Little People, Big Dreams: Inspiring Reads for Young Kids

Read all about it: the women who made history by pursuing their childhood dreams

Have you heard of Ada Lovelace? I’m going to be honest – I didn’t have a clue who she was before picking up a copy of Isabel Sanchez Vegara’s latest book. Then again, growing up in the 90s, there were far fewer casual children’s books focusing on STEM subjects outside of the classroom.

The Little People, Big Dreams series is part of a wider movement that has taken off in children’s literature over the past couple of years. Brought to mainstream attention by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo’s Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls runaway success in 2016, Vegara’s first book in the series, Frida Kahlo, hit the shelves in February the same year.

Daughter of poet and politician Lord Byron, Ada Lovelace was a British mathematician, and is now considered to be the world’s first computer programmer. From her early love of logic, and passion for inventing, through to her work with the father of computing, Charles Babbage, Veraga’s latest illustrated book provides an accessible introduction to an inspiring historical figure for young readers and parents alike.

Filled with charming, striking illustrations and simple, straightforward language, like many books in the Little People, Big Dreams series, Ada Lovelace provides an excellent starting point for parents looking to introduce young children to highly engaging, quality non-fiction.

Presented in story format, the book highlights the power of following our dreams (despite societal or parental pressures) as Ada combines her whimsical passion for creating fantastic inventions with her mother’s preference for her to focus on their shared love of logic. Highlighting Ada’s perseverance and dedication to her passions, Vegara’s book is not only inspiring for children, but also provides a springboard for further reading together or independently. At the end of the book, a short section provides more detail for parents and children interested in learning more about Ada and her work.

Most importantly, the book isn’t just informative, it’s relatable for younger readers and parents alike. It is little details like Ada’s parents being away so she spends time with her grandparents and cat, Mrs. Puff, through to the simply presented parental expectations and how they can shape their child’s future, that make what could be a simple read much more engaging and memorable.

Ada Lovelace highlights that children don’t have to choose between creativity and STEM interests – they can dream big, and create whatever they want. With passion and dedication, dreams can turn into something much bigger than they imagined.

Little People, Big Dreams

Published by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, one of the world’s most respected creators of picture books and narrative non-fiction celebrating cultural diversity, the series currently boasts more than a dozen books. Share the lives of inspirational scientists, artists, designers, and more with titles highlighting inspirational women who have made an impact across a diverse range of industries in societies across the world – from Agatha Christie, to Anne Frank, and Ella Fitzgerald.