Simone Biles
by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
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Pub Date 25 Jun 2024 | Archive Date 11 Aug 2024
Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books | Frances Lincoln Children's Books
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Description
Growing up in foster care, Simone’s gymnastics training was an anchor in her life. She first tried the sport after visiting her local gym on a field trip. Coaches spotted her natural talent and, after years of hard work, she began winning world championships and Olympic gold medals.
Widely cited as the greatest gymnast of all time, Simone is also an advocate for mental health awareness, having famously put her health before her sport by withdrawing from the 2020 Olympic finals. At the 2024 Olympics, Simone staged one of the most dramatic comebacks in sports history, propelling the U.S. team to win gold with her dazzling routines. This picture book tells her heroic story in a way that inspires young children to follow their dreams while taking care of themselves.
This powerful 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 gymnast’s life.
Little People, BIG DREAMS is a best-selling biography series for kids that explores 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 of books 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 and paperback versions present expanded stories for beginning readers. With rewritten text for older children, the treasuries each bring together a multitude of dreamers in a single volume. You can also collect a selection of the books by theme in boxed gift sets. Activity books and a journal 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!
Available Editions
EDITION | Other Format |
ISBN | 9780711285798 |
PRICE | US$15.99 (USD) |
PAGES | 32 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Amazingly inspirational book for children. These books never fail to teach me about famous people but also encourage us to see another side to them. I loved it and can't wait for the next one.
The Little People, Big Dreams series is one of my favourites. I love that there are more current women being featured, as in my opinion they're a little more relatable to our own little people. I loved the Taylor Swift edition of this book and pre-ordered it immediately, and while I likely won't pre-order this one, I'll definitely add it to my purchase list for my girls. Beautifully illustrated, Simone Biles' story is made age appropriate while not taking away from her accomplishments. I especially liked that her break from competition was mentioned, with the importance of honouring your body stressed. 10's across the board for this one!
This is the second LPBD book that I’ve read and reviewed with NetGalley, and I loved it! I really enjoy how the book gave enough information to make it educational but not too much that it was overwhelming to the reader. I think that this is a really great book for people of all ages who are looking for a cute way to learn more about Simone Biles.
This was an inspiring tale that celebrates resilience, determination, and standing up for oneself. Through the captivating story of gymnast Simone Biles, children learn valuable lessons about overcoming adversity and giving their all. Biles serves as a wonderful role model, showcasing the power of belief and perseverance. This book is not only enjoyable but also educational, making it a must-read for young minds eager to be inspired. 📚🤸🏽♀️💜 #SimoneBiles #NetGalley
Simone Biles is the GOAT and definitely deserves all of the recognition (and more) that she receives in this book. I really enjoyed the overview of Simone's accomplishments and the emphasis on all of the work that she put in to get where she is - as well as the importance of mental health (especially for high profile athletes with lots of pressure on them to perform). I also thought that the way that the sexual assault cases were handled in the context of her story was age appropriate and made the point while not going into too much detail.
I'm glad that Simone is getting a book in the Little People, Big Dreams series - she's such a great example (and has been) and will continue to be for future generations of gymnasts and girls in sports. Her story is important and demonstrates characteristics that are critical to reinforce with kids as they consider role models and good traits to highlight in their own lives. The illustrations are very well done - colorful and vibrant - and really support and enhance the story that is being told on each page. Another great addition to this collection!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this book for me to read and review.
I really enjoyed this. Simone Biles is extremely inspiring for more than just her Olympic success, which was all mentioned in the book. I think it is important for young women to know about all she has done, and her strength to speak up for and advocate for herself. I think this was written well for kids to understand, and as they get older they can look more into the details of things.
"Simone Biles: Little People, Big Dreams" is a captivating tribute to an extraordinary athlete. The book is adorned with beautiful illustrations that vividly capture the essence of Simone Biles' journey. It tells the story of a determined and hard-working female individual who has fearlessly conquered her dreams against all odds. Simone's resilience and passion are truly inspiring, making her a role model for many, young and old alike. This book beautifully celebrates her achievements and serves as a reminder that with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible. A wonderful read that leaves you feeling motivated and inspired!
