Leonard Cohen

Well what can I say that I don't say on most of my other reviews of books in this series!
Yet again another great book, and this time about someone I have actually never heard of.
Turns out I do know some of his music but didn't know who sang them or anything about the artist.
This is what I love about these books - even though they are aimed at children, I learnt something new every time I read one.

Pros: Little People Big Dreams continues to be my favorite series of children's books--I read each one I come across! As with all of the other books in the series, the illustrations in this book were wonderfully detailed. I also enjoyed learning about Leonard Cohen's journey from a child who loved music and poetry to being the person who wrote "Hallelujah."

Cons: None--I can't wait to see who is featured next in this series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books | Frances Lincoln Children's Books for the opportunity to read this book.

Maria does it again.
Within the Little People, Big Dreams series you know what you're getting; which is snapshot into someone's life that children will find interesting.
However, within Leonard Cohen, Maria has pulled on your heartstrings.
This is certainly going on the Christmas lists that I'll be buying for the little people in my life.

LPBD hits the mark every single time I pick up a copy. It doesn’t matter who the subject of the book is, I’m always sure to enjoy it. Leonard Cohen’s music is widely popular in our society, but this book helped to shed light on his upbringing and background, displaying information that was easy to understand. Great job to Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara for doing an amazing job with every single title.

This is a beautifully illustrated story for young children, that parents can also appreciate, the story of Leonard Cohen’s life as a child, and how, even as a young child, he appreciated going to the synagogue, and listening to both the songs and stories that he heard there, and found them to be very moving.

At the age of nine, Leonard began writing poems after his father died, which helped him navigate the loss, but this also helped him find the beauty that surrounded him, and how that, as well, helped him see that in other things, other places like the synagogue, which were filled with wonder and beauty, as well.

He was drawn to songs and stories even as a child, but as an adult, he became even more drawn to music, to the stories told through music, and so he began to write his own songs, and traveled to places around the world looking for inspiration. Eventually, he succeeded in finding success as a musician, and his music is beloved by many.


Pub Date:06 Aug 2024


Many thanks for the ARC provided by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books

Another wonderful book in the Little People, Big Dreams series by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, this one is about singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen. It has cute illustrations and an engaging story that teaches kids about Cohen's life, from his youth in Canada to his time in London, Greece, and NYC. The book explores what influenced his moving lyrics and music. It's perfect for young readers to learn about famous people.

I always look forward to these books and highly recommend them!

This is a fun children's book discussing the story of the singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen. The illustrations are very cute and eye-catching. I think children will absolutely enjoy this book and learn quite a bit about his life. I was not familiar with his story and so learned a great deal. This is part of a series of biographies, Little People, Big Dreams written by this author that are well researched and engaging. I am consistently impressed with this series, I actively look forward to new additions and so far I haven't been disappointed by any of the ones I have read.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Very well related story especially showing the influence of childhood, facing adversity, nurturing creative talents and coming out successful in the world but also retreating to our personal meaning of self and satisfaction. Love the detail of the bird on the guitar in the illustration. Ties the story full circle, with seeing beauty in the bird song and translating beauty of music to the world. through his songs

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book for free in exchange for my review! All opinions are my own.

This was a fun children's book to read, because while I knew some of Leonard Cohen's music, I didn't really know much about him as a person. As always the illustrations for these biographical children's books are super cute and fun. If you are a fan of Leonard Cohen and want to introduce your children to him, then this is the perfect book to do so.

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Many Thanks again to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest review.

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This is a beautiful introduction to Leonard Cohen's life and legacy in the music/creative arts world. For a generation of kids who aren't as familiar with his contributions, this lays out not only his contributions in songwriting, but also poetry, novels and other impacts he had in that realm. I enjoyed that the story started in his youth and showed the progression that he took in evolving his passion into where he ended up. There were a couple of impactful phrases that I thought were important to emphasize for kids - especially the emphasis on validating that feelings matter and can create connections with others.

