Like other books in this series, it is a fun little introduction to inspiring people. Definitely a great way to introduce kids to biographies and a nice read for adults too. I would recommend all the books in this series.

Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

The Little People Big Dreams series are always great, and I'd always happily recommend any and all of them to customers. I'm yet to find one I don't like and they offer a great introduction to some fascinating people for kids (and in some cases adults too!).

This was such a lovely book and perfect for my market. I loved that it was a ballet book about a boy, and that most of the illustrations were of boy dancers as this is something we get asked about. The illustrations were so expressive, Nureyev was at times, dare I say it, sexy! He looks consistently strong and there are real elements that challenge stereotypes here. Of course the story itself is fascinating yet complex, I thought it was well transcribed for young readers, but the illustrations were the highlight. Thanks!

Sanchez Vegara's Rudolf Nureyev explores the life of one of the world's most talented male ballet dancers. Though Rudolf fell in love with dance at a young age, he was unable to go to ballet school until he was practically an adult. This meant he had a lot of catching up to do! Rudolf worked hard, and excelled in his studies. He became a master of dance, and eventually, a choreographer. At the end is a section with more detailed information on Nureyev'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.

As a child my mother inculcated a love and respect for ballet, its history, and its most important dancers. I'm glad Sanchez Vergara took the time to create a volume that honors the Soviet ballet dancer.

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 one here tells the story of Rudolf Nureyev, one of the greatest male ballet dancer of his generation. I loved the messages that if you have passionand determination you can accomplish everything, and that gender means nothing at all, you can do everything you like regardless being a male of female.

I love how each of these "Little People, Big Dreams" books has a central theme, a single life lesson to teach. Nureyev's story empowers children to self-define, to determine how they want to live and who they want to be. It tells the reader that there is no barrier too big to overcome. The text tiptoes around issues of gender and sexuality.

Another wonderful addition to this growing series of books about influential figures in history. With all that is currently in the news about male dancers, this is one that needs to be read by anyone who thinks dancing is for girls!

Told in the familiar style of a picture book, Rudolf Nureyev has just the right ratio of text:illustration to engage a young reader and tells the story of a young boy who defied his father's wishes and worked hard to build his reputation throughout the world.

I would highly recommend anyone who has read other titles in this series to take a look at this book!

I have read nearly all of Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara's children's books. This book is no different than the rest. Rudolf Nureyev's story is an essential read for all children, especially in a time when gender stereotypes are openly challenged. The illustrations are lovely as always, and the method in which Vegara depicts his life story both at the beginning and more in-depth at the end are perfection. I truly appreciate her dedication to expanding children's books beyond talking animals and mindless jargon.

'Rudolf Nureyeve' by Ma Isabel Sanchez Vegara with illustrations by Eleanora Arosio is part of the Little People, Big Dreams series of picture books for young readers.

Rudolf fell in love with dance as a young child. While other kids were playing hockey, he wanted to dance, but he couldn't enter ballet school until he was 17. He also wanted to change other things about dance, like the clothes he was supposed to wear. In his later life, he defected and brought his style of dance to the rest of the world.

Along with the text, there is a timeline and photos at the back of the book. The illustrations are nice and the figures are rounded, which complements the idea of dance and movement really well.

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.

As an adult, this story read a little sad, but the message was strong in following one's dreams in spite of adversity and work hard while you're at it. Good title for those who feel like outliers. Will be including in my teaching library.

This book has special relevance for me because my 4-year-old son attends ballet classes and is absolutely thriving there. I’ve been on the lookout for a book with a male ballet dancer as a positive role model and the main character in a story. Now I’ve found one!

Nureyev grew up in poverty in Russia and early on developed a love of ballet. Even though circumstances meant that he was only able to begin formal training very late, at age 17, he went on to become a professional dancer and influential figure, known throughout the world for his talent and unique style.

The illustrations are almost abstract in their simplicity, with the figures, despite being ballet dancers, not drawn stick-thin, but almost shapeless, to the point that it’s difficult to distinguish between men and woman. But this is actually kind of fitting for a book whose message is ultimately “men and women are equal and should be given the same opportunities.”

The informative back matter details more of Nureyev’s life and includes photos of him at various stages in his career.

When there are so many books on the market about ballerinas (many of them very good ones of course), it’s delightful to discover a story centering around a male ballet dancer. And the fact that it’s true significantly adds to the appeal!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Another in the 'Little People, Big Dreams' series which introduces the reader to the life and achievements of Rudolf Nureyev. Easy to read, clearly illustrated and very engaging visually, this is an excellent text for emergent to independent readers. The text mentions the perception Rudolf's father had that ballet was 'a girl thing' and shows that this did not dissuade Rudolf from pursuing his interest. He is a clear example of somebody not backing down when others try to stop them following their dream.

I honestly don’t know how I could love this series any more than I already do, yet with every installment, I find myself blown away. Little People, Big Dreams, is a brilliant, much needed series for young children, with each edition presenting an important (but not always well-known) person who has made a difference in the world. This time, we are introduced to Rudolf Nureyev, a ballet dancer from Russia, whose passion and dedication transformed ballet for male dancers around the world. I was unfamiliar with Rudolf Nureyev prior to reading this book, but in a few short pages, I have learned a great deal about who he was and what an important contribution he made.

This little book teaches lessons about passion, perseverance, and reminds us all that all things are for all people. Wonderful lessons every child will benefit from.

A must read!

Rudolf Nureyev is a new young reader book in the Little People, Big Dreams series. Written by Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara and illustrated by Eleonora Arosio, it's due out 30th July 2019 from Quarto on their Frances Lincoln imprint. Aimed at young readers, it's 32 pages, perfect for a storytime or classroom circle read. It'll be available in ebook and hardcover formats. I've reviewed a number of these titles previously and all of them have been delightful and exuberant little books which cover the lives of famous cultural, science, arts, and innovation icons while maintaining an age-appropriate level of detail.

This series is really amazing for its accessibility and charm. The subjects are profoundly important people culturally and historically who have lived through often deeply difficult lives. How does one write them into a digestible and appealing format for very young children (and their caregivers)?

This particular book and the artist's finesse with settings and postures/expressions is truly charming. There are also number of subtle and reassuring messages about inclusivity, respect, passion for one's art, and doing what one loves.

I really love all of these books I've read and reviewed and can recommend this one unreservedly. In addition to the biography, there is a short additional bibliography/suggested reading list included at the end of the book.

Lovely book! Five stars

Another great addiction the series.

I particularly appreciated the story of Rudolf Nureyev as I didn’t know his upbringing and the difficulties he had to face to chase his dream to become a ‘boy ballerina’.

This little book is inclusive and it is literally putting on stage the life of a person that wanted to live to the fullest,without constrictions and limitations.

Bravo!

Loved it!!! Not only is this book about an influential person but a "boy ballerina"?! Yes!! I think book got "dance isnt just for girls" thru someones head better than me saying it fifty billion times....

This series of books just goes from strength to strength. Now that the most noted and expected figures in history have been covered, I am so pleased to see figures that may ordinarily be overlooked.
It’s clear from this Big Dream, that the creator of this collection is picking iconic people who young people today can identify with, who can see the path that may seem difficult can be rewarding.
I can’t wait to see what Little People, Big Dreams has in store next.

I love how inclusive this series is! Rudolf Nureyev serves as a great example for all little boys (and girls) out there who don't want to be restricted by gender rolls - or controlled by secret services. Sweet and enjoyable, like every installment of Little People, BIG DREAMS so far!