Learn about the incredible life of Leonard Cohen, the inspiring singer-songwriter who shared songs about hope, love, loss and everything that makes us human.
Little Leonard grew up in Montréal, Canada, and was a child who delighted in the world around him. From roses with too-long stems, to birds chirping on a rusty wire, he noticed the beauty in things that others might miss. His trips to the synagogue were a source of wonder, too. Leonard listened in awe to the songs and stories – moved by their messages and timeless narratives.
When Leonard was nine, his father sadly died. To cope with the loss, he began writing poems, and soon realised how important it was for him to express his feelings through art. As an adult, his search for poetic inspiration led him to London and Greece until, finally, he settled in New York City. He was influenced by the city’s music scene and decided to turn his hand to writing songs. His haunting melodies and powerful lyrics gained him a following and he was soon a household name.
Most known for his beautiful ballad, Hallelujah, Leonard became one of the most iconic artists of all time through a music career that lasted almost fifty years.
Posted on January 5, 2024
Inspire kids with the glittering story of pop superstar Taylor Swift! This talented singer–songwriter started as a little country girl with a big dream to become a star.
Little Taylor grew up on her family’s Christmas tree farm in Pennsylvania, USA. Then, at age six, she went to her first concert – she saw LeAnn Rimes, the country musician. At that moment, Taylor fell in love with country music! Some of the kids at school didn’t understand but Taylor managed to shake it off!
She took her first steps towards stardom by recording a demo of cover songs and sent it to record labels in Nashville, the home of country music. However, while, she enjoyed singing others’ songs, she knew all too well that she had to express herself in her own words. So, she started writing her own lyrics and melodies and her natural talent for putting her feelings into words shone through.
After signing with a record label, she started working on her first album. Called ‘Taylor Swift’, it became very popular, very quickly. She earned a number one single on the country music charts.
Then, she released her second album, ‘Fearless’, which was country-pop instead of just country and suddenly, everyone knew her name. She won a Grammy for her work and started to write more and more pop music for her albums. She wrote heartfelt lyrics loved by millions around the world.
Despite the obstacles in her way, Taylor has always stood up for what she believes in, and always believes in herself!
Posted on January 5, 2024
Discover the inspiring life of Beyoncé, the chart-topping superstar.
Beyoncé was quiet as a child but always enjoyed singing and dancing. At a young age, she went to see a concert, and from that moment on, she felt inspired to perform. She loved putting on shows for the people having their hair cut in her mum’s salon, but knew she was destined for a bigger audience.
After winning a local talent show, Beyoncé joined the newly formed girl group Girls Tyme. The band eventually became Destiny’s Child and shot to stardom with their catchy R&B songs and fierce dance routines.
As a solo artist, she has since achieved incredible success with numerous number one hits, including ‘Irreplaceable’ and ‘Crazy in Love’, and several critically acclaimed and award-winning albums, including ‘I am… Sasha Fierce’, ‘Lemonade’ and ‘Renaissance’.
She has received the most grammy nominations of any artist in history and is now one of the most influential people in the world. As well as being a performer, she is a mother, businesswoman, philanthropist and role model for all those who want to reach for the stars.
Posted on January 5, 2024
Discover the life of Kylie Minogue, the Australian princess of pop!
Little Kylie grew up with her parents and her younger sister, Dannii, in Melbourne, Australia. She loved singing, dancing and spinning around in her room, but she felt shy in front of other people. Her confidence and courage grew as she watched her sister perform, so she auditioned for a role in a TV show… and she got it!
From there, she moved on to a role in Australian soap Neighbours. Kylie quickly became one of the series’ most-loved characters and known to audiences all over the world. But Kylie never forgot her childhood love for music, and when she got the chance to record her own songs, she went for it.
Today, she is one of the most-loved artists ever; a pop chameleon who has dazzled her fans for decades. Her songs have been mega hits in countries across the world. And her songs, new and old, continue to wow people and get them dancing.
Discover the incredible life of Mozart, world-renowned classical musician and composer.
Wolfgang Mozart first started playing the keyboard at just three years old. Inspired by his sister’s talent, little Wolfgang soon mastered several instruments and was even writing his own musical compositions. As a young boy, he travelled from city to city with his father and sister, playing for Europe’s royal families and delighting them with his talents. When his father fell ill, and Wolfgang had to keep quiet in their home, he wrote a whole symphony from just hearing the instruments in his head! As he grew, Mozart pushed the boundaries of western music and created exciting masterpieces: from dances and masses to symphonies and operas. Wolfgang wrote over 600 pieces during his short life.
Wolfgang became a world-renowned musician and composer, known for his prodigious talent and ability to write across a wide variety of styles. His music has become a key part of western music education, and continues to inspire young musicians to keep playing and practicing their instruments. Today, Wolfgang’s music still delights audiences across the world, from the smallest school hall to the biggest opera house.
This inspiring 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 incredible musician and composer’s life
Little People, BIG DREAMS is a bestselling 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.
Posted on February 13, 2023
Meet Freddie Mercury, the trailblazing musician who rocked the world!
Born on the tiny island on Zanzibar off the coast of modern-day Tanzania, young Farrokh dreamt of having a fabulous life. When his parents sent him to boarding school in India, he discovered his true talent for singing, as well as a love of playing rock’n’roll songs on the piano.
After school, Farrokh knew he wanted to be a musician. After moving to London, he became the singer of a rock band called Queen… and the rest is history! Freddie became the biggest glam-rock star ever, touring the world and charming the world with his exuberant zest for life. 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 musician’s life.
Posted on February 13, 2023
As a child, little Shakira knew she was born to be performer. Even as a little girl, she was full of natural rhythm and she was obsessed with singing, writing songs and dancing whenever she got the opportunity.
At 14 years old she recorded her first album, and although it wasn’t a success, she knew she had found her calling. She persevered, and within four years she had finally got her first hit! She soon became a Latin American icon, winning many awards and creating global hits across the world, becoming widely known as the Queen of Latin Music.
With her fame, Shakira started a foundation to help children in her native country, Colombia and other developing countries across the world, providing them with education and the chance of a better future.
This inspiring 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 iconic singer’s life.
Posted on February 13, 2023
From the critically acclaimed Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the life of Hedy Lamarr, the actress and inventor whose curiosity broke boundaries.
Young Hedy Lamarr was fascinated with machines. She love to sit with her father and hear all about scientific theories. A gifted musician and actress, she soon found fame on the stage, but her scientific curiosity never stopped.
Posted on November 30, 2022
Posted on November 30, 2022