Simone Biles featured in a concise, child-friendly biography within the Little People, Big Dreams collection. I'm fond of this series and enjoy sharing it with my grandchildren. However, I found this particular installment somewhat brief, glossing over certain aspects. It illuminated her upbringing by her adoptive grandparents who relocated her from Ohio to Texas. The anecdote detailing her introduction to gymnastics, plucked from a class field trip due to her mimicking the gymnasts, was endearing. Despite her dedication and passion for the sport, the pressure imposed by both team coaches and public scrutiny became overwhelming. Despite numerous victories and accolades, she experienced a sense of disconnection. Following the Tokyo Olympics, she took a hiatus of two years to prioritize her mental well-being. Alongside her teammates, she raised concerns about coaching practices. Not only is Simone renowned as one of the most accomplished gymnasts, but she's also a vocal advocate for mental health and a role model for young girls. I would have appreciated a deeper exploration of her mentoring and advocacy efforts, as I felt they were somewhat overlooked. Nadia Fisher's illustrations are splendid, effectively capturing emotions and movement, enhancing the book significantly. Overall, it's another commendable addition to this series.
I love this series of books but Simone Biles' story was particularly inspiring. It is well illustrated and the story is clear and easy to follow. A really great book.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
Book 067 of 300 ~ 2024
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Given how many titles I have reviewed, I am sure you can tell that I love this series by @mariaisabelsanchezvegara
This time we look at the life of this amazing, naturally gifted gymnast. So very inspiring.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#book67of300 #netgalley #tbrpile #instareads #readstagram #TheOfficialBoyfriendsColoringBook #reading #bookreview #bookreviewer #booklover #booksAreLife #booksForTheWin #thisbookfairyisreading #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramfeature #bookshelf #booksofinstagram #bookish #bookworm #goodreads #booklovers #theSGbookfairyReads #theSGtrekkiereads #bookaholic #bookaddict #bookchallenge2024 #reviews #lovebooks #booknerds
Simone’s story is so inspirational and given some of the trauma involved, I wondered how the author would tell it in a way that was suitable for a very young audience - I think it was done wonderfully, highlighting the importance of listening to yourself, speaking up and stepping back, while emphasising the uplifting parts of her journey. Simone Biles is the greatest athlete of all time in my opinion, and this picture book does her justice!
I’m grateful to the publisher for the ARC via NetGalley which helps me check content before buying for my goddaughter who collects this lovely series.
Rating 4.5
Reading this mini autobiography on Simone Biles with my daughter was a delightful experience. The book's easy-to-understand writing style and vibrant illustrations captivated us. More importantly, it sparked a deeper interest in gymnastics and Simone's performances in my daughter, making it a truly engaging read.
My daughter loves gymnastics and especially enjoys seeing Simone perform; reading Simone's story was enjoyable. Simone was raised by her grandparents and loved gymnastics from a young age. The biography goes on to show Simone's wins both on and off the court. It highlights how she realised her body and mind were not aligned to perform, so she took time off for self-care.
This was a positive read for kids.
What a wonderful book! This series gives kids a great opportunity to learn about amazing people. I especially loved this one because it tells Simone Biles' inspiring story, including her successes and struggles with mental health. The author handled this difficult topic really well, making sure it's understandable for kids. And the illustrations are beautiful too!
I highly recommend this book and can't wait for more from Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara. Her stories always keep readers engaged and inspired!
Excellent child friendly summary of the life so far of Simone Biles. Sensitively done, not shying away from fostering, adoption, SEND and mental health. A powerful role model and advocate.
Another winner from the Little People. BIG DREAMS series. This one follows the inspiring and brave story of the gymnast Simone Biles.
She has been through so much. This book explores sensitive topics in a way for children to understand.
Feel like this would be a fantastic book to read with your child as it does cover some difficult topics which your child may have some questions.
I love the Little People, Big Dreams series and was very excited to read this one as I have watched Simone Biles perform for years and she is simply mesmerizing to watch. The illustrations in this book were stunning and really enhanced the story telling. I liked that this book not only focused on her incredible sporting achievements but also her mental health advocacy and her strength in reporting the Team USA coaches. I love that at the end of these books this is a brief biography written for an older reader as well as recommended extra reading if you want to learn more.
Overall I love this series and this book was a great addition. This series as a whole would be a valuable addition to any child's library.
As with the rest of the Little People Big Dreams series, this book did not disappoint.
I read this book with my children, the story kept their attention and prompted them to ask questions.
The narrative was simple yet provided enough detail for children to gain a good insight into the life of Simone Biles.
The artwork is beautifully done, colourful and in keeping with the rest of the series.
Another enjoyable book which will definitely be added to the collection once published.
I have loved Simone Biles since I first saw her. The beauty, strength, and dedication she exudes makes her such an amazing role model. When she took a step back to protect her mental health, she provided so much support to other people who feel afraid to admit that they need to protect themselves.