The illustrations are great and definitely help to enhance the story and support the text on the page while adding depth and nuance. I think this is an excellent addition to the Little People, Big Dreams collection and will be enjoyable to kids - especially those who have an interest in the arts (music/poetry/literature). Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC to read!

Another great book in this series. My son loves reading them and is learning about people from all walks of life.

Time to share my weekly children’s book reviews. My kids get so excited to see what books I have to read before naps, bedtime, or at breakfast. There are some really cute ones to add to your children’s summer reading book lists!

Scooper and Dumper and the Pumpkin Parade by Lindsay Ward comes out July 8th. My three boys loved the trucks adventures with the pumpkins.

A Rubbish Journey by Jonah Rideout was a really cute chapter book my daughter loved. The story was fun, and entertaining. It comes out June 24.

Keep Trucking by Raven Howell was an adorable book. The illustrations were super cute and my boys again loved the truck story. It comes out May 10.

Ain’t It Funny by Margaret Gurevich was another fun chapter book about following your dreams. My daughter really enjoyed this one. It comes out October 14.

What Are They Feeling by the School of Life is one that is so sweet and great to explain emotions. The kids and I had some fun conversations to follow this one. It comes out September 11.

The Great Turkey Walk by Kathleen Kar is a wonderful story of friendship, and takes you back to 1860. It comes out October 7.

Hailma Superhero Princess by Emily Joof was adorable. The storyline and illustrations were very exciting for the kids. It comes out September 2.

The Sun Never Hurries by Roxane Turcotte was my favorite. Such a precious story and the illustrations were darling. It comes out June 24.

Make a Little Wave by Kerry O’Malley Cerra is a really exciting story! My daughter said this was her favorite. She loved the characters. It comes out September 30.

To Mimi’s House We Go by Susan Meissner was another of my favorite. The story, the pictures, the adventure it took you on was absolutely precious. A fun one for the holidays. Comes out Sept 9.

Leonardo Cohen by Maria Isabel Sanchez-Vegara was a cute story! My kids love to learn new things and these are always so full of knowledge to take away. It comes out August 5.

Fall Feast by Sean Taylor made our family very excited for playing in the leaves. It comes out August 5.

Diwali by Sital Gorasia Chapman was such a good one for kids to learn about another culture. It comes out August 5.

"It was the first time he had ever written anything from his heart."

A beautifully written and beautifully illustrated children's book about Leonard Cohen. Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara is incredible at writing moving sentences succinctly. Loved this!

Another winner! I am a big fan of this book series. And I enjoyed finding out more about Leonard Cohen. All over great book!

I love these little books and although they are aimed at children I find them so interesting.
I have to be honest I had no idea who Leonard Cohen was before this book a really nice introduction to him.

Another beautiful biography in this fantastic series! And what a story! Leonard Cohen is one of the most famous poets/songwriters ever, and he's simply a guy who followed his dream. When he was young, he felt so unsure of himself he left the stage, but he kept going. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

Another wonderful bio for young readers--part of the stellar Little People, BIG DREAMS series--this time focusing on beloved poet-musician Leonard Cohen. From his youth in Canada, his life in London and Greece, and then his years in NYC, we learn what influenced him to write such poignant lyrics and music. A defining event was the death of his father when Leonard was 12. Includes compelling illustrations, photos, and a timeline of his life. Highly recommended!

I love this series for my kids! I’m always on the lookout for these and I was excited to see Leonard Cohen as the newest subject. This is the perfect way to introduce children to figures who have shaped our world. If you are a music fan, this is a must. Add it next to your David Bowie and John Lennon copies :)

Definitely buying a physical copy for our home library when this releases!

This entire series is a wonderful, quick read introduction to the world of the personalities we should know about. I do know about Leonard Coehn and like his work very much and this book does not disappoint in providing an accessible sketch of his life, suitable for the young ones in our lives or just for those of us who enjoy a nice, kind presentation of the lives of those who have enriched our lives. Lovely book, good writing and illustrations and a good introduction to Mr. Cohen's moving works.

This is a cute book about one of my favorite artists of all time. It distills Leonard's life down to the elements a child can understand. I really loved the illustrations

Seeing beauty where others may not, such a great thing. Great story about pursuing one's dreams. Illustrations were wonderful as well.

