Ella Fitzgerald (Little People, Big Dreams, 11)

Ella Fitzgerald (Little People, Big Dreams, 11)

Meet Ella Fitzgerald, one of the most influential jazz singers of all time! Part of the beloved Little People, BIG DREAMS series, this inspiring and informative little biography follows the inspirational life of the First Lady of Song, from her early singing days on the streets of Harlem to her success as a jazz legend, with the message: "It's not where you come from, but where you're going that counts." Ella Fitzgerald grew up near Harlem, in New York, where she was surrounded by music and dance. After winning first prize in a talent competition at the Apollo Theater, she went on to tour the world with her pioneering voice. This moving 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 singer's life. 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! From School Library Journal K-Gr 2-Born in New York in 1917, Fitzgerald grew up in a time when jazz musicians were popular-and she never missed a chance to see them perform in Harlem. As a teenager, she won a talent contest at the Apollo Theatre and this launched her singing career, one that would span 50 years. Fitzgerald was the first African American woman to win a Grammy and she recorded more than 2,000 songs in her own distinctive style. Vegara highlights a few aspects of Fitzgerald's life. Colorful, one-dimensional drawings fill the pages from edge to edge and the brief text of two or three sentences is located on alternate pages. A fact section and contemporary photographs complete the brief volume. This title's brevity might encourage readers to explore additional sources and perhaps inspire them to listen to and learn more about jazz music. VERDICT An easy pick wherever this series is popular.-Patricia Ann Owens, formerly at Illinois Eastern Community College, Mt. Carmel Review ?Stirring encouragement for all 'little people' with 'big dreams.'? - Kirkus ?We're obsessed with the ?Little People, Big Dreams? series? - MotherMag ?packs an emotional punch? - Entertainment Weekly ?The kind of books that adults will covet and collect as well? The language and structure is simple enough for young readers, while a biographical timeline at the end of each book offers greater historical complexity? - Irish Times ?Informative text?smartly illustrated??nother batch of successful instalments in the series? - School Library Journal?LJ ?One children?s books series trying to fight back? by telling the inspiring stories of women who overcame adversity and made history by pursuing their childhood dreams.? - Toronto Star About the Author Maria?sabel S?chez Vegara,?orn in Barcelona, Spain, is a writer and creative director in constant search of new concepts for children?s books?nd the author of the multimillion-copy best-selling Little People, BIG DREAMS series of picture books that explore the lives of outstanding people.?orking for more than fifteen?ears for?lients in top advertising agencies, her books combine?reativity with learning, aiming to establish a new and fresh relationship?etween children and pop culture.? B?bara Alca?s a young