As always - Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara did amazing with this book - the illustrations, the facts, truly everything. I also love that she has a wide range of people she writes these books about - singers and athletes, back and white, female and male, truly everyone can find somethimg for themselves to be represented in.

A good give into Usain Bolt that will not only keep a young child's attention but teach them along the way. The illustrations and text work well proportionately on the page as well!

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

I love this series so much, and this was no different! I learned so much about Usain Bolt, and love the division this does between his childhood, his growth, and his various accomplishments! The illustrations are also so great, and love how much the Jamaican flag is included (as it should!)

Would definitely recommend this to anyone who is into sports and athletes!

You can't beat these sweet, bite-sized biographies. The graphics are excellent and there's just enough content that readers of all ages can learn something without getting too in-depth. The ending has a nice timeline and some real-life photos. Those who are interested in learning more can use that to help with follow-up.

Thank you NetGalley & the publisher for the ARC.

We have about 12 of these books at home. My children are 3 and 5 and their favourites are Ru Paul and Louis Pasteur. For some reason although this was beautifully illustrated they didn’t enjoy it. My 5 year old actually asked me to stop reading it partway through because it was ‘super boring’ and I’m inclined to agree. There was no real story for a child to get their teeth into, just the case of someone being good at something and he did this then this then this.

Usain lived in Jamaica with his family and went to school there where he went from soccer player to Olympic trainee. In time he became a record-breaking sprinter. When he retired from activities in the Olympics, he formed a foundation for giving back to the school athletic programs in his homeland.
The illustrations by Karen Crosbie are fun, simple, brilliantly colorful, and delightful.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school or your local public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Quarto Publishing Group/Frances Lincoln Children's Books via NetGalley. Thank you! Expected publication 04 Jun 2024
@QuartoKids @CBCBook @Frances_Lincoln #LittlePeopleBIG DREAMS @sanchezvegara @TheQuartoGroup @kazillustrates #Jamaica

I know I keep saying it, but I love this series! Truly one of the best kids series out there, and it's equally enjoyable for adults. I always learn something new, and this is such an inspiring, captivating story for children.

I really enjoy this series and love learning new things about the people who I have followed growing up. I think it shows an important message that even when Bolt was injured he came back fighting. Lovely clear illustration. I’ll definitely be adding this to my hardback collection!

Another great addition to this series, telling the story of Usain Bolt and how he moved from playing cricket to being the fastest man.
Lovely illustrations to share inspirational people with children.

I love nonfiction children's books, and this book did not disappoint! I read it to my 3 and 5 year old boys, and we all enjoyed it. I think every little boy dreams of being "as fast as lightning." This book would be perfect for ages 3-9.

It was very interesting to learn about Usain's childhood in Jamaica and how his true passion was cricket, not running. I loved that this book teaches kids that natural talent can only get you so far. You still have to work hard and tirelessly if you want to be the best at something. The illustrations are colorful and fitting for the story. I also loved the ending, where older children and adults can learn more about Usain's life and see pictures from his impressive running career.

I look forward to reading many more books from this series!

I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a cute an educational book about one of the world's greatest track stars, Usain Bolt. I learned something pretty cool from this book, that Bolt actually preferred playing cricket and that he basically had to be convinced to join the track team! There were so many great facts in this book and its written in a way that even a small child could understand and retain.

I love these kinds of books. I am definitely going to purchase a copy of this book for my toddler.

We volunteered to read an ARC of this book through NetGalley.

This is a fun children's book discussing the story of the sprinter, Usain Bolt. The illustrations are very cute and eye-catching. I think children will absolutely enjoy this book and learn something about this remarkable athlete.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This wonderful book shared Usain Bolt’s story making it fun and informative. Easy to read. Great graphics. Fun read!
Thank you Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book.

I'm an elementary teacher and I love this series. Little People Big Dreams gives children influential, positive individuals to read and learn about like Usain Bolt. This book is well written and gives a nice glimpse into the life of the fastest man on the planet. Thanks NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley for letting me have an ARC of this wonderful little biography. I recall loving picture books of this sort when I was younger and the artwork is super fun and definitely enticing for little eyes with its bright colors and fun art style! I was excited to give this a quick read to see if it would be suitable for preschoolers since I am currently a preschool paraprofessional and love spending my paychecks on classroom books… oops! And although I think it’s a bit too information heavy for the kiddos in my classroom I definitely think for children a few years older this is a perfect read aloud book. I loved the message and how it felt inspiring. My one gripe with the book is the font felt like it could have been bigger, but this could have been due to me reading it digitally on my phone lol. Thanks again NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book!

A nice introductory biography about Usain Bolt. I enjoyed the illustrations and additional information at the end.

Did you know, Usain Bolt, the world's fastest person, wanted to be a cricketer when he was young?

What made him take running, and how he went on to become the fastest sprinter is a story of preserverance that everyone ought to read about. I particularly loved the illustrations by Karen Crosbie.

I would most definitely be ordering a hardcover version of this one. Great book.

Rating - 3.7/5

In 1986 in Jamaica, a little boy was born with a competitive spirit. His parents named him Usain St. Leo Bolt.

He loved playing cricket and was motivated by food from a young age. His high school coach saw promise in his athletic abilities and encouraged him to build on his strengths. In fact, Usain was given his first pair of running shoes by his school!

The path to Olympic gold medals was not an easy one. Usain struggled with nerves so much that he once put his shoes on the wrong feet. He also had many limitations and health issues, but Usain chose to see them as challenges to overcome rather than reasons to quit. The most difficult lesson he learned had to do with his attitude. Usain thought his talent could carry him farther than training. His laziness taught him a valuable lesson.

We may know him as “Lightning Bolt” and an 8-time Olympic gold medal winner, but Usain didn’t start out with a dream to be a track star and had many hurdles to overcome in his journey to success.

This book carries a wonderful message and reminds children that anything worthwhile takes dedication and effort as well as a winning mindset.

I was gifted this copy by Quarto Publishing Group, Frances Lincoln Children’s Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

I love this series!! This mini biography of Usain Bolt is the perfect addition! I love how it highlights his overcoming of obstacles and shows the value in perseverance and hard work. I didn’t know he had scoliosis, but that makes his feats even more impressive.

Thank you to Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, Quarto Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this beautiful book!

Kids will enjoy this biography of the child who grew up to be nicknamed Lightning Bolt because he was just that fast! Here is the story of how his natural talent, a few obstacles and persistence led to Usain Bolt becoming one of the very best athletes ever in his sport, maybe even THE best. Readers will also learn how he has given back. All in all, an excellent biography.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.