After reading this, I'm amazed at everything she's overcome. Her early life clearly wasn't easy and she had to deal with ADHD while studying and practicing gymnastics. She's amazing! This series is so fantastic and I recommend it for everyone. So much information presented at a level for very young readers. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this
Sweet little story! Always love this series. I love finding out a little mor3 information about Simone and I know children will love it too!!
Buying this book asap for my stepdaughter! I love how it talks about the tough things that Simone went through, but on an age appropriate level. This book encourages little girls + boys to be brave + speak up for what’s right. The illustrations in this book were also beautiful!
Such a sweet kids book, that did not avoid the more challenging parts of Simone's life. Books in this series have been awesome and one does not disappoint!
My 8 year old daughter loved this one! She is a gymnast and has always been inspired by Simone. The artwork was beautiful and the story was easy for her to read and understand.
I appreciate the chance to read this book provided by NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Children's Books.
The book was charming, with wonderfully detailed illustrations. Learning about Simone's dedication and resilience on her journey to becoming a world-class gymnast was truly inspiring. Despite facing challenges, she remained determined to care for herself and follow her dreams. This book would be a fantastic choice for any child.
Great read about a gymnast I didn't know too much about.
Snippet sized information about her life from a young child, written in a very easy to understand way.
Touched on her troubles with mental health and that she had to step back from everything - again encouraging for children to grow up knowing that's okay
Great read
This book was so cute - I have enjoyed all of the Little People Big Dreams books I have read advances of. They are age appropriate ways to learn about about public figures. This does a good job addressing difficult topics in Simone’s life as well. Well done!
My daughter is a huge gymnast lover and having a person relatable to her is a huge thing. She really enjoyed learning lots of new facts and seeing how gymnasts can have such a fun time. The design of the book was very fun and colourful, definitely keeps young minds interested.
This entry in the popular series tells the story of the world renowned gymnast. Her successes in competition are certainly given attention but so are some struggles and her willingness to stand up for what is right. All of these facts of Biles make her an inspiration.
Simone Biles is a role model. Here kids will get to know more about her.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
This book deserves as many stars as Simone has medals! I love the LPBD series so much, but this might be the most impactful, important, one I've read! I just watched an interview with Simone, she was talking about her mental health struggles & the abuse from Larry Nassar. This book speaks simply, but powerfully about these issues. Appropriately so for younger children. Two incredibly important topics to bring awareness to! Bravo, a beautiful book!
I loved reading this biography of Simone Biles with my little one. He is also one who has a hard time sitting still, so he loved following Simone's story. In addition to the illustrated biography geared towards the kiddos, there is additional biographical information and photographs at the end of the book.
This is a fun children's book discussing the story of the superstar gymnast, Simone Biles. The illustrations are very cute and eye-catching. I think children will absolutely enjoy this book and learn quite a bit about her life, especially about the hard work that led to her success. This is part of a series of biographies, Little People, Big Dreams written by this author that are well researched and engaging. I look forward to new additions to the series and so far I haven't been disappointed by any of these.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
It'd be hard to find anyone who'd argue that Simone Biles isn't gymnastics' G.O.A.T., so it was a delight to be able to read this short but informative bio on her. While the details of her life are relatively well known nowadays, I liked how they were presented. No drama, no fuss. We go from her early days of being raised by her grandparents and discovering her innate ability in gymnastics after a random trip to a gym offering lessons. She mimicked those working on routines and thanks to a sharp eyed instructor/coach, was enrolled. An active child with ADHD, this was the perfect outlet for her energy and talents.
This review is about the book, however, so a quick look at what your "LittlePeople, BIG DREAMS" reader will find within. I've grown to admire this series. Not only is the writing succinct and thoughtful, but the illustrations are well-done. I particularly liked the one showing a sort of stop-action look at the various, in the air, body positions of one of her signature moves. Nicely done. The no fuss, no ado over events mode of writing covers her equilibrium issues during the Olympics that forced her to miss most of her events, albeit the book makes a point of showing the support she got from her teammates. It also touches on another serious matter, noting the teamwork and courage of the young women who stood up against adults who'd let them down. Fans surely know what that was about, so perhaps adults should be prepared to answer any questions young readers might have.
Bottom line, her life and life events are handled in a respectful way, all designed for young readers. It mentions her comeback and marriage, I might note, while largely focusing on her childhood dream and ultimate success. I admire her greatly and this book is a worthy addition to the kudos and writings about her. Highly recommended, particularly if you have an energetic young one doing flips off the couch. Grin. Thanks #NetGalley and #QuartoPublishingGroup - #FrancesLincolnChildren'sBooks for sharing this early look at the life of a remarkable young woman. Her dreams have surely inspired many we'll be watching tumble, whirl through the air, and perform moves most of us can't even imagine doing in future years.
