
Read
April 1, 2024Appreciate the book not being implicit about him being gay, as well the wrongs he, and others, faced as part of the prejudice against him, despite all the amazing things he achieved.
May 25, 2020
Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
May 14, 2020
Sanchez Vegara's Alan Turing explores the life of one of the world's most talented computer scientists. Enamoured by numbers at a young age, Turing would go on to crack the Enigma code during World War II. I appreciate that the author handled certain parts of Turing's life with gentleness and compassion. That's been the case with many of the people who've been covered in this series. At the end is a section with more detailed information on Turing's life, suitable for older readers. Inspirational and educational both, this entire series is great, and full of delightful art to engage younger audiences!
***Many thanks to the Netgalley & Quarto Publishing for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
***Many thanks to the Netgalley & Quarto Publishing for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
April 23, 2020
Alan Turing by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara is another fantastic children's book in the Little People, Big Dreams series.
This one is about Alan Turing who broke the Enigma code during WWII. I am so glad they did this book and he was not forgotten. Alan had a tough life but played an important part in WWII.
This lovely book is very colourful throughout and I found this little book full of easy to read, with great Illustrations throughout this small book.
It's one you should definitely buy for your little readers so they can learn about this man. Especially as this book includes extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of Alan Turing.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group/ Frances Lincoln Children's books for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
This one is about Alan Turing who broke the Enigma code during WWII. I am so glad they did this book and he was not forgotten. Alan had a tough life but played an important part in WWII.
This lovely book is very colourful throughout and I found this little book full of easy to read, with great Illustrations throughout this small book.
It's one you should definitely buy for your little readers so they can learn about this man. Especially as this book includes extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of Alan Turing.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group/ Frances Lincoln Children's books for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
April 3, 2020
I was provided an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was really nervous going into this edition of the Little people, BIG DREAMS series. There aren't many stories that touch me on such an emotional level as that of Alan Turing. Over the years I had the chance to get my hands on different kinds of picture books, graphic novels etc. from all around the world telling his story and some still haunt me up to this day.
Reading his story now in this book series felt so important and still like something quite impossible. How can you tell the story of such a tragic life on just a few pages and still stay true to the inspiring character of this book series? I was sure that they would cut more of his life that I'd feel comfortable with and with that feeling I started the book.
To say I'm pleasantly surprised would be an understatement. Of course you can't tell his whole story on only 12 pages, but this edition still does an amazing job summarising his life and giving you an idea of how much there is to learn about the man that was Alan Turing. For me it was hard to see how little there was about his last years, but I think it dealt with it in a good way that gives parents the freedom to go more into detail if they want and choose to, but that isn't too much for the youngest readers.
If I imagine myself reading this as a kid and learning the whole story later in life, I think I'd be shocked, but I think this book would also make me want to learn more about him in the first place. I'm glad that Turing is part of this series now and that it does talk open about his sexuality. The way this series chose to face this part of his life was respectful and still in some way powerful. And for that I'm really grateful.
The Little People, BIG DREAMS books are a great way to inspire your kids to dream big. And to stay true to themselves.
I was really nervous going into this edition of the Little people, BIG DREAMS series. There aren't many stories that touch me on such an emotional level as that of Alan Turing. Over the years I had the chance to get my hands on different kinds of picture books, graphic novels etc. from all around the world telling his story and some still haunt me up to this day.
Reading his story now in this book series felt so important and still like something quite impossible. How can you tell the story of such a tragic life on just a few pages and still stay true to the inspiring character of this book series? I was sure that they would cut more of his life that I'd feel comfortable with and with that feeling I started the book.
To say I'm pleasantly surprised would be an understatement. Of course you can't tell his whole story on only 12 pages, but this edition still does an amazing job summarising his life and giving you an idea of how much there is to learn about the man that was Alan Turing. For me it was hard to see how little there was about his last years, but I think it dealt with it in a good way that gives parents the freedom to go more into detail if they want and choose to, but that isn't too much for the youngest readers.