I'm always excited when I see a Little People, Big Dreams book in the NetGalley catalogue. I knew absolutely nothing about Leonard Cohen going into this and this book provided a great overview of both his musical career as well as his personal life. As always with this series, I love that the book teaches valuable life lessons alongside telling the person's story. In the case of this book, the main message was the power of hope and the importance of seeing beauty in everyday things. I thought the illustrations complemented the story really well.

Overall I love this series and this book makes a great addition to it!

The Little People, Big Dreams series is so wonderful. As a mom, I think I read them more for me, than my boys.
They always have a great message of following your dreams, mixed in with important character qualities for children to aspire to. But for the adults- I always learn new things about real people that I follow or know about. It always reminds me that a person's story is important- it's not always about where you end up- but the journey to get there.
Loved learning about Leonard Cohen- who I knew very little about.

I loved the story! The illustrations are absolutely beautiful. I think this is a story my kids would really enjoy listening to and getting to look at all the pictures.

I really appreciate that Little People, Big Dreams doesn't just focus on all the megastars. This book is a wonderful story about Leonard Cohen. Most children probably have not heard of him, but he led an interesting life that could open up possibilities for young children to consider after reading this book.

Absolutely charming. I had no idea Cohen was a poet! I'd love to give this to kids, especially the dreamy artistic ones. My only grumble was about the drawing of the men in synagogue - no tallis is that short!

Love this series, these books are so well written and so good for children.
They really are bringing important people of the past in this case to life for the new generation.

Despite always having appreciated his music, I knew very little about Leonard Cohen as a person going into this book. This was a delightful way to be introduced to his life story, and I felt I learnt quite a lot about his background and career. The art style fit the subject well - I especially liked the combination of neutrals and bright colours. I felt myself really pausing to appreciate the details of each page.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara truly did something amazing with the Little People Big dreams series! I love each and every book and this one is no exception!!

Another beautiful addition to this great series to introduce children to famous people. Simple storytelling but still informative. Lovely illustrations too

This was a wonderful biography with beautiful illustrations. I teach elementary school and this would be a great resource for introduction to biographies and research projects. I appreciated the timeline in the back with photographs as well. Wonderful little book! I will be seeking out more from this author to add to my personal and classroom library!

Another heartwarming entry in the series. Leonard Cohen seems like a gentle soul and someone to look up to.

Once again, the Little People Big Dreams series has educated me on the life of someone I knew but didn’t really know. I think most people, including kids, have heard a version of “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen, but knowing that song and knowing the soul behind the individual that wrote something so hauntingly beautiful…well that’s art.

From his life as a young dreamer in Canada to his late life as a zen Monk, the gorgeous illustrations and powerful words show us a life well lived in the persist of art and of getting one’s feelings out via the spoken word.

I cannot wait to add this newest addition to our growing home library!

Another great addition to the Little People, Big Dreams series! I am always looking for children’s biographies that focus on important Canadians, so I was very excited to hear there was going to be one on Leonard Cohen.

One of the things I love about this series is that no matter how much I think I might know about the person, this series always teaches me something I didn’t know. This is definitely one I will be recommending!

Fascinating background on the talented Leonard Cohen, always a pleasure to read The Little People Big Dreams books. I often say that these are great for both kids and adults however, I'm not sure a lot of younger children will get as much out of this one. I will say I enjoyed it as much as I always do!

This one touched me. As a Canadian, I grew up listening to Leonard Cohen and am proud of his legacy. Younger generations need to be exposed to his poetry and music because it is a part of us as a society. His music speaks to everyone, young and old. A definite addition to my school and personal library.

This is a great addition to the Little People, Big Dreams series. While I don't know enough of Leonard Cohen enough to give criticism of any missing material the included biography is excellent. This is one I can imagine reading to children who show an interest in poetry or songwriting, especially is they don't fit with the conventional voice many others have.

Also, as a parent I would be happy to have this volume in our children's personal library.