While I'm not a parent (or a child!), I'm always on the lookout for for books to buy the little people in my life. This was the first of this series I have read, and I was really impressed!

The illustrations are bright and fun, and the storyline is explained cleverly so that children of various ages will get something from it. I imagine this would also be a welcome respite for adults tired of reading boring children's stories (or the same stories over and over!). It was also really refreshing to see so many people of colour represented in the book (obviously Freddie himself and his family, but also in crowd scenes etc).

I read this only a couple of weeks after watching Bohemian Rhapsody and was interested how it would tackle the issue of his death in a child-friendly manner. Whilst I think it still might raise some questions from inquisitive children (it explains AIDS as an illness but not much more), I imagine parents reading this book would be prepared for that from the outset.

I also really liked how there was a short biography just in words at the back with photographs, which would appeal to older children.

I'm looking forward to checking out more of the series!

The show must go on - but first, we need to know how it began. Freddie Mercury is one of my all-time favourite musicians, he has a voice and writing style unrivalled to this day and the band Queen is still one of the best-selling bands of all time. When the opportunity came up to read this children's book I had to jump straight onto the chance. Little People, Big Dreams is a series created by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and Ruby Taylor (Illustrator) that aims to introduce children to the brilliant minds of the past. Ranging from Coco Chanel to HRH Queen Elizabeth II to Hans Christian Anderson this delightful series gives children an easy-to-follow, shortened version of these famous people's lives.

The tale of Freddie Mercury is no different. From his early life in India learning the piano to the beginning of his music career after immigrating to England, the book leaves no key section out. I particularly enjoyed the casual mention of Freddie's devastating death due to AIDS and his long-lasting relationship with his one and only girlfriend and his gay relationship with his life partner. There is no key focus on Freddie's sexuality which is a refreshingly beautiful thing to see - for many years the topic of Freddie's sexuality has been torn apart repeatedly. This book just goes hey he had a girlfriend and a boyfriend and loved them both no further explanation is needed. Perfect approach.

The story begins with the introduction of young Farrokh Bulsara (pre-name change) and his childhood in India. Whilst the book does not go into the details of the political unrest during this period it is noted for parents in the index pages (very helpful for the big people wanting to know more!), which I think is a very child-friendly historical view. I personally adore the simplified version of Freddie's life with the accompaniment of this animation style. Freddie's famous teeth and that joyous smile are featured on every page.

This book is a delightful read. I may be biased because I love Freddie Mercury, but I would happily pass this on to the younger people in my family and let this rock legend live in our hearts and music library a lot longer.

Really enjoyed this one - another great addition to the series. Age-appropriate and I loved that it was honest about Freddie’s lifestyle. Will definitely be reading with my child.

Freddie Mercury by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara is another release in the Little People, Big Dreams series, which I have reviewed frequently on here. I just love these little books. They are always packed with facts about the person who they are writing about and full of colourful illustrations throughout.

Freddie Mercury was Just one of the greatest people that lived! and he was 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.

By the time he finished 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.

I found this little book full of easy to read, with great Illustrations throughout this small book.

I am so glad these books are being published and I highly recommend all of these books especially this book. Freddie was a Legend in Music in my eyes one of the best that was born.......... RIP Freddie Mercury.

Many thanks to Frances Lincoln Children’s Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

I got this on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!

I really love the Little People, big dreams series, and especially all the different kinds of people we get to see featured in them! I also want to say that I'm glad this didn't sugarcoat OR villanize the fact that Freddie Mercury got AIDS, but instead stated it as a fact.

Do recommend!

In this Little People, Big Dreams book we follow as Farrokh Bulsara discovers his love for music, moves across the world and finds a band that would become Queen as well as his new identity as Freddie Mercury. It’s brightly illustrated and makes for a great continuation for this series.

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Freddie Mercury is one of the latest additions to this amazing children's non-fiction series and is more than deserving of his spot in this series. In this child friendly, short biography, children are introduced to the legend who was Freddie Mercury. This is one time I wish I could press buttons on a book to play music lol - Freddie was and still is one of my favourite singers and I still remember the day I heard he had died - I was only 10 and at school - I remember what I was wearing, the weather, my environment around me - as this all stopped when I heard the news. I'd have loved to have gone to one of his concerts. I'm so glad this book has been made for children to continue to learn about this amazingly talented artist and performer. The illustrations are very befitting and the ones of Freddie are so like him! I think he'd approve of this book!

I'm always excited when a new LPBD books comes out! I really enjoy this great nonfiction series for kids. This one is about Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of Queens. I liked how it handled his life and illness without hiding it but while still being age appropriate.

