David Attenborough

Little People, BIG DREAMS

by Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara, Mikyo Noh (Illustrator)

Little David grew up in Leicester on the campus of a university, where his father was a professor. As a child, he spent hours in the science library, collating his own specimens and creating a mini animal museum. When he was old enough to go to university, he studied science and zoology – but what he wanted most of all was to be close to the animals he was studying. So, he started working in television, visiting animals in their natural habitats and telling the world the untold stories of these animals.
 
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 physicist's life

Genres: Nonfiction, Picture Books, Biography, Childrens, Animals, Science, Biography Memoir

32 pages, Hardcover

First published February 4, 2020

About the author

Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara, born in Barcelona, Spain, is a writer and creative director perhaps best known as the author of much of the Little People, Big Dreams series. Each book tells the childhood story of one of the world's female icons in an entertaining, conversational way that works well for the youngest nonfiction readers, allowing them to identify with the characters in each story.


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

Reviews

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great addition to my favourite series 'Little People, Big Dreams' which introduces young readers to lives of outstanding and inspiring people.
I grew up with nature documentaries made by Sir David Attenborough and have always admired his intelligence, patience and enthusiam, so I was vey happy to see this short biography by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara. Like other titles in the series, it is informative, written in accessible language and accompanied by quirky fun illustrations.
Thank you to NetGalley and Frances Lincoln Children's Books for the ARC provided ine xchange for an honest opinion.

If you would like to read more about Sir David Attenborough's contribution to the genre of natural history documentary, read this short article on BBC website: Nine astonishing ways David Attenborough shaped your world

[8stitches 9lives · Rating 5 out of 5]

At this point in time, I think it's pretty safe to say that most British adults know of David Attenborough’s ceaseless and important work in the nature and environmental field, and this is rightly what has cemented his status as a living legend and one of our most revered national treasures; however, our little ones perhaps do not recognise and/or comprehend his status. In this fantastic series known as Little People, Big Dreams, children are memorably introduced to some of the most renowned characters from across a whole spectrum of areas and introducing those who may go on to inspire our kids to strive to achieve great things themselves. This is by far the most solid, interesting and well-rounded of all of the books that feature in the series, and I would characterise it as a must-read for those heading somewhat towards their formative years on our humble planet.

We are introduced to this great man where it all began, his year of birth, and progress by charting the most important snippets of information detailing the prominent aspects of his early life, coming-of-age, forming of opinions and the unsurpassed awareness he has raised to some of the scariest and greatest environmental challenges of our generation and beyond. What's superb is there is just enough to enable a child to become curious yet not enough to overwhelm, which is crucial at this stage in their reading career, and the colourful, fun illustrations complement the text perfectly.

There is no doubt we need the younger generation to pick up the baton and develop an interest in areas such as climate control and the natural world, and I feel this does a superb job of creating a fascination in these topics from early years. Insightful, informative and wonderfully engaging, this sets the groundwork for interest in activism without terrifying little people with the state we currently find ourselves. I cannot recommend this enough. Bravo! Many thanks to Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Children's Books for an ARC.

[Rosh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was expecting a little more from this book. I think this is the early readers' version because it is even smaller than the other books I've read in this series. The language is age appropriate and the sentences are simple enough for that age group. I suppose it does meet its target audience requirement but it was a little disappointing to me as it seemed an extremely condensed version of such a rich life.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for the ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[La Coccinelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is just an okay little biography of David Attenborough. While the pictures themselves are stronger here than in some other books in the series, I'm not a fan of the random animals just appearing (sometimes anthropomorphized) in most of the illustrations. I would expect something a little more factual in a biography about a naturalist. (Also, there's a picture at the end that's supposed to be present day, yet he's drawn to look like a young man.)

The mini biography and timeline at the end are missing in my e-galley, which is disappointing. I always find these books don't give me quite enough information, and I rely on those bits at the end to help fill in some of the gaps.

Overall, this isn't one of the best books in this series, but it isn't one of the worst, either. I think it'll mostly appeal to kids who know who David Attenborough is, though; the book, unfortunately, doesn't make him come across as all that interesting (perhaps because there's no mention of conflict or of anything that he had to overcome).

Thank you to NetGalley and Frances Lincoln Children's Books for providing a digital ARC.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.
David Attenborough is the perfect example of the reason why we have to preserve our wonderful planet and all the creatures in it. As a naturalist he's always been interested in animals in their natural habitat and nowadays he fights for the preservations of such places. That's such a nice objective and definitely one we can all look up to.

