We'll start with the first book we looked at in the "Little People, Big Dreams" range from Frances Lincoln Children's Books. "Coco Chanel" tells us the story of one of the most influential and important fashion designers of the 20th Century, whose work and amazing designs are still considered to be world-changing in their scope and impact.
Coco Chanel was orphaned at a very early age, and sent to live in a convent. Coco's joie de vivre and outspoken ideas didn't always make her popular at the convent, but her talent with a needle and her eye for fashion shone through right from childhood as she busied herself making dolls clothes and hats for her friends.
Eventually Coco set up her own haberdashery and her eye-catching designs soon made her the talk of Paris. From fairly humble beginnings, Coco's reputation spread and though her first few fashion shows were too outrageous and forward-thinking for fashion at the time, Coco's ideas began to take root and win over her many fans.
The book is fabulous, and big bold illustrations (to match Coco Chanel's big bold designs) are perfectly pitched to offer a gentle introduction to this amazing character. "Little People, Big Dreams" by Isabel Sanchez Vegara and Ana Albero" was published on the 4th February 2016.
Frida Kahlo was involved in a bus crash early on in life, but while convalescing and recovering from her injuries, she began to paint and draw, and her art began to make people sit up and take notice.
The young Frida took her art to Mexico's most famous artist, Diego Riviera, who was impressed with Frida's work but also very impressed with Frida herself. They married, and over the course of their tempestuous relationship and Frida's woefully short life, she produced 140 stunning works of art that now command colossal prices.
"Little People, Big Dreams - Frida Kahlo" is written by Isabel Sanchez Vegara with illustrations by Gee Fan Eng, again released in hardback on 4th February 2016.
Both truly stunning books and we look forward to seeing more titles added to the range in 2016.
Charlotte's favourite bit: Reading all about Coco's amazing fashion designs, and Frida's passionate and emotive artworks
Daddy's favourite bit: What an absolutely brilliant range of titles, hugely inspirational and immersive - and perfectly pitched to serve up delicious little pocket-sized slices of two amazing women's lives. Fabulous!
(Kindly sent to us for review by Frances Lincoln Children's Books)