Thanks to netgalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

This book tells the story of Freddie Mercury from when he started taking piano lessons at a young age until his AIDS diagnosis and death. I love the bright colors in this book's illustrations; the text is easy to understand and focuses on the big parts of Mercury's legacy. Overall this is a great book to teach students about Freddie Mercury, touch on the AIDS epidemic, and the importance of music in how it shapes society.

I introduced my young children to the incredible music of Queen and they were instantly hooked. Queen is constantly playing at our house and I wanted to tell them more about Freddie and the band but wasn’t sure how to do it in an age appropriate manner so I was thrilled to find that the “Little People, Big Dreams” collection had a book on Freddie. As I’m becoming to expect from these books, this one captured the essence and importance of Freddie and Queen in an engaging manner. The illustrations showcased Freddie’s signature “fabulous” style and the age appropriate storyline was factual. They left out his problems with drugs but included his partner Jim and emphasized how Freddie is an inspiration to everyone to live their lives in a way that reflects their personality. Another lovely addition to the Little People, Big Dreams collection.

Thank you NetGalley and Francis Lincoln Children’s Books for the advance copy. All opinions in this review are my own.

I received an electronic ARC from Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books through NetGalley.
Sanchez Vegara continues to offer biographies that are insightful, encouraging, and written at a level for elementary readers. Her research shows in both the biography and the timeline included at the end of each book. This volume offers a look at Freddie Mercury's life as a child through his death from AIDS. Readers see how the band Queen was formed and the challenges they faced. The content is handled with sensitivity and facts.

I have added this book to my TrueStory Bookshop and recommend it in one category:
Picture-Book Biographies ~ Musicians & Singers

https://bookshop.org/shop/KarlinGray

The inspiring true story of Freddie Mercury is told in another great Little People Big Dreams book.
I learnt lots I didn’t know about his early life and know for sure that my students will be inspired by his story.

Another great addition to this series of books. A brief introduction to the life of Freddie Mercury, with bright, colourful illustrations.
I love this series and the fact that they have a more detailed bio at the end and links to further reading if you want to know more
Would gladly share this with children in class.

The majority of the world with access to music has heard of the famed British group Queen, led by singer Freddie Mercury.

Freddie Mercury by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and illustrated by Ruby Taylor is an easy but fun way to introduce the next generation to Freddie Mercury. The writing style is simple yet informative. The illustrations that accompany the text capture the spirit and image of Freddie, his bandmates, and his entire story.

You follow Farrokh Bulsara, a young Parsi boy, from Zanzibar to India and then to England. Changing his name to Freddie Mercury, he becomes more involved with music until he finally meets his bandmates, who eventually form the group Queen. With his music, he and Queen find huge success and become one of the top music groups of all time. Freddie finds love with Jim, and the author leaves it at that. No need to go into anything more. Just like any other person out there, he found love with another person, his just happens to be a man. Even with AIDS in the end Freddie kept on singing until the end.

This picture book biography tells the story of Freddie Mercury, a singer from the infamous band Queen. Including all of the necessary biographical information but told as a children's story, this book describes the events of his childhood and adolescence as well as unique facts about him like his extra teeth. While the book did include things such as his diagnosis with AIDS and the fact that he was in a relationship with a man, these ideas are included with the same level of factual information as the rest of the biography, there is no additional emotion or room for controversial debate. I could definitely see this book in my Grade 3 classroom library and would recommend it to parents and teachers of children in the age 6-12 range. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

I'm impressed and pleased. This kid's book is part of a series I enjoy.

This one on Freddie Mercury tells his story, even mentioning his last love and what he died of. Didn't expect that.

He was a legend and kids need to know about his amazing talent.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Learning about such an influential person within the music industry was greatly welcomed by my children. From childhood to his rise of fame and how it focused on his electric personality and music contributions. This book is amazing and as with all the other books, the illustrations and writing are endearing and easy to follow

Another beautiful installment in the Little People, Big Dreams series. The author always tackles delicate subject matter in a way that children can understand, and Freddie's illness is no different in this book.

I loved the illustrations, it was very bright and colourful - definitely appealing to younger readers.

A wonderful introduction to the life of Freddie Mercury.

I’m like the Little People, Big Dreams series. In only 30 pages the story covers Freddie Mercury’s childhood, forming Queen and performing. I thinks kids would be fascinated knowing that he had four more teeth than normal which he felt helped his singing range. It doesn’t shy away from including his life partner or saying he died from AIDS. The drawings are colorful and inviting. These books are designed for younger readers but I like that real photos and life information are included at the end that would interest older kids if they want to learn more.