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Little People, BIG DREAMS

Bob Dylan: Little People, Big Dreams. Deutsche Ausgabe

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In this book from the critically acclaimed Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the inspiring story of this iconic singer-songwriter, poet, and artist.

Bob Dylan was born in Duluth, Minnesota. As a teenager, he played in various bands and, over time, his interest in music deepened, with a particular passion for American folk music and blues. Dylan moved to New York City in 1961, where he began to perform poetry and music in clubs and cafés in Greenwich Village. There, he recorded a number of albums that made him one of the most influential musicians of history. This fascinating 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 musician's life.

Little People, BIG DREAMS is a 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.

This empowering series 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 versions present expanded stories for beginning readers. Boxed gift sets allow you to collect a selection of the books by theme. Paper dolls, learning cards, matching games, and other fun learning tools provide even more ways to make the lives of these role models accessible to children.

Inspire the next generation of outstanding people who will change the world with Little People, BIG DREAMS!

Hardcover

First published April 7, 2020

11 people are currently reading
785 people want to read

About the author

Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

180 books143 followers
You may find books from the "Little People BIG DREAMS" series on author page - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
Profile Image for PattyMacDotComma.
1,783 reviews1,061 followers
February 18, 2020
4★
“When he took part in a talent show, the teacher turned his microphone off. Bob sounded like a dog whose leg was caught in barbed wire!”


Note the teacher pulling the plug :)

Young Robert Zimmerman wanted to play some kind of music and not just in his hometown. He wasn’t all that different from most young people in America, except that he had a real talent for songwriting.

The newly self-named Bob Dylan writing songs in his bedroom

He headed to New York, developed his own style of folk music, and found young people who responded to his messages about civil rights and war.

Bob playing to an enthusiastic audience

Many famous artists recorded his songs which became better known than he was. I’d say most people back then could sing along with Peter, Paul and Mary’s version of “Blowin’ in the Wind” before they ever heard Bob Dylan sing it, but I may be exaggerating.

Some of the artists who recorded Bob Dylan’s songs

Needless to say, singers like Johnny Cash and Jimmy Hendrix took his words and stories to people who might never listen to folk music. His writing is such that he was the first musician ever to win the Nobel Prize for Literature.

This is an interesting series of books for small children, but there is a nod to the adults at the back with a recommendation for another ‘real’ book about Dylan plus a couple of pages of text and some photos.

Dylan in 1961, 1966, 1975, and in 2012, receiving an award from President Obama

I hope this will spur some young poets to experiment, be brave, find their voice. I’m an unabashed Dylan fan and I’m sure many readers are too.

Thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Books - Frances Lincoln Children's Books - for the preview copy from which I've quoted and shared a few pictures. It's due to be published in April, do I hope librarians have their order books ready to keep adding to the series.
Profile Image for Hilary .
2,294 reviews489 followers
August 8, 2020
Having been dissapointed with most of this series this one didn't fail to disappoint.

I didn't like the illustrations, the clothes, colours and furnishings gave you no feel of the 60s, this could have been set today. So many books in this series have anachronistic illustrations, what a waste a child couldn't have caught a glimpse of some of the interesting fashions or design details of the 60s because the information was very scant. I felt I came away with nothing having read this book. The most basic facts were mentioned, this could have been about any musician who played guitar. I bet Bob wouldn't be impressed with this one.
Profile Image for Jon Nakapalau.
6,522 reviews1,026 followers
September 15, 2023
Great introduction to this iconic personality. I have a really good friend who is a big fan of Bob Dylan; always look forward to his annual summer BBQ - nothing but BD songs for hours and hours as the Saturday slowly passes by. Recently I have been getting into some of his earlier works, so far I have been really impressed!
Profile Image for Dave Schaafsma.
Author 6 books32.2k followers
July 14, 2020
When I saw that Dylan was being featured in the Little People Big Dreams series by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara I ordered it and was excited to see it, so it pains me to say I was disappointed to read it (but yes, still give it three stars, so stay tuned). Full disclosure: I am a huge Dylan fan and have seen him in every decade of my life (except the first). I have most of his music and have been reading his weird interviews and books about him for decades.

