I love this series, and I was so excited to see there was a RuPaul one! The illustrations were so cute, and fun and colourful, and it was a delightful read.

In this edition of Little People, Big Dreams, we learn about RuPaul's upbringing and contribution to the LGBTQ+ and drag community. This story delivers a great message to be yourself, love yourself and to do what feels right for you. I would recommend to anyone who was interested specifically in RuPaul or an avid collector of the series.

Thank you to NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

I have been a fan of RuPaul for years and years and I am excited to see how this children's book portrays them.

This book provides a biography of RuPaul for children. I wasn't sure what to expect and although I'm not a teacher, I would guess it is aimed at Primary school kids (7-11 years). The illustrations are very celebratory which I loved, but I'm not sure about the first illustration of Ru in a closet, seemingly having fun, with family looking on. There are some great messages of acceptance throughout, which are inspiring and very RuPaul, and it also doesn't shy aware from the difficulties Ru experienced. It doesn't go into any depth, but gives starter points for discussion instead. One critique is that it mentions Ru being a drag queen aged 21 but doesn't explain what that means until the following page. I also wasn't keen on the kids watching Drag Race being described as 'lonely kids'. The following sentence does improve on this, but still. Overall, this is a good read and you do finish getting a sense of who RuPaul is. The biography at the back showing photos of Ru is useful and gives more in-depth info.

I absolutely love that RuPaul was the topic of this book. The biography was beautifully and tastefully written, appropriate for the age it was intended for. Nicely done!

Review to come May 12th to blog/goodreads/etc.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

I just love these Little People BIG Dreams series and I look forward to a new batch each time. So when I saw a new batch appear with RuPaul in the mix? I knew I had to get it and read it!

I haven't watched a lot of Dragrace, just episodes here and there, but I do love what I have seen. It is a fun show (or should I say shows) and I just love how RuPaul is there, either as himself, or in drag. I was definitely curious how he got to where he is now.

In this book we see just that. From how his childhood was, how even then he stood out, he wasn't afraid to wear whatever he wanted. How his family loved him. How he got to be the icon he is now. I would at least call him an icon. And very inspiring. I wish I had that much confidence, now and back when I was a kid.

It was very nicely illustrated, I like the style.

The text is simple, but it tells us so much. You learn a whole lot about RuPaul. I didn't even know he was in a band! Haha, that is amazing!

It was a shame that the text at the end (with the timeline and the photographs) was blank in my ecopy. While it is often a more text-heavy rehash of the story there are sometimes new details found there.

All in all, I would recommend this book to all who want to know more about RuPaul.

I was so excited to see this book! I think Ru Paul is an amazing human being and needs more people of every age knowing who he is and what he has done for the community! This was such a cute book! I loved the artistry and how to the point the book was! I loved how positive the book was! He has gone through so much and to see it in such an amazing light was great!

RuPaul pushed me out of the closet and under the microscope

Posted on May 1, 2021 by michellelovatosbookreviews, world's first book color commentator, book reviews with a twist

I was raised to hold secrets; hide truths; put on faces “the world” expected me to wear. But the truth is, reader, that my tastes are different than some others. While many adults my age prefer to read thriller novels and sappy love stories, I am a closet children’s literature fan. This genre is honest, innocent, and pure of heart. And it illustrates the way my true heart wants to be.
After all, what better time in life is there to approach a developing heart and mind with the message of love and inclusiveness?
I’ve never seen drag queen RuPaul on television. Not once. I don’t watch TV. It’s not a slight. It just is. But a few years back I did watch a Masterclass video session RuPaul taught. It was life-changing to understand this person’s story and to embrace his philosophy when it came to how to behave when someone else does not accept you; when someone else is downright mean and hurtful in his words, actions and intentions. RuPaul’s message is foundational and I wish I’d learned it before I spent my childhood calling people “Booger,” and “Fat,” and “Stumpy.”
Whoever said that “sticks and stones can break my bones but words will never hurt me,” WAS A LIAR. They hurt. They actually destroy.
But one thing that truly cannot hurt me, or any child, is the understanding of love and acceptance that we humans can gift to one another.
Little People, Big Dreams, RuPaul, by author Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and illustrator Wednesday Holmes is a child-sized account of a colorful, oak-strong personality who weathered the storm of the 1970s and 80s with the grace and wisdom of a queen.
Most influenced by his mother and three sisters, RuPaul’s childhood was a time of exploration and discovery. RuPaul was encouraged to be the person he was on the inside, and what blossomed out of that love and expression was a person who later defined the word, drag queen.
Forgive me for preaching, but here is why RuPaul’s children’s message is important to me as a Christian:
The power, in my mind, of the message of Christ, is that Jesus LOVES us; that Jesus ACCEPTS us, where we are, right now, at this moment. Why would it be different for RuPaul, or anyone else? It’s not. But I as a Christian have far too often jumped straight to weirdo and skipped right over the top of the crystal clear message that the word “WE” means all of us.
I am thankful to God that RuPaul dared to stand up and express his personality. I am thankful that this story is on the shelves to teach the true oneness of humanity. And I am thankful that God has opened my eyes to see my error in excluding those who act differently than myself.
Little People, Big Dreams, RuPaul is an uplifting story that teaches our future that it’s okay to be different, that love truly does conquer all, and, ironically, Little People, Big Dreams, RuPaul shares the ultimate message of God’s love in a non-churchy format.
Oh, and for all you naysayers: Self-love is not always intended to be a Godless, carnal running wild of behavior. And in this case, I take it to mean that we all need to embrace who we are and “just be.”

