Little People, Big Dreams: Coco Chanel

Review also includes:

Little People, Big Dreams: Frida Kahlo, ill. Gee Fan Eng, 978-1847807707

An unusual new series of biographies for younger readers which promises to explore the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists, all of whom achieved incredible things yet began life as a child with a dream.  Coco Chanel had a difficult start to life, brought up in an orphanage following the death of her mother.  She was different (and stylish) from the outset, working her way up from cabaret singer and hat-maker to become one of the most respected fashion designers.  Frida Kahlo’s early years were marred by childhood illness and then a serious road accident.  Like Chanel, her strong personality and fighting spirit ensured she overcame these setbacks to become an inspiring artist.  The naïve stylised artwork is strangely un-English, the series being bought in from Spanish publisher Alba, but it suits these two remarkable women and it will be interesting to see what titles follow.  Simple text keeps the level approachable for a young audience, and a short reference summary includes biographical details and photos and suggestions for finding out more.