So I think Vegara, bless her positivity-filled heart, in doing this series which is so encouraging to young people and so beautiful and so fun, does not really know or get Dylan. I love the cover and the image of the young Dylan: Cute. I love the harmonica image theme throughout. I love the feel and energy in the art. But.

Nits: To say that Hibbing, Minnesota "wasn't very exciting for young Robert" presumes he had a boring, terrible childhood, which he did not. And it is insulting to people in small towns everywhere and to Hibbing in particular, however you might compare it to NYC. She further insults Hibbing by saying his early playing there was for "an audience that was easily pleased." In other words, they were "rubes," not gifted with a musical ear. Rural losers. Come on Isabel! Be nice!

Many people like to make fun of Dylan's voice. Vergara makes it clear what side she is on when she says of the young performing Dylan, "Bob sounded like a dog whose leg was caught in barbed wire." Ugh! You are clearly not a fan, Isabel!

If you acknowledge he was a gifted writer, include some of his lyrics maybe? Let us decide? Show, not tell, please. For most of this book he could be any musician. I am glad she includes references to his early work in civil rights and pacifism but she never mentions a single influential song, or career moment! But many people, she says, have covered his songs. . . wow! What songs? Why is that better than the content of even one song such as "Blowin' in the Wind"?

She's right that he was more a recluse than a showman, yet he has publically toured for more than five decades, so that irony should be apparent. I am glad she does recognize him as one of the great lyricists of all time, and acknowledges the range of styles and genres he has explored. And she talks of the intimacy of his writing, which is true. But all feels too generalized and abstract. We don't rea;;y see why he was special, as we often do in some of her better wriiten books in the series.

Of the appendix: He didn't go to the University of Minneapolis; it doesn't exist. Here she mentions a couple of influences, finally: Woody Guthrie and John Lee Hooker (whom she says Dylan "supported"). But no names in the actual text.

Okay, I give it three stars because it is lovely, very attractive, cute, and Dylan. And I support the series, to inspire young people to dream.
Profile Image for Emma.
1,019 reviews1,023 followers
February 3, 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 one here is about the famous singer Bob Dylan. I think it gives a nice description on how he started his career. I really enjoyed the message it conveys which is to never settle and to always challenge oneself, just like Dylan does.
Profile Image for 8stitches 9lives.
2,853 reviews1,725 followers
April 9, 2020
The Little People, BIG DREAMS series prides itself on providing child-friendly biographies of renowned public figures and celebrities and in this, the thirty-seventh instalment, we approach the incredible life of blues artist Bob Dylan. Once again, the author strikes the perfect balance between presenting information children will find interesting but not making it overwhelming or tedious; it’s clear Sánchez Vegara understands the importance of feeding a child’s curiosity in their early years and instilling a passion for books and reading. One thing that never alters depending on wonderful episode of the series you are reading to your little ones is the targeting of imagination and without fail every one of these has culminated in the child asking many, many intelligent questions and as such serves to introduce them to particular famous characters if so desired.

As always, Vegara has done a sterling job of matching tidbits of information about Dylan with complementary pictures drawn with care and vibrancy. From birth to present day, it’s a book that help kids with literacy and fosters a message about the enjoyment of reading. You simply cannot go wrong with this series in general as everything is executed perfectly and tailored beautifully to youngsters. I have purchased rather a few of these for the Little Ones in our family and they never fail to promote an endless fascination. I can not recommend each of these books highly enough and there is more than enough variety in the people they choose to cover to appeal all manner of young ones. Exceptional. Many thanks to Frances Lincoln Children's Books for an ARC.
Profile Image for Sassy Sarah Reads.
2,361 reviews305 followers
March 5, 2020
Bob Dylan by Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara & Conrad Roset

3 stars

This is a cute little graphic novel about Bob Dylan. It’s a good introduction into who he is and it’s art is beautiful. I think that this could be a great little book to own if you are a Bob Dylan fan or if you just love teaching little kids history. I personally didn’t adore this little novel, but I liked it well enough that I want to and have an interest in the rest of the Little People, Big Dreams series.



