Rudolf Nureyev

To be honest, I hadn’t heard of Rudolf Nureyev before, so I can’t judge how accurately this book portraits his life. But I think this is a book with a very important message. It tells kids that there are no ”girl things“ or ”boy things“, and that they are allowed to love whatever they want, no matter their gender. And, of course, that hard work and dedication will pay off eventually.

ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.

Wow!! This one was a gem!
Thank you so much for the copy of this book!
I personally hadn't heard from Rudolph, but I was so inspired by his story!!
My favorite line was " there are not things for girls or boys only things you love with all your heart"
The illustrations were beautiful!

These are such beautiful and informative books for little and big people, because I didn’t know much about Rudolf I learned a lot here too ! Inspiring bedtime reads or for just inspiring little people at any time

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

This fine offering in one of my fave series (Little People, Big Dreams by Quarto) focuses on the life of dancer Rudolf Nureyev. Tells how he escaped a life of poverty — and relatively late in life at that — through ballet. His incredible work ethic saved and propelled him into one of the most spectacular dancers and choreographers to ever live. Adore the quirky illustrations, with more detailed biographical facts at the end. Highly recommended! 5/5

Pub Date 30 Jul 2019

Thanks to Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.

#RudolfNureyev #NetGalley

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.
Rudolf Nureyev has always inspired me. He definitely was part of a big change in the ballet world and I cannot but admire him for pursuing his passion and being the promoter of some very groundbreaking innovations at the time. Now I'm even more looking forward to checking out the movie about him!

I was so excited to read this little book. I think this series is just stunning, it really makes approachable the greatest figures in history to children.
I love Nureyev's life, and the illustrations just made it even more amazing. I love how simple yet how elegant they were. And I loved the main message to not be defined by things "created for a gender or another." I can't wait to read more of these books, cause they bring such joy and positivity to the little ones, and at the same time they educate them.
Really cute.

This series is going from strength to strength, there's just too many for us to stock as many as we'd like. This story is inspiring for boys it teaches being a man can mean many things and success should be measured in your own terms. Great art style and carefully pitched storytelling. Very well done!

Another great addition to the Little People, Big Dreams series. I love that it focuses on a male ballerina. There is still a stigma today about male dancers and I found Nureyev's story inspiring and uplifting. He showed that passion coupled with hard work and determination can accomplish many things.

I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.

I love the breadth of historical figures this series covers from scientists to ballet dancers. The illustrations are very nice and stylistic. It seems like a good introduction to Rudolf Nuryev for young children, although I do wish the biographical page at the end of the book included more details.

The story of Rudolf Nureyev, a Russian born dancer who wouldn’t give up his dream to dance the way he wanted and love who he loved. What a beautiful story about a wonderful human. I love the style of illustration in this book.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you NetGalley.

the little people, big dreams books are a HUGE hit in our home. This book was no exception.. We learned so much about Rudolf Nureyev!

This book is the latest in a wonderful series for young children. In each nicely illustrated entry, is a story about a famous person, while at the end of each, there is a more detailed time line and photos. Each book shows the child that there is a world awaiting them that is full of possibility and that dreams matter. This book on Nureyev is no exception!

Readers will learn about how Rudolf fell in love with dance from the first time that he saw a ballet. Due to poverty and lack of resources, he was seventeen when he was accepted to ballet school. Young readers will find out about the ways in which Rudolf wanted to do things differently, his defection from Russia and the amazing, high leaping dancer that he was. Mention is also made of how there should not be particular dreams for girls or boys but dreams for everyone.

This book is a welcome addition to the series. Celebrate dance as you learn about Nureyev. Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto for this read in exchange for an honest review.

C'era una volta un bambino che viveva con la sua famiglia in un piccolo villaggio nella sconfinata steppa russa.

Questo bambino un giorno andò a teatro, e scoprì che voleva fare il ballerino.

Piroetta dopo piroetta diventò uno dei più grandi di tutti i tempi; lottò contro l'oppressione, fuggì dal suo Paese, innovò la tradizione artistica del balletto occidentale.

Diventò una leggenda.

Un esempio incantevole come sempre, anche se spiace, nell'ammirare la biografia di un artista di questo calibro, vedere che manca qualsiasi accenno alla sua omosessualità. Capisco la delicatezza del tema per bambini piccoli, ma non vedo perché non si sarebbe potuto introdurre comunque il concetto.

Like the "Bruce Lee" story, I found this book to have much less information than some of the other books in this series. Still a great book for kids, I just wish there was a little more substance.
The drawings a great, just with there was more to it.

I didn't love the illustrations in this book, but I thought the author did a great job telling Nureyev's story and getting a message of acceptance across.

Another beautiful addition to this series which I love to read. Gorgeous illustrations accompany Nureyev's story too at the perfect level for readers of all ages. It includes a really good message about doing what you want and not letting your gender stop you and being true to yourself.

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!

"Little Rudolf showed the world there are not 'things for girls' or 'things for boys'."
All parents and children should live by this belief! Why should boys only wear blue and girls pink? Ever since having a boy and a girl, I fight with these stereotypes. And I teach them daily that they can do whatever and become whomever they want in life. It's books like this one that help me prove the idea to them.
Another great read from Ms. Sánchez Vegara and the Little People, Big Dreams series!
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!

This was a delightful book that shows how you can follow your dreams.

Rudolf Nureyev fell in love with ballet at a young age but it was not viewed as a hobby or future job role that would be suitable for a boy, he ignored the comments and followed his dream to become one of the most famous ballet dancers in the world!

I love this series and this is another great, brief introduction to a famous name from the past. I hope the book encourages young children to disregard any prejudices and to just follow their hearts- 4 stars from me and looking forward to reading more from this fantastic series!

I didn't know anything about Nureyev, so it was fun to "meet" him through these playful images and simple words. An interesting addition to a series I enjoy.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.