[Martina · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 little on is about David Attenborough, a famous naturalist and inspiring conservationist. I was really inspired by his love for animals and the world in its entirety

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

This is the third book in the little people series and I can't get enough of them. They are such little bundles of inspiration for children which teach them about famous and influential people in life and in history.
I didn't know how many species were named after David Attenborough which was very interesting to me as an adult.
A lovely book that I highly recommend.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great addition to the Little People, Big Dreams series by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara. I just recently read the speech that David Attenborough gave to the UN about climate change so was happy to see this book for children. Young David grew up in Leicester on the campus of a university, where his father was a professor. As a child, he spent hours in the science library and on the grounds collecting, collating his specimens and creating a mini animal museum. He loved animals and nature, so when he was old enough to go to university, he studied science and zoology. He graduated, but wanted to be close to animals. He began working in television and was eventually given the chance to travel and observe animals in their natural habitat. He discovered new animals and told the stories of many animals that people had only ever seen in a zoo. After that, he began to teach children about saving the planet and what they could do to help the animals and save their habitats. This wonderful story features stylish and quirky illustrations that will appeal to young readers. There are also extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the broadcaster's life that can be shared with older readers. I definitely recommend this book to all school and public libraries. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Usually I have heard of the people in these little biographies, and while I had heard of David Attenborough, I just thought he was a broadcaster. I was not aware that he was a conservationist, or studied animals and did shows on them.



This is a odd edition of the book, in that the animals are anthropomorphized. It doesn't add to the story, and actually confuses things, a little bit.

Because my edition of the Netgalley edition didn't have the timeline included, I wasn't able to match the things the book said, with the facts about Sir David. Mores the pity.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous edition to this series about true legends. One of my favourite men on the planet and a lot of other peoples too. A lovely introduction to teaching children about great characters and also to inspire them

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some may judge that someone like David Attenborough was born into privilege which gave him an unfair advantage.
However, I would hope that those following this wonderful series Little People, BIG DREAMS will see that all sorts of people regardless of circumstance, helps or hindrances, make a different through who they were as individual people.
Little David fell in love with the world around him, his access to books, as only to foster this interest, it was the tangible that made the difference.
The sights and smells. The touch and sounds within the environment, the chance to meet and understand animals in their own environment.
He used his studies and attitude to the Natural World to become an educator and broadcaster to bring the world into peoples’ living rooms and give them a sense of awe and wonder. Beyond this he made his audience appreciate the fragile make-up of our planet and why we must care about human involvement to the detriment of the wider world.
All this is captured in this terrific book which by carefully chosen text and creative illustrations bring his story to readers of all ages.

[Paula McArdle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved receiving this book as a Christmas gift from my sister! I've loved and admired David Attenborough for as long as I can remember, and this is such a sweet story of his life and accomplishments 🥰 So wholesome

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to be added to Amazon UK and US on 4th February 2020 - publication day!

I love the books in this series and I am always delighted to see when they have new releases out - and this book features a man who has been a hero of mine from a very young age. I remember watching Wildlife on One on the BBC with my dad when I was little and I have also been lucky enough to meet him a handful of times too!

The images are great and I loved how the book also focussed on his interests in fossils too as that was really his first true love! I thought it was good to show how much of an impact he has made by showing some of the different animals, insects and creatures he has named after him too - he will certainly be greatly missed when he does pass on as he has been a leader in his field bringing the animals and wildlife to our screens and a great conservationist in his later years.

It is 5 stars from me for this one, it is yet another great addition to the series and one that both my daughter and I enjoyed - very highly recommended!

[Athina (booknotes_athina) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

I love the picture books that Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara does. They are perfect for little children.
In this beautiful picture book we discover the life of the inspiring broadcaster and conservationist, David Attenborough.
I truly enjoy this series and I find every book to be inspiring for little children. This one was no exception.
Beautiful illustrations too.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had this book thrust upon me by an enthusiastic seven year old and while it works as a brief introduction to Sir David Attenborough's life and achievements, the illustrations created more questions than answers.

The primary reason for this was the cute, but impractical rendition of various animals displaying anthropomorphic behaviours, such as "reading" notes. We probably spent longer discussing this than the rest of the book, which is a shame.

Overall, it was the timeline which saved this book and acted as a clear, visual resource of information. Regardless of issues though, I'm glad Sir David Attenborough has been added to this book series.

[Kieran Fortune · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sir David Attenborough. What more introduction does he need? This lovely little book details the story of David Attenborough's life and all the important work he has done. The book does so using simple sentences and descriptions that are perfectly accessible for young readers. Unsurprising for the books of this series, the illustrations are charming and eye catching to engage young children. Additionally, the book features extra facts at the back, including a timeline of his life with historical photos. It's a great way for children to easily access information about names that may have heard of throughout their lives. Also, David Attenborough is a legend.