If I imagine myself reading this as a kid and learning the whole story later in life, I think I'd be shocked, but I think this book would also make me want to learn more about him in the first place. I'm glad that Turing is part of this series now and that it does talk open about his sexuality. The way this series chose to face this part of his life was respectful and still in some way powerful. And for that I'm really grateful.
The Little People, BIG DREAMS books are a great way to inspire your kids to dream big. And to stay true to themselves.
April 14, 2020
I have to admit I knew very little of Alan Turing before reading this book, despite having watched films he is at the centre of before! Now I feel I know quite a bit!
I love the 'Little People Big Dreams' series as it makes the lives of significant figures in history accessible to very young readers. With simple language, clear pictures and short passages of writing, these little books impart a lot of information using few words.
This would be a great addition to any school library or to use when learning about writing biographies of famous figures.
Usually, the child-friendly stories are accompanied by photos and a short history aimed at older readers. The eARC I received had a history of Astrid Lindgren so I cannot comment on how much more detail was added should children have questions or comments after reading.
I received an eARC of this book from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I love the 'Little People Big Dreams' series as it makes the lives of significant figures in history accessible to very young readers. With simple language, clear pictures and short passages of writing, these little books impart a lot of information using few words.
This would be a great addition to any school library or to use when learning about writing biographies of famous figures.
Usually, the child-friendly stories are accompanied by photos and a short history aimed at older readers. The eARC I received had a history of Astrid Lindgren so I cannot comment on how much more detail was added should children have questions or comments after reading.
I received an eARC of this book from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 27, 2020
I was curious to read a children's book about Alan Turing's life! And I discovered a sad, yet empowering story.
He was the boy who grew up away from home. He was the teenager who lost too early a beloved friend. He was the scientist whose life was changed by war. He was the genius who invented the decoding machine and thus helped end it. And he was also the man mistreated for personal choices.
The story of Alan Turing holds many lessons for young children. The one I like the most: "those who can imagine anything, can create the impossible".
Thank you to Net Galley and Frances Lincoln Children's Books for providing me with an e-book copy in exchange for my honest review!
He was the boy who grew up away from home. He was the teenager who lost too early a beloved friend. He was the scientist whose life was changed by war. He was the genius who invented the decoding machine and thus helped end it. And he was also the man mistreated for personal choices.
The story of Alan Turing holds many lessons for young children. The one I like the most: "those who can imagine anything, can create the impossible".
Thank you to Net Galley and Frances Lincoln Children's Books for providing me with an e-book copy in exchange for my honest review!
February 10, 2020
This series has had so many hits and misses for me, I lose track of where I am in my appreciation for it. This was one of the better ones, for the biography managed to tell us all we really needed to know, of the subject's sexuality, his secretive war work, and the problems that beset him afterwards thanks to wicked laws then active here in the UK. Other books in the past under this banner have struggled to convince me the subject was right for a series of such notables, or missed the boat when it came to level of detail, but this managed it perfectly. Until, that is, you come to consider the artwork – childishly flat in perspective, using white outlines as if everything has been cut out and assembled on a cheap animation studio table, and giving the token modern gay man at the end a moustache right from the cliché corner, half Freddie Mercury and half Russian circus strongman. Yeesh. So ignore the flaws in the art here and you'll get a welcome book – and any book that corrects Hollywood's idea that Enigma was cracked by the Americans is a step in the right direction. Three and a half stars, though, as the visuals really are a let-down.
April 11, 2020
I love the message of the book, but it's so badly written, shifting tenses, missing words, sentences that make no sense, that I can't get beyond it to actually enjoy the story of Alan, whose story is, let's face it, kind of bleak. Also, what is "Half Europe?" Also why did he "grew away" from his parents? I have SO many questions about the text. It's just laughably bad. The nail in the book's coffin in my mind is that the design of the book is sloppy, with the text justification shifting from left to right. I should stop reading this series, I always hope that they will get something right, and just being out there, giving these people stories for kids, is I guess good, but they never quite work and just infuriate me in the end...
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