Whimsical Writing Scale: 3

Art Scale: 4

Plotastic Scale: 2

Cover Thoughts: I love the way Bob Dylan looks. Super cute art style.


Thank you, Netgalley and Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Martina.
339 reviews43 followers
February 7, 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 year is about BoB Dylan, one of the most famous singers of all time. It talks about his childhood and how he started his career. He took risks to achieve what he wanted and wrote so many songs that speak directly to one's heart. So inspiring!
Profile Image for leni swagger.
518 reviews6 followers
May 26, 2024
A very special soul gifted this book to me, and I just couldn’t resist reviewing it.

Bob Dylan is, quite simply, the love of my life. I would marry that man even if he were still tangled up in blue;) If I ever have children one day, I'll tell them he was their real father💅

It’s an adorable book, telling the long story of Dylan in only a few pages. I was told that this was “just supposed to make me laugh," and damn, it did!
Thanks a lot! I’ll cherish it forever and ever!!!
Profile Image for Richard.
2,340 reviews196 followers
February 7, 2020
Few people can be surprised that Bob Dylan has got his own book in the Little People, Big Dreams series.
He is a standout lyricist and musician who has influenced most forms of music; his songs covered by the famous and chanted in protest by crowds of folk united by his words and vision.
At college my room mate from Indian was a great Dylan fan, he would quote him effortless most days and I know better than most: “money doesn’t talk, it swears”.
Good to be reminded of those days as I read this short book for children. Pack with great colourful illustrations and simple words leaving a lasting impression you, from this man’s simple life.
As with all these books they are a beginning, a start to let a young person find out more for themselves. It is the humble life growing up; self taught musician whose words were the catch rather than his voice. His beat, engaging tunes and catchy melody that resonated to be discovered and which still moves a new generation today.
An ability to put into words what others feel but could never express themselves is why he won an Nobel Prize for Literature. To be more than others could have imagined he could be is what makes us all see the power of dreams and the need to encourage potential in all.
Profile Image for Natalie  all_books_great_and_small .
3,152 reviews175 followers
February 19, 2020
I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Another fantastic book in the Little People Big Dreams series by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara!
This time it's after a song writer -Bob Dylan who couldn't sing very well but through his passion for music and singing found he was very good at writing songs that reached people about things that mattered to them. This teaches children that his dream didnt go the way he planned but he didn't give up and he found another way to be a part of the dream he had by writing the music instead.
I love This series, it teaches chikdren about famous people who perused their dreams and didn't give up.
Profile Image for Karschtl.
2,256 reviews61 followers
April 13, 2020
I'm not sure how many children today, even older ones, still know Bob Dylan. Although he wrote so many songs and received all the awards one can get, including the Nobel Prize, he is not played on the radio anymore. But he is still releasing new albums every few years and - at almost 80 years old - he is still travelling the world with his "Never Ending Tour"!

This little biography illustrates his childhood, college time and his start as a professional musician in New York City. Bob Dylan is - like many other people in this book series - another perfect example that your dreams can come true, no matter what your family background or your financial means are like.
Profile Image for Andrea Pole.
817 reviews141 followers
February 5, 2020
Bob Dylan by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara is another fine addition to the Little People BIG DREAMS series. As we have come to expect from this appealing and educational franchise, the book delivers a concise and accessible introduction to legendary musician Bob Dylan, the boy who would grow up to become the voice of a generation.