[Layla Penfold · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a wonderful book if you want your children to start learning about amazing famous people.
David Attenborough is my absolute idol and has been for many years.
My children adore and are fascinated by nature and the world around them, and what better way to help them learn by the best.
It’s only a short book, but it’s enough for them to understand what he is about and what he does ❤️

[Francesca]

Okay so we all know that this man is a legend and a champion of the natural world. Therefore, it may be a lil biased when I say this is one of my favourites of this series so far. Not only does it give insights into where his passions began and how he applied them, but the illustrations in this were top notch. I think that the use of animals, in the scenes depicted, would be really funny and engaging to the intended young audience (I mean they made me smile). This was just a pleasure to read.

[Emily T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable and informative. The illustrations are excellent too.

[Louise Bath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great little book. It evokes David Attenborough's excitement and enthusiasm about the natural world very strongly, and there are some enchanting illustrations. I particularly enjoyed the one showing Attenborough being knighted and the two pages of plants, insects, and animals that have been named after him!

A melancholy book, given the current state of the natural world, but it also emphasises David Attenborough's optimism and his belief that humans have the power to save the planet.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

David Attenborough 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.

Due out 4th June 2019 from Quarto on their Frances Lincoln imprint, it'll be 32 pages and will be available in hardcover, and ebook formats.

Written by Isabel Sánchez Vegara it's well written in clear accessible language. The gentle and sweetly whimsical illustrations are well done. The art by Mikyo Noh 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 little butterflies, bugs, reptiles and more which appear throughout the book).

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. Sir David Attenborough is an intelligent and accomplished spokesman for conservation and our lovely planet and this 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

[Cara White · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Attenborough (Little People, Big Dreams) extended review;
What an adventure this was to explore! This book is a great way to introduce young readers to the world of David Attenborough. It is inspiring and motivational for all ages of readers despite it being aimed at babies and toddlers. After reading it I had a strong urge to get outside and explore.
It follows Attenborough through his childhood as a young boy following his dreams and discovering his love of animals. It's’ simple sentences and language make the book accessible for young readers. The content is informative and well researched. There is just enough information to capture a child's curiosity however it is not overloaded with facts.
At the back of the book there are additional extra facts about Attenborough, including historical photos, a profile about his life as a broadcaster and a biographical timeline.
Illustrations
The illustrations are fun and quirky
The lines and colours of the pictures are soft, which makes them approachable.
The colours used add to the natural nature feeling of the book.
It gives a context to the environments of different animals.
The animals are anthropomorphised on each page which displays the importance that they have to Attenborough.
This book would be a great addition to everyone’s library. It is a great way to introduce children to David Attenborough and issues of the environment. This book also lends itself nicely to introducing children to reading for meaning and comprehension.
The whole little people, BIG dreams series are fantastic, each book is unique, informative and would make a great addition to any classroom!

[Theediscerning · Rating 3 out of 5]

What struck me about this book was that, while the illustrations seem quickly knocked up, and cheesy in the way that a gallery of animals is there watching David Attenborough get knighted, there is clear research behind them. The building of Leicester University where he grew up does not look a million miles from the one in the illustration here, and when he's on his own private field trips to dig up fossils and discover the world around him he's clearly in a version of Bradgate Park, which both he and I know well. What also struck me about this book's visuals is that "little David", as the final page bizarrely calls him, seems to be about ten years old, when the whole point of these things is to portray an incredible, inspiring life. You know, life, that way we have of getting old and doing either good or average or worse with the time? Sir David inspires because he has kept his marbles, his intelligence, his integrity, his energy and enthusiasm through so many decades. Showing this expert mind in action is all well and good, but show it in the right body – the Stephen Hawking volume in this series didn't put him in Superman tights and running about the place. So there are some weird decisions here (is it too much to read the lesson that you can only deserve your fame if you're still young?) but I still liked this entry to the series. I guess the fact it was about someone I've actually met for once kind of biased me towards it, though… Three and a half stars.

[Sandra | Leituras descomplicadas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falar do ambiente e da consciencialização para a proteção do nosso planeta é, sem dúvida, falar de Sir David Attenborough. Em mais um volume da coleção "Meninos pequenos, grandes sonhos", chega a história de vida do conservacionista mais conhecido em todo o mundo e que continua a cativar-nos a todos com a sua voz e conhecimento tão vasta sobre o nosso planeta. Este é o livro ideal para os apaixonados por animais e que gostariam de com eles trabalhar toda a vida. Despertando a curiosidade pela vida inspiradora de David Attenborough, sempre pincelada pelas maravilhosas ilustrações a que já estamos habituados nesta coleção, os mais novos ficam a saber que ele estudo Zoologia, antes de se tornar apresentador de programas sobre animais e poder ficar a conhecê-los mais de perto, através dos seus programas em que teve a oportunidade de visitar animais de todo o mundo nos seus habitats.

