Stevie Wonder

I'm sure that mot of the people reading this will be aware of who Stevie Wonder is, even if you're knowledge is something as simple as 'he was a musician', but I suspect that like me, you may not know a whole lot about him. This edition of Little People, Big Dreams covers the major events in the life of Stevie Wonder, and makes it accessible to children.

Often times when children's books try to focus on people from history they go for the big figures, the people who made huge decisions, or who made world changing discoveries and advancements. Whilst this isn't a bad thing, and kids need to learn about those kinds of people too, there are so many figures from history that didn't make massive impacts but are still incredibly inspiring.

Stevie Wonder is definitely one of these figures. He didn't run a country, or discover something, but he did do a lot of good in his lifetime, and he showed millions of people that disability shouldn't have to hold you back, and that you can still dream big, and achieve those dreams, even when it doesn't seem possible.

This is the kind of story that children need to hear, one that tells them that they don't have to grow up to be world leaders or scientists and inventors in order to achieve great things, that they can do something as simple as pursuing love for music and still make a difference to a lot of people, and most importantly, find happiness doing so. I can't think of a more perfect message to inspire children.

Stevie Wonder is the latest cultural icon to be featured in the incredibly popular Little People, Big Dreams series, by Frances Lincoln / Quarto Kids. This is written by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara with art from Maria Lee Johnson.

His story is one that is filled with the quiet determination of somebody whose musical talent was never questioned, even from an early age. We learn of his first signing to Motown records as an 11 year old. We hear how some of his most famous songs came about. We learn about the legacy of his music.

This series diligently chooses figures whose stories eschew tokenism, and features people who have made a positive difference in the world. Little Stevie Wonder is a deserving member of this cast.

I look forward to RuPaul’s book later this year too!

Ohhh what a gorgeous book. I love the Little People Big Dreams series so much and can’t wait to get them for my little ones if I have them. I learned so much about Stevie Wonder in such a short book. They are so informative and lovely. I wasn’t entirely sure why they illustrated Stevie Wonder with glasses at only a few days old but maybe there’s a reason for that. All in all, a cute informative book that all little ones and big ones should read!

I absolutely adore the Little People, Big Dreams series and this book, focusing on Stevie Wonder did not disappoint. Filled with glorious illustrations, these texts are a fabulous springboard for classroom discussion. I love how they cover such a broad range of famous faces, from scientists to musicians.

The story of Stevie Wonder begins with a brief look into the early life of this talented musician, before moving on to document just a few of his career highs. It also touches on his work supporting the community and wider world. The illustrations suit the theme of the book perfectly, with a distinctly Motown vibe in the colour and form.

I will be using this book as part of my Person of the Week work in a Year 5 classroom and think it would be a welcome addition to any school bookshelf. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

I absolutely love the books in this series and always find something new in them even as an adult!

The focus of this book is the wonderful musician and performer Stevie Wonder!

In this book you get to read a little about his early life in the book and the difficulties he has overcome to be such a well known, world wide star having lost his vision at such an early age - the book shows that he is an inspiration and you should not let your disabilities should you back.

This is the perfect little book to introduce Stevie Wonder, and his music to younger children.

Lovely images and another great addition to the series - 5 stars from me for this one

I really like this new addition to the 'Little people, big dreams' series. I've always enjoyed the music of Stevie Wonder but didn't know much about his life. This book is a nice introduction, very accessible to children. It's great that so many big names from music and sport etc are introduced to children in such a fun way. Great illustrations too.

I love this series of books and this one didn't disappoint!
Of course I knew who Stevie Wonder is but I didn't know any of his history at all - I didn't even know he was a child star, let alone the fact he was in an accident!
Great book that is great for adults as well as children.

I absolutely adore this series of books - so was super excited to get the opportunity to read and review this book. Stevie Wonder is my complete idol! I adore him!!

This book was beautifully done, and there were even some parts I was unaware of within Stevie Wonders history - such as his accident, and him coming out of his coma to a gospel song and taping his fingers. (I really hope that's true and nothing was exaggerated there!)
The only reason I didn't give this book 5* was because I disagreed with having Stevie - as a newborn - wearing the famous glasses. I understand this was somewhat a motif within the book, and to Stevie as a person - but something just didn't sit right with me that he had the glasses on while in hospital after being born. (I know that's very minor, but it does make me question the illustrators choice there.)

Other than that this book is very cute, and very informative (for such a short book)

I adored this book! I especially love the illustrations and find my myself laughing at them a lot. Little People, Big Dreams is an amazing series, and it teaches a lot to children and adults. There were many things I didn't know about Stevie Wonders, and I'm so glad I read this beautiful book.

Another beautifully illustrated story from Little People Big Dreams... this time the life of Stevie Wonder. I really enjoyed learning some new things about him. As always, I definitely recommend this inspirational series.

An enjoyable read with great illustrations. Appropriate for children who enjoy biographies and good music. Compliments other books in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

I love this series, but I think this is my favourite one that I have read!

As always the illustrations are lovely, and I found that this book painted the picture of the subject more vividly than other books I have read in this series.

I definitely recommend, and one day I would love to buy physical copies of the full series.

Another great addition to the Little People, BIG DREAMS collection.

This is a concise biography of Stevie Wonder, who lost his sight a few days after he was born but went on to be signed by Motown Records when he was just eleven years old and is now one of the most successful musicians in history.