I continue to applaud this wonderful series of books that endeavour to show even the youngest of children that it is possible to achieve their biggest dreams.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Childrens for this ARC.
Profile Image for Kelly_Hunsaker_reads ....
2,280 reviews73 followers
March 8, 2020
This short, little biography is written for children, but completely enjoyable for this adult. The artwork is spot on, with the animation of Dylan looking exactly like the artist even when drawn as a small child. This one is a lovely introduction of children to an artist they might not know otherwise. The artwork is whimsical and beautiful. I will be locating the Little People, Big Dreams series in my local bookstore to purchase a selection for my favorite (only) great nephew,

Thank you to Netgalley and Lincoln Children's Books for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
7,036 reviews83 followers
February 3, 2020
Real good. One of the great one in the recent releases from this collection. I love it, fun, educative and inspiring as always!
5,870 reviews146 followers
March 13, 2021
Bob Dylan is book in the Little People, Big Dreams series and is a children's picture book written by Isabel Sánchez Vegara and illustrated by Conrad Roset. It is a cursory biography of Bob Dylan from his humble beginnings in Hibbing, Minnesota, listening to the radio to becoming one of the greatest songwriters of all time.

Bob Dylan (Robert Allen Zimmerman) is an American singer-songwriter, author and visual artist. Often regarded as one of the greatest songwriters of all time, Dylan has been a major figure in popular culture for more than 50 years.

Vegara's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. It starts off with a young Robert who loved listening to music, which often took him far away. His love for music grew as he joined many bands as a teenager, eventually going solo and to become one of the best songwriters of all time. Backmatter includes a concise and informative biography timeline of Bob Dylan's life. Roset's illustrations are drawn well and quirky, albeit a tad simplistic, but depicted the narrative rather well and apropos to the target audience.

The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It depicts Bob Dylan's childhood, his love for music – particularly the folk genre, performing in many bands as a teenager, before breaking out on his own, moved to New York and perfected the craft of poetry and songwriting.

All in all, Bob Dylan is a wonderful biography of a little boy, who loved music and the power it could transport a person and worked hard to fulfill his dream and eventually became the greatest songwriter of all time.
Profile Image for Carla.
7,658 reviews178 followers
April 3, 2020
New in the Little People, Big Dreams series, discover the incredible life of Bob Dylan. As anyone who reads my reviews knows, I love this series and gobble up each new book as they are published. Bob Dylan was born Robert Zimmerman. As a child, he loved music above all else. He was not always appreciated for his voice as a child. As he got older he began to compose his own songs under his new name, Bob Dylan. His songs were about real things, events, civil rights and war. He was well received with his new folk music. Many other famous artists recorded his music and it got the audience it deserved. Bob did not mind others singing and recording his songs. His writing was so poetic that he was the first musician ever to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. I love the timelines that appear at the end of each of these books. There are also other resources that can be searched out for further study. This book could be used to teach young children how to write a biography, show that it is important to have a dream and strive to achieve it as well as to introduce one of the greatest authors of our time to a new generation. A good book for a school, class, or public library. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book to read via netgalley. The rating, opinions and ideas stated are my own.
Profile Image for Viv.
139 reviews62 followers
April 3, 2020
I was provided an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Reading the Bob Dylan edition of Little people, BIG DREAMS was so much fun. It was the first one in this series that I got the chance to read and I'm madly in love with how well done this short picture of a life was. The art is super pretty and even though it's really short, it never felt cut or "unfinished". This little book made me smile and even got me a bit goosebumpsy at the end.

Inspiring and utterly lovely told. I'll make sure that my godchildren will have this one and others in this series in their life.

The Little People, BIG DREAMS books are a great way to inspire your kids to dream big. And stay true to themselves.
2,714 reviews9 followers
February 25, 2020
Young readers and listeners will learn how Robert Zimmerman became the famous, somewhat reclusive, musician Bob Dylan in this entry in the Little People, Big Dreams series.  Finding his voice and using it are what made this singer, songwriter and multiple instrument playing musician the person that he became.  Attention is paid to the kind of music Dylan makes and the ways in which he is his idiosyncratic self.  Nicely illustrated and with additional biographical information at the end of the book, this is another excellent entry in an excellent series.


Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Donna Maguire.
4,895 reviews120 followers
February 9, 2020
Review to be added to Amazon UK and US on publication day - 7th April 2020!

I enjoyed this book and I thought that it was another great addition to the series.

I liked the way that the author has told the story that he has become famous through his work and that he still wants to stay out of the limelight. The images for me were not as nice as some of the other books in the series though.

It is 3.5 stars from me for this one, rounded up to 4 stars for Goodreads and Amazon
Profile Image for Kristin.
580 reviews36 followers
February 17, 2020
It's a very simple introduction to Bob Dylan, even if it's for kids. I felt there were no "life lesson" in this book, perhaps apart from being oneself, and the was the biography of the wrong person in the back. Cute illustrations though.
Profile Image for Mary Bronson.
1,556 reviews87 followers
March 5, 2020
I loved this little biography of Bob Dylan. He is one of my favorite singers and its great to know that people are wanting little kids to know about him too. His music inspired not only his generation, but continues to inspire other generations.
Profile Image for Joanne.
1,974 reviews43 followers
May 14, 2025
Bob Dylan is a perfect fit for the Little People, Big Dreams series—after all, since he was a kid, Robert Zimmerman always had a strong sense of self… even if he eventually changed his name. Despite a rough start (his school talent show teacher literally turned off his mic!), he kept writing lyrical, powerful songs—so many they seemed to blow in the wind. The whimsical, blobby illustrations are a standout, with something breezy drifting through each spread—surely not a coincidence. A strong, poetic, and visually clever addition to the series.
Profile Image for Andréa.
12.1k reviews112 followers
May 25, 2020
Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Profile Image for Francesca.
253 reviews
Read
April 2, 2024
Must admit, I don't think this one resonated with me as much as the others so far. I think that's because - even though I know his name - I don't really know his work. Hopefully after listening to some of his songs (performed by him or just written by him) I'll understand a bit more.
1,049 reviews15 followers
May 22, 2020
Great recap

This is a great story for young people to read. It tells them about Bob Dylan and it also inspires them to be themselves.
Profile Image for J. d'Merricksson.
Author 12 books50 followers
May 14, 2020
Vegara's Bob Dylan takes a look at the titular singer/songwriter. Dylan was also a poet, and an artist. He had a particular interest in folk music and blues music. The end of the book contains a more detailed look at Dylan's life, using language suited for much older readers. Perfect for libraries, and classroom learning. I read this with my cubs. We love this series! Highly recommended!

***Many thanks to the Netgalley & Quarto Publishing for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Profile Image for April Gray.
1,389 reviews9 followers
May 9, 2020
This is my favorite of the Little People, BIG DREAMS series so far. The art is gorgeous and lush- I especially liked the two-page spread showing several of the artists who've recorded Dylan's songs over the years; though it's by no means complete, it gives the reader a good idea of how extensive his influence has been. The text gives an overview of his life, that manages to convey Dylan's genius while keeping the story age-appropriate for the intended audience. At the end of the story, there's a short biography and timeline that gives additional information about his life- I didn't know he was only twenty when he received his first recording contract! Another great entry in this growing series for young readers.

#BobDylan #NetGalley
Profile Image for Wayne McCoy.
4,298 reviews32 followers
April 25, 2020
'Bob Dylan' by Ma Isabel Sanchez Vegara with illustrations by Conrad Roset is the story of singer/songwriter and music legend Bob Dylan.

Young Robert Zimmerman grew up in Hibbing, Minnesota. He liked the music he heard on the radio and taught himself to play guitar. He experimented with different styles of music and instruments. He became a brilliant songwriter.

I love this series, but it especially shines when the illustrations seem to rise above, and they do here. Conrad Roset's illustrations are really good and easily in my top 5 for this series.

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.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews

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