As Einstein is credited with saying, "if you can't explain it to a six year old, you don't understand it yourself." This book is a wonderful introduction to Simone Biles for young children. It tactfully addresses the US Gymnastics sexual abuse scandal and normalizes taking a mental health break when it's needed.
I found it very hard to rate children's books so everything is a 5 star read for me!!
I really loved this book, the illustrations are so beautiful and captivating that I found myself smiling through every page I read.
Love how the book show us the story of Simone Biles, this book collection is amazing! Can't wait to read the all!!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange of my honest opinion.
I love Simone Biles and I am so happy she got her own Little People Big Dreams book!
It is so important to talk about mental health and how sometimes saying no is essential.
I loved the art and illustrations, they are very cute!
This book is amazing and everyone should read it!
In the mornings we do our reading, and this girl was SO excited mom got the new Taylor Swift book coming out in June! And the Simone Biles book was really fun to read since her niece did gymnastics. We adore the books Little People Big Dreams, so these were so fun to read advance copies. Their stories are always so encouraging and empowering. Add them to your lists for summer reading program! Kinley loved how both girls had big dreams, and had to push through hard times to make them come true. It was a fun morning reading together! Thank you @netgalley @mariaisabelsanchezvegara @taylorswift @simonebiles for the advance copies of these books! #tyalorswift #simonebiles #littlepeoplebigdreams #mariaisabelsanchezvegara #quartopublishing
I love the Little People, Big Dreams series so much. All of the ones I've read break down incredible stories into such an accessible format and leave you feeling like you know so much more about the person.
The illustrations to this one were gorgeous.
I love this series of books so much as I think they are beautifully illustrated and are a wonderful way to educate and inspire children. It’s so lovely to see more contemporary figures beginning to get their own books and this does a great job of opening doors for discussion around difficult topics, including mental health, neurodivergence and abuse of power, in a sensitive and child friendly way as well as promoting friendships, teamwork, resilience and encouraging young people to follow their dreams!
Simone Biles, the little girl who couldn’t keep still, and her sister moved to Texas to live with their grandparents when she was three. She struggled with academic subjects but on a field trip to a gym, her natural gymnastic talent was spotted by the coaches and they asked her grandparents to sign her up. Her grandparents, who she calls Mom and Dad, knew it would be her chance to shine and at age 14, Simone won a place on the US senior team. She was the first African American gymnast to win the All-Round title at the World Championships and became the first US female gymnast to win four golds and a bronze at a single Olympics.
Whilst undoubtedly one of the most accomplished sportspeople that we will ever see, Simone’s greatest achievements were possibly outside of the arena. In 2018, she revealed that the US Gymnastics team physician had sexually assaulted her and several teammates and set about to bravely take a stand against him and the institution of USA Gymnastics to ensure that this abuse could not happen to anyone else. She also had the courage to speak out about her mental health and take a step back from competing and became a role model for young athletes struggling with the pressures of being at the top of their game. She returned to competition at the age of 26 to become the oldest woman to win the All-Round at the Nationals and sealed her place as greatest of all time (GOAT).
This series has yet again picked a total trailblazer, a Presidential Medal of Freedom awardee and a passionate mental health advocate to highlight in its wonderful series of biographies. Simone Biles’s grandparents taught her not to take things for granted and to always try her best and Simone shares that mantra and acts as inspiration, not only to budding sports stars everywhere, but to those with ADHD, showing that it is both a superpower to channel and also a risk factor to mental health which warrants awareness and self care. She used her position of power in the media to talk about ADHD and to stand up against a behemoth and be the voice that her teammates weren’t necessarily in a position to be and she teaches our little ones that stepping back isn’t a failure and can be essential to continue to achieve. The book presents all of this in an age-appropriate way and champions her beautifully.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto for sending this eBook for review consideration. All opinions are our own.
Little People, Big Dreams - Simone Biles, by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara. Including all of the necessary biographical information but told as a children's story, this book describes the events of her childhood and adolescence as well as interesting information about her achievements and records. I love how Vegara covered the Dr. Nassar scandal, saying that she and her friends "spoke up about the things the adults in charge of the team were doing wrong, they realized they were strong." A great way to show young readers that they can stand up for what they believe in, without going into adult details.