Este é um livro inspirador e que serve para mostrar aos mais pequenos que todos os sonhos são possíveis e que todos podem ambicionar a serem aquilo que quiserem, bastando para isso estudar, dedicar-se e encontrar exemplos inspiradores como os de David Attenborough. Dos nossos livros preferidos desta colecção!!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This delightful edition to the little book: BIG DREAMS collection focuses on Sir David Attenborough and his life’s works surrounding animals and our planet.

Sir David Attenborough is a well-known name and I imagine most children will have heard his name mentioned at some point so again, this book is great to give them further knowledge into him and his background. He is an inspiring man with whom children can learn to respect their world around them and the animals that habitats within it.

I liked this story as I’m a big fan of Sir David. I think he has done such wonderful things in educating and bringing awareness to the people of the world; where animals and the environment is concerned. This book perfectly compliments that in a way for young children to understand and learn from.

This book is full of beautiful illustrations that show Attenborough doing what he does best. It is full of simple text, making it easy for young readers to read and understand. It is informational without being overwhelming and an enjoyable read. I think children who read this will could easily go on to find a further interest into the world and it’s creatures around them, just as a Young Attenborough inspired to do so.

**I received an advanced copy of this ebook to read and review. Thank you NetGalley, the author and publisher for allowing me this opportunity**

[Eule Luftschloss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hell yes!

I've read many books from the Little People, Big Dreams series by Isabel Sánchez Vegara, but I believe this is my favourite so far. And I can pinpoint exactly why: This persons history- David Attenborough's - resonates with me. So far, I found the stories entertaining and enjoyed that I was learning new things, which is always a plus. But a person wishing to spend their life with animals I can understand.
That's probably a very privileged point of view to have. But then, I still have to read from people with my problems, being neurodiverse, disabled, enby, ace. One day, my friends. The day will come.

Back to the book.
Everywhere are animals where there don't need to be some. One picture shows Sir Attenborough in a library, and in the seat across from hin, placed on multiple cushions, sits a chameleon. The part about animals being entertaining guests in television studios made me laugh, and I badly needed that. The spread including animals that have been named after Sir Attenborough impressed me.
From all those I've read so far, if I wanted to purchase one, it would be this book.

I recieved a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have long admired David Attenborough and was excited to discover that he is now the subject of one of the Little People Big Dreams series.

This book was quite an education. With its familiar style of simple illustrations and short accessible text, we learn about Attenborough's childhood and what inspired his love of the natural world. Always accompanied by animals in the illustrations, this is an image of David Attenborough that is easy to picture in real life.

My only slight criticism would be that the image of David Attenborough 'today' with his concerns for ocean pollution looks as young as the image when he graduates from university, and I feel that for many young readers an image of him as an older man would be more familiar.

This is a book I will certainly consider for use in the classroom, perhaps with our eco-council and when learning about different parts of the natural world using clips from Attenborough documentaries.

I received an eARC of this book from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Wayne McCoy · Rating 2 out of 5]

'David Attenborough' by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara with illustrations by Mikyo Noh is another great entry in the Little People, Big Dreams series of books for younger reader.

David Attenborough grew up in Leicester on a university campus where his father was a professor. His interest in the natural world was sparked young by seeing animals, and by collecting fossils. As he got older, he wanted to study animals in their native habitats instead of in zoos.

I overall love this series, but this one felt average. The illustrations were cute, and had the odd animal showing up, but this felt cutesy instead of natural, which I felt this particular subject warranted.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing-Frances Lincoln Childrens, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.

[Andrea Pole · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Attenborough by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara is another charming entrant to the Little People BIG DREAMS series that has become a must read for me. This is a wonderful series that excels at educating, as well as entertaining, both young and old with an impressive collection of notable figures of the past and present who have made a significant contribution to their chosen field.

Born in 1926, David Attenborough has devoted his entire life to the exploration and preservation of the planet, and to the multitude of flora and fauna species which inhabit it. As per usual, the accompanying illustrations are a delight, and I will look forward to adding this latest gem to my collection.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Childrens for this ARC.

[joyce w. laudon · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Attenborough is a well known advocate for environmental causes. He has produced a number of spectacular television series about the world we live in. Yet, he was once a little boy who was just beginning to explore his interests in the natural world. In this charming entry in a wonderful biographical series, readers watch a curious David become educated, spend time with all kinds of animals in all kinds of places and find his calling. He is eventually honored by Queen Elizabeth.

Charmingly illustrated, this is another appealing entry in the Little People series that children should read to learn more about their world and the many things that people do in it. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.