Title: Josephine Baker
Series: Little People, Big Dreams
Author: Maria Isabel Sanchez
Published: August 2019
Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
Readership: Kids
Genre: Biography
Rating: ★★★.5
I received a copy of Josephine Baker from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Meet Josephine Baker, the world-famous entertainer, activist, and French Resistance agent in this true story of her life! This board book version of Josephine Baker—from the beloved Little People, BIG DREAMS series—follows the incredible life of Josephine Baker, from growing up in St. Louis, Missouri, during segregation to defying expectations and performing on the stage in Paris, where audiences fell in love with her.
Josephine Baker was born for the stage. But growing up in segregated St. Louis, she didn’t have the same opportunities as white entertainers. So, she moved to Paris where audiences fell in love with her. Josephine worked as a dancer, an actor, and even a spy. She then spent the rest of her life spreading the word that people of all colors can live together in harmony. Babies and toddlers will love to snuggle as you read to them the engaging story of this talented entertainer and activist, and will also enjoy exploring the stylish and quirky illustrations of this sturdy board book on their own.
Little People, BIG DREAMS is a best-selling series of books and educational games that explore 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 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 versions present expanded stories for beginning readers. Boxed gift sets allow you to collect a selection of the books by theme. Paper dolls, learning cards, matching games, and other fun learning tools 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!
Josephine Baker is a children’s biography of entertainer and activist, Josephine Baker and looks at her life and achievements. It showcases her determination, her activism and her inability to back down in the face of adversity. She’s a strong woman who spends her life promoting equality.
A simplistic biography for younger readers, Josephine Baker gives the highlights of the subject’s life from her earliest achievements up until later in her life. There’s little detail given to enhance the text (although you do get some from the corresponding illustrations) but really this would be an introduction text for young readers who might then consider looking for more comprehensive texts.
The illustrations are simple, bright and colourful and really highlight Josephine’s achievements. They’re gorgeous to look at and explore in more depth.
I love how this particular book celebrates Josephine’s entertainment career, her activism and work during the war, as well as her strong stance on equality for people of all colours. This book sends a wonderful message to young readers.
Noveltea Corner 