As with all of her amazing biographies, Vegara creates informative and carefully crafted picture books that are perfect for young readers. Each page of her books has beautiful, colour-filled illustrations with about 3-4 lines of text. While they are biographical, they are also written in story form, demonstrating how young people can persevere, break barriers and do great things as they grow! The books end with a timeline and some pictures/biographical information about the subject.
I could definitely see this book in my Grade 2 classroom library and would recommend it to parents and teachers of children in the age 6-12 range. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
As a long-time gymnastics fan, I was thrilled to discover the "Little People, BIG DREAMS" series and incredibly excited to read Simone Biles. This delightful book introduces young readers to the incredible story of the GOAT, Simone Biles.
What I loved most was the book's focus on Simone's childhood. It showcases her early talent, boundless energy, and the joy she found in gymnastics. I appreciated how the book tactfully includes important topics like the support from her grandparents and her courage in speaking out about mental health and past abuse.
The vibrant illustrations bring Simone's signature moves to life, making the book visually engaging for young readers. The photos and timeline at the end provide a great way for children to connect to the real-world inspiration behind the story.
If you've got a budding gymnast in your life (or simply a child inspired by greatness!), I wholeheartedly recommend this book. It's a wonderful reminder that with dreams, hard work, and the proper support, anything is possible. Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Children's Books for the opportunity to preview this inspiring biography!
This was a wonderful and informative read. I learned more about Simone Biles. This is a great addition to a classroom or home. This would be especially great for young gymnasts. I highly recommend this book.
"Simone Biles" is a great book for kids to learn more about the gymnast. My ten-year old daughter is a gymnast herself and huge fan of Simone Biles so she helped me review this book. She likes how this book doesn't just feature her accomplishments but also tells the reader about her childhood. We really enjoyed the illustrations as well. All in all, we'd recommend this book to children interested in learning more about Simone Biles.
Thank you to the publisher for the digital advance copy of this book in exchange for our honest review.
An uplifting account of the life and career of one of the greatest gymnasts ever. It discusses Biles's challenges in an age-appropriate way (with some extra information in the back of the book).
Love, love, love. I adore how it touched on the hard topics in her life with such grace and care, such as the lawsuit and the Tokyo Olympics. The framing and wording for her comeback was absolutely amazing as well.
This series does such a great job of picking out relatable parts in a person’s life and presenting them in age appropriate ways. This book is no exception and is done so incredibly well! The biography at the end provides a few additional details about her life meant for slightly older readers and adults. A must own for little fans of a power house of a woman.
When I come across books like those in the Little People, Big Dreams series, I often wish I had a little to share these stories with. The series does such a great job at highlighting the lives of inspirational people. And the illustrations are absolutely beautiful!
Another great addition to this series. As always there is such an accessible text with gorgeous illustrations and additional information to share at the back. Great for children to be able to see strong female athletes
Will definitely add to the classroom collection.
I was of course familiar with Simone Biles' name from her fame as a gymnast, but I didn't know much about her beyond that. I enjoyed learning about her childhood and accomplishments through this book, and particularly liked the style of these illustrations. I found Simone Biles to be very inspiring and motivational, I think she is a great role model for young readers and am excited for this book to be published.
I love these books by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara. I really enjoy learning new things about people I already know and to get more information about them. In this example I did not know how many times she had won and all of her achievements!
I love this series of books and how they tell the stories that should be told, to children, in easy language but clearly showing why these little people and their big dreams should be celebrated.
This book was no exception and told Simone’s life story beautifully, from her unusual start in life all the way through to her unusually way of handling the pressure she has found herself under in both her private and professional lives. Simone is a true great, a GOAT, not only in gymnastics but in the way she composes herself and stays true to what is important.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read and review.
This was a cute book. I would definitely read it to my nieces and nephews. It’s well written for children to understand the concepts. The illustrations are beautiful. I also love the timeline and real photos of Simone.
Strength, flexibility, balance, and grace—these words certainly describe the amazing Simone Biles. I am a huge gymnastics fan and a huge Simone fan. This book is super cute and perfect for children. Simone's path has not been easy, and she has dealt with hardships. This story shows that even those who are top performers in their sport are still just people who are trying to do the best they can. This wonderful book shows children they can reach their goals with hard work and dedication.
This is a super fun and cute book which I loved just like every other in this brilliant series. I didn't know much about Biles prior to reading this and I'm in great awe of her accomplishments and dedication to her work
What a delightful little book about Simone Biles! This charming children's book captures the incredible journey of one of the most inspiring athletes of our time in a way that is both engaging and educational for young readers.
This book does a great topic of covering the life of Simone Biles. It presents what could be heavy information for a young audience in a very clear and concise way without becoming too heavy. A great book for a young gymnast or for someone looking for a fantastic role model.