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Happy are those who respect the Lord and obey him. You will enjoy what you work for, and you will be blessed with good things. Psalm 128: 1-2

4/5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and Frances Lincoln Children's Books for providing this e-arc!

A short and sweet book meant to familiarize children with a fracking icon such as Rupaul. I had some minor formatting issues which unfortunately affected my experience.

I received an eARC copy from Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have previously read a few books by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and, when I saw the new addition to the cutest Little People, BIG DREAMS series, I felt compelled to pick this one as my next read.

This one focuses on RuPaul, an American drag queen, actor, model, singer, songwriter, and television personality - an overall glam entertainer. The author follows RuPaul through his childhood, his struggles of growing up and the difficulties in reaching the heights of fame.

However, while the book does inspire and convey an important message, it felt too simplified. This series, in general, talks about many extraordinary people who have done remarkable things in their lives. The books in the series are simplified, giving the basics of the basics, as these are picture books and mainly for children, but this one seemed just plain, more than other books in the series.

I loved the illustrations, loved the quirkiness (100% positive one!) of them, the lines, the colours, and the overall positiveness and expressiveness of each page. They emanate such a positive message, not only to children but to us all, inspiring us to achieve our goals in the (near or far) future.

Well done and colorfully illustrated, this book takes *Free To Be You And Me* from the 70s and brings it into the now by showcasing a flamboyant and well known personage. The story of his/her life emphasizes the goal of loving yourself and making your own magic despite what others may say about you!
I requested and received a free temporary ebook copy from Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

I adore this series of books and am a fan of RuPaul so this was bound to be a winner.
These books are a he ultimate is showcasing wonderful people in the most accepting and beautiful way, especially people who may not get the attention they rightly deserve.
The illustrations are gorgeous, so colourful and inviting, and the whole story of RuPaul growing up highlights how important it is for us, and our young readers, to be accepting of everyone and to stay true to yourself. Can't wait to get a physical copy for the bookcase in the kids' room.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this. All views, as always, my own.

This one is so damn uplifting!

I would have never known about this personality had it not for this adapted illustrated series.

Such empowerment and the "nailed it" vibes couldn't have been told in a better way.

We have the right to become who we want to ne. It's never too late. It's so encouraging to have a family who supports you and love you for who you are.

Drag queens. Cross dressing. Why should we even discriminate someone based on these things?

Some days we are discriminated for just breathing. So leave them and become the best version of yourself like this amazing personality!

Love the illustrations. I love the #pride vibes!

Thank you, authors and the publisher, for the advance reading copy.

I really enjoyed this book and all the colorful illustrations in it! This is such an important message to share with kids! I just wish it was a bit longer and that the concept of a drag queen was more explored and explained for kids to understand.

As a huge fan of RuPaul's Drag Race, I knew I had to read this book as soon as I saw it listed. So first of all I'd like to say a huge thank you to netgalley for allowing me access to an e-arc of this incredibly sweet book.

This is a children's book, so it is written in a short and succinct way. But it covers so many different important things that young people should be aware of. It tells a very brief version of RuPaul's life story, focusing particularly on his journey to self love. As a lot of RuPaul's content really isn't suitable for younger viewings (due to bad language and sexual references), it is great that this PG version exists so that young people can learn who RuPaul is early on in their lives.

I really liked this short story, and I'm glad that I got the chance to read it. Thank you.

"True fierceness comes from within."

An inspiring book for young readers on the life of RuPaul celebrating diversity and self-love. An important read for people of all ages that showcases the importance of acceptance and support towards the new generations in order for them to spread their wings and become who they're meant to be.

This little book packed a great punch. I am a very big fan of RuPaul and what he has done for the LGBTQ community in his life. While reading this there were times when it fell flat. I understand this is for a younger audience, however the immediate fame it gave the idea of was not realistic.

This book did have so many great qualities though. It shows kids reading that it’s okay to be yourself and chase your dreams no matter what. I think every kid should know who RuPaul is and know his impact on the world.
I had an amazing time diving into this and will definitely recommend it to the parents I know that have younger kids!

Another colorful, fabulous entry into the Little People Big Dreams picture books series. This one is about LGBTQ+ and drag icon RuPaul. The book follows him through childhood to adulthood where he achieved fame. As always, the book is a brief, simplified biography with target audience of young children. The book includes an appendix with real photos of RuPaul and a timeline showing key moments in the life & career of this celeb. As always with this series, the book as encouraging messaging around following your dreams and being true to yourself.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an arc of this book!

I love the Little People, Big Dreams series and when I saw that there was an upcoming book on RuPaul I knew I had to get my hands on this.

These books always contain beautiful illustrations and fantastic role models for young readers to be inspired by.

“When you become the image of your own imagination, it's the most powerful thing you could ever do.” Well said Ru!

But this book for your small person or for yourself!

RuPaul's history comes alive in this book through child-friendly language and exquisite illustrations. While the storyline is interesting, the wording could be a bit more lyrical and engaging.