These biographies are age appropriate; inspiring and interesting, but not overwhelming. They have bright, beautiful illustrations, striking covers, and look great on a shelf together.

Thank you to Quatro Publishing Group and #NetGalley for an advanced copy.

Another fabulous contribution to the series, this one is Stevie Wonder and it’s a brilliant addition, a true living legend and definitely a man to inspire with his amazing talents. Great art as always, draws you into the story

Fantastic

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

This is the story of one of the most famous musicians ever: Stevie Wonder.
Of course I knew his name, but I didn't really know anything about his life, so this book was very informative for a first introduction.

I adore the picture of little Stevie sitting surrounded by pots who are his drums. The scene in the hospital made me laugh out loud, what hasn't happened in a while to me with reading.

I love to read about people who take joy in what they're doing.
The arc was provided by the publisher.

Stevie Wonder is one of my favourite musicians so I was thrilled to learn that he was to be the latest star addition to the Little People, Big Dreams series.

Imagine going blind after only a few days on planet earth. Well, this is exactly what happened to Little Stevie Wonder, but as one sense was failing his others were awakening and they would be more alive than ever. Stevie had funk and soul running through his veins and the world wouldn’t have to wait long to hear his talents…

Despite becoming blind after only a handful of days on earth, Stevie Wonder became one of the legends of the music industry. From banging on pots and pans as a young child to signing his first professional music contract at just eleven years old. Tours would follow, as would chart top hitting hits and a career that would span the decades.

Stevie was not only a brilliant musician. He was a valued and active member of his community and worked to improve the lives of other with disabilities. His songs were often inspired by his own personal experiences and this often shines through in the words he uses and the passion he has for his songs that can bring a room alive. His music just seems to get better with age and I will never grow tired of listening to his songs. Whether it be the groove of ‘Superstition', the joy and happiness that exudes from ‘Isn’t She Lovely’ that was written about the birth of his daughter Aisha, or celebrating a birthday with his classic hit ‘Happy Birthday’ blissfully playing in the background.

Like a lot of people I knew a little about Stevie Wonder but I really liked learning about other little snippets of his life from the book. I loved the anecdotes about the origins of his song “Happy Birthday’ and the links to the wants of his community and Martin Luther King Junior. I also hope that the story about his awakening from injuries sustained in a car accident and tapping his fingers along to the gospel song which was being sung by his friend is accurate - I would love to know which song this was and if he ever recorded it.

Delightfully illustrated with bright and bold artwork and with a story told in short and simple sentences, this is a truly inspirational read that proves that a disability is no barrier to success. At the back of the the book there is a short overview of his life so far which includes key facts and dates and a historical timeline featuring photographs.

Recommended for 5+.

Due for publication on 2nd February 2021. With thanks to Netgalley and Frances Lincoln Publishers for the ARC.

I absolutely ADORED this read. I've been wanting to read one of the Little People Big Dreams series for ages, and when I saw Stevie Wonder as an available title, I jumped at the chance being a lover of music and motown! I found the book informative even as an adult reader, the illustrations are gorgeous and an easy to read book. I wouldn't hesitate buying this book or other titles to read to my son or to my classes in school that I teach.

I have quite a few of ‘Little people, big dreams’ books and enjoyed this one just as much as the others. My 9 year old daughter loved the illustrations and the story of Stevie’s life. We read it together while listening to ‘Isnt she lovely’. It was the first time I heard him bathing his daughter at the end.

👏👏👏
The writers should come up with more“Little People, Big Dreams series” because it's amazing and life-changing. Just think, how many Children's life would change for better if they stumbled with such inspirational real-life stories?

For me, the first I read is Stevie Wonder. Little do I know about Stevie Wonder, and now when I do know the reason why Stevie is who he is, there's no reason not to love him.

His life is a great source of inspiration for all kids who grew up with a disability that you shouldn't use your disadvantage as the reason for not being “someone”. If little Stevie can do it, then so were you.

5☆ Beautifully illustrated, Fun, Educational and Heart Felt.


These little Children's Books are part of a really beautiful series, educating Children on a whole host of influential people.
This book is all about the Legend Stevie Wonder.

The illustrations are simply beautiful, the story is informative without being too heavy for children to understand.
The Author has made this book interesting, engaging and because it is fully illustrated children have the best of both worlds.

I for one certainly learnt new things by reading this adorable book.
Plus it bought back some memories of  the songs he sang. Especially the song "I Just Called To Say I Love You "

Stevie Wonder is such an influential person to many, many people and this book is a Heart warming glimmer into his life. From birth to present.

These books are fantastic for all children, they are fun, Educational and I think, as children are being home schooled right now, they would be a perfect light hearted read.

The publisher provided the ARC of this book 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 concise, but that’s because they’re books for children, so it’s totally understandable.
I think they are a brilliant and wonderful way to introduce little children to such important figures.
This one is about the incredible Stevie Wonder, the genius behind some of the world’s best-loved songs, such as Isn't She Lovely? and I Just Called To Say I Love You. His life is such an inspiration, and his songs make us dream!

This is a lovely little book for children, which shows the life of Stevie Wonder in words and pictures that are easy for children to understand. I enjoyed learning more about Stevie's early life, his family and how he got started in music. This would be a great book to have in schools.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and netgalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Another fantastic book in the series!
Bright, colourful and informative.
Reading this I discovered things about Stevie Wonder that I didn’t know before.
I love this series of books, they are a great addition to anyone’s collection.
Thanks Netgalley for this arc.