Simone Biles
by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
Pub DateJun 25 2024
Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books |Frances Lincoln Children's Books
Biographies & Memoirs| Children's Nonfiction| Sports
Simone Biles was provided to me for review by Quarto Publishing Group-Frances Lincoln Children's and NNettle:
This is part of Little People, Big Dreams, a bestselling biography series for children.
Growing up in foster care, Simone's gymnastics training was her anchor. During a field trip to her local gym, she tried out the sport for the first time. After years of hard work, her coaches recognized her natural talent, and she began winning world championships and Olympic gold medals. Known as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time, Simone has also advocated for mental health awareness, withdrawing from the 2020 Olympics to put her health first. Children will be inspired to follow their dreams while taking care of themselves in this picture book that tells her heroic story.
Thid book features a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed biography of the gymnast at the back, along with stylish and quirky illustrations.
I give Simone Biles five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
“Simone Biles” is an excellent biography of the greatest gymnast of all time. Written simply so children can easily understand, it reviews the big moments of Simone’s life. It spends a lot of time on when she was a child so others can quickly identify with her, and possibly get into gymnastics themselves!
As an adult, seeing how she handled a mental health crisis with the world watching was a highlight of the book, as it introduces a very complex idea to children appropriately.
The illustrations are well done and aids in understanding Simone’s life.
Great addition to a home or classroom library, especially for a little gymnast or athlete!
Little People Big Dreams is my favorite book seires for kids! Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara really does it everytime!!!
I love the Little People, BIG DREAMS series of books which give just enough information to spark younger readers interest and encourage them to investigate further themselves. The books also help parents and grandparents to gain some basic details about their children's favourite celebrities and athletes.
Simone Biles is a unique, barrier breaking, gymnast but as this easy read shows she is far more than that. These books not only show the reader the details which make their favourites extra special but also how far determination and clear goals can take you.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Quarto Publishing Group, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is an excellent addition to a lovely series.
As an adult, I really enjoy reading these mini biographies. As a teacher, I look forward to sharing them with my students. They might be small but are jam packed with information that is both fun and informative. Add in the great illustrations and these are a keeper. I confess to not knowing much about Simone Biles but after reading this, I feel like a know her a little bit. A great addition to any classroom library.
This is a great age appropriate introduction for children to Simone Biles. I appreciated that the book highlighted the importance of mental health and how Simone is a strong advocate for herself and others. I would definitely purchase this for my nephews!
What a perfect way to help elevate Simone’s story! Many great lessons can be taken away from this for our children. This will make a fantastic gift for my nieces and nephews!
Another amazing addition to a beloved series!
I’ve grown up knowing and following alongside Simone’s gymnastic achievements, but my two rather rambunctious daughters have not, so this was an incredible introduction into the GOAT of gymnastics! As we prepare for the summer Olympics, it was fun to read this story of achievement both on and off the mat!
Another great addition to the Little People, Big Dreams series! I love how respectfully this touched on important hard events Simone went through. I appreciate that they were kept in, but put in ways children would understand.
This is a wonderful book about a wonderful woman! Simone Biles is such an inspiration, and has truly earned her status as the “GOAT “ — The Greatest of All Time! The book is well written for children. The illustrations are very good, and really enhance her story. Highly recommend this book and the books in the Little People, Big Dreams series.
📚 Little People Big Dreams : Simone Biles 📚
I love this series and this book is no exception!
The book is a biography of Simone's life from when she was three and moved to live with her grandparents up until she is 26 years old.
It charts the beginnings of her career as she starts at the gym for the first time and ends with her achievement of winning the national all around gold medal for the eighth time.
An incredible biography of an incredible role model. Written beautifully for all children to understand.
Definitely one to add to the collection 🤩
Preview copy from @netgalley but all views my own. (I never post reviews of books I haven't enjoyed!).
I love this series! Like the Taylor Swift book, I loved being able to read this to my daughter. We have no books about gymnasts in our home library so I’m happy I could read one!
I love the way this series sheds a light on celebrity heroes and their accomplishments through the eyes of a child. Simone Biles has been through so much already and Vergara addresses this tactfully without shying away from it all. Another 5 star addition to the series.
I loved the colorful illustrations and how well Simone's story was adapted for a young audience. Simone has worked hard to achieve so much, from difficult gymnastics feats to standing up for herself both when her body and mental health needed a break, as well as when she and her teammates were being abused.
I was gifted an electronic version of this book by the publisher, and then I purchased my own copy! I absolutely love this, and so do my four and six year old daughters. They are both gymnasts, but I definitely don’t think they would have to be to enjoy this story. They love reading it, and then watching clips of her routines. She is such an amazing role model!
Simone Biles is an idol in gymnastic and every time she gets up on stage, I know she will do it brilliant.
To read and learn more about her, warms the heart for an gymnastic girl and giving the children an black idol!
Totally worth the read!
Thank you NetGalley!
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
This is my first time reading about Simone Biles, and this woman is so inspiring. She knew what she likes, and pursue it, then excelled at it. It also take courage and grace to know that she needed a break when she needs one, and dares to do it. Even though this is the first time I heard about Simone, this woman can inspire young minds.
This book is perfect for introducing children to biographies and to the world of gymnastics. It can also help children, especially girls of colour, to see that they can dream and achieve big things!
I didn't know about Simone Biles before reading this book, but I definitely want to see her competitions now.
We love these stories and this latest book did not disappoint. Especially with the summer Olympics coming so soon. Perfect time to learn about this amazing athlete!
Super cute story and illustrations!
Simone Biles by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegarais one of the best books by Little People, BIG DREAMS and they are the best-selling biography series for kids that explores the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists.
Within this book we discover the story of Simone Biles, one of the most decorated gymnasts of all time.
Growing up in foster care , Simone’s gymnastics training was an anchor in her life. An energetic child, she loved to tumble and spin in the air at gymnastics class, and began her career as an athlete when she was just 14 years old. Astonishingly, at the age of 19, she had won four gold medals for the USA .
Despite the hardships , she has faced them all to become one of the greatest athletes of all time , and an advocate for mental health awareness.
This book was beautiful throughout with beautiful illustrations throughout that will engage any small child and show them they can do anything to make their dreams come true,
The next book from the Little People Big Dreams series telling Simone Biles, is beautifully illustrated and very well adapted for younger readers, ensuring her remarkable achievements are celebrated. I also really appreciated that her break from competition was not left out as its very important for young readers to know it's okay to stop and take care of yourself when you need too. This series consistently teach us about famous individuals while offering a deeper perspective on their lives before they were famous. I loved this one and look forward to the next one in the series!
Another great addition to this wonderful series, great to collect and gift. Easy reading with beautiful illustrations.
Another wonderful book on the Little People, Big Dreams series!
I learned a lot about Simone Biles and can't wait to buy a copy of this incredibly well illustrated biography for my niece.
I, of course, had heard about Simone Biles quite a lot but I actually didn't know much about her so this was a nice introduction. This book has lovely illustration, pictures and a timeline of Simone's life that I found very engaging and informative. I knew vaguely she was involved in mental health and gymnastics but I really liked getting more of an insight into a seemingly very likable public figure. A very inspiring woman and I think this would be a great read for young girls
Simone Biles is a new biography for young readers in the Little People, Big Dreams series. These are all 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 25th June 2024 from Quarto on their Frances Lincoln imprint, it'll be 32 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.
Even before she was the darling of the international sporting community as the vibrant, graceful, and intelligent gymnast who dominated the sport from a very young age, this accomplished young woman had already fought challenges in her own life, living for a time in foster care, being adopted by her grandparents, and the challenges of being a young black woman in a country split by divisiveness and pain, along with the massive stress of performing and sacrificing almost everything to perform at the top competitive level.
Written by Isabel Sánchez Vegara it's written in clear accessible language. The gentle and sweetly whimsical illustrations are well done. The art by Nadia Fisher 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 gym scenes, multicultural children and adults, her teammates, and more which appear throughout).
Well written and appealing, all of these little books are worthwhile and enchanting. This one is a worthy addition.
Five stars. This would make a superlative reading circle book, classroom library book, or gift. Ms. Biles is an intelligent and beloved figure and has become an icon for a more hopeful and cooperative future, always trying to do what's right, as an advocate for mental health and wellness, and this little book is a nice introduction to her life and work for the youngest generation.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
Beautifully illustrated and wonderfully inspiring, this is the story of the American gymnast Simone Biles from her childhood being raised by her grandparents, discovering for gymnastics abilities, championing of mental health issues, and becoming one of the greatest gymnasts of all time.
What I love most about this series is how they don't shy away from real life issues and themes, but explain them in a simple and age appropriate way that can open up dialogue between parents\carers and children, and this one is no exception describing different family arrangements, and a few pages devoted to Simone's decision to prioritise her mental health and self care over competing in the Tokyo Olympics.
I loved sharing this with my own sporty little girl, and I'll definitely be buying a copy for our little collection of 'Little People, Big Dreams' books when it comes out on 25th June.
Let me start off by saying that I love Simone Biles. I think she is an inspiration because she not only holds herself with pose, but she shows that she is not perfect either. She is human and we all can relate to that. I can definitely see little girls and boys at the library LOVING this book and sharing it with their friends.
Little People BIG DREAMS hit it out of the park again with this book about Simone Biles. With the 2024 Summer Olympics quickly approaching we have been talking about a lot of the different events/sports that we'll get to watch and some of the athletes. Simone Biles was immediately an athlete that my daughter wanted to learn more about as she is super inspiring, and this book was perfect to introduce her to Simone. Please keep writing these books!
Wow, what a fantastic book written about a fantastic individual. I loved that the book addressed the courage it took for the U.S. Gymnastics Team to speak up about the abuse they were experiencing within the organization, and it even stated that that accomplishment was even bigger than all the medals. I learned a lot of new information about Biles. I would love to share this with the children in my life.
This is an inspiring book and my daughters enjoyed reading this. In their words, "we learnt that we can become whatever we want to be".
I love a good picture book biography. This is the perfect way to give students the information they need without bombarding them with too much information. The illustrations are excellent yet simple.
I am excited to add this title to my library!
Thank you to Net Galley and Quarto Publishing Group- Francis Lincoln Children's Books for the eARC!
I learned a lot about Simone from this book! She's a really iconic and important person for this generation's children- a symbol of strength and talent. As a teacher, I would definitely add this book to my own classroom library, both as a resource and as a fun, general read for my kids. It's important that students see themselves in their classroom and this book is definitely one that would aid in that journey for me.
An inspirational read. My daughter loves this series of books and this was another great one. Simone is an inspiration, not only for her hard work ethic but for her acknowledgement of her struggles.
Little People, Big Dreams is one of my favourite series of books and I was so pleased to come across this title featuring Simone Biles! Like the other books in this series, this title tells an inspirational biography. We learn of Simone Biles's childhood, some of the adversity she faced, and how she came to be the gymnast of a generation par excellence. Young readers will appreciate Simone's story of hard work and dedication leading to recognition and achievement. Particularly after her performance at the Paris 2024 Olympic games, I appreciate just how much Simone Biles has dedicated her life to being an amazing gymnast and a mental health advocate as well. I think this book and its story will become a modern classic for young readers for quite some time to come.
Many thanks to Quarto Publishing Group for a complimentary eARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
This series circulates well at my library and it's easy to see why. The stories are simple and approachable. The text is limited but covers important details in way that children will be able to relate. Adults like these books because they can learn something too, or share new information about an interesting person with their child. I appreciate the timeliness of this one and the sensitive treatment of Biles's childhood and withdrawal from competition.
We will purchase this book for our library. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
Adorable and inspiring. I adore the "Little People, BIG DREAMS" series. The art is always great and give children as well as adults the opportunity to get to know some absolutely awe inspiring people. I'm happy to see Simone Biles got her own book now. She most certainly deserves it.
Olympics 2024 - the most successful athletes show that they never give up of their dream to make the best play and performance. One of them is Simone Biles! This is a biography with pictures for better understand that the sport is not easy, but for one child can be everything. This is heroic story for successful young gymnastic, that will inspire young girls and women to get their dreams and taking care for their mental and physical wellbeing.
‘Simone Biles' by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara with illustrations by Nadia Fisher is book 103 in the Little People, BIG DREAMS series.
At the age of 3, young Simone went to live with her grandparents. Her raw talent was spotted by coaches on a gym field trip, and they encouraged her grandparents to sign her up. Gymnastics training became a stable point in young Simone’s life. Hard work and persistence paid off, but not without challenges like adversity and mental health challenges. Those are told at a perfect kid level here.
This is an inspiring story and the illustrations shine here. I can’t imagine this not being a hit with little readers.
So cute and inspiring! Simone is such a great role model and what a wonderful time to share her story. I fathom at 27 this is her last Olympics as an athlete but likely she will continue to be a mental and physical health advocate for athletes. Adored the artwork!
As a gymnastics mega fan I have been awaiting the story of Simone. She has overcome so many struggles and will still continue on. This book is for all to show how to overcome adversity and to show that we all have a place.
I think this is a very cute book! I was obsessed with gymnastics as a kid and this would have had me reaching for the stars. I really liked how this book provided some glimpses into some not so perfect aspects in Simone's life - it allows for conversations to happen should the child/adult reading the book want them to happen. It also shows she's human.