Corazon Aquino

This is a story about the first female president of the Philippines, Corazon Aquino. I've been familiar with Little People, Big Dreams for a while and I'm so happy that they're adding a Filipina to their collection. I read this to my two=year old son, and he loved it! The illustrations are colorful and wonderfully designed. The content was definitely engaging. Though the author is not Filipina, Vegara did a great job telling Cory's story.

The adult reading this will quickly twig 'no, this is not the one with the shoes – this is the one who got rid of her'. The child reading this will see an inspiring thumbnail of a biography of a politician, who managed to take The Philippines by the scruff of the neck and more or less get them into the 21st century. I can see why she wasn't front and foremost in this series, for she did have to finish off the job her husband started, as opposed to tread what was entirely her own path, but at the same time I hadn't heard of the man who inspired her to such heights, so this book did manage what it should do, and educate any reader. The artwork, too often a bone of contention with this series, is reasonable – although nobody looks in the slightest Filipino. They're generally a lot more attractive than the representatives on these pages – but more importantly Aquino is an appealing role model in this growing collection of role models.

Corazon Aquino is the newest lead in this latest edition of the Little People, BIG DREAMS series by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara. This series is such a delight and the perfect way to educate not just kids but everyone about historic and cultural icons.

Corazon Aquino was a revolutionist and the first female President of the Philippines. This book details Aquino's journey of her work in the People Power revolution to her becoming the first female President of the Philippines.

Ginnie Hsu illustrates this installment and does an amazing job. Hsu's art style was so captivating and her art definitely further helped tell Corazon Aquino's' story. This book taught me about an influential person who I had previously never heard of.. I love collecting these books and am so thrilled to add this one to the rest of my collection.

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

This series is always a joy to read, it’s a really nice introduction to well known people for little children. Of course the plot is always a little bit fast but that’s to be expected and it’s totally understandable.
This little book here describes the life of Corazón Aquino, the first female president of the Philippines. I think this volume shows a great example of strength and resilience, which are two qualities that Aquino definitely used to end the dictatorship in her own country.

This was a pretty informative entry into the series! I also really liked the illustrations in this book!

Corazon Aquino was the first female president of the Philippines. However, she wasn’t always powerful. This biography gives children a brief, but informative, insight into her life up to becoming president.

Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Corazon Aquino is another fantastic book in Maria Vegara's Little people, Big Dreams series. Maria Corazon, known as Cory, became the first female President of the Philippines after the death of her husband, journalist and politician Benigno. She fought to bring back democracy to the Philippines. I'm ashamed to say I have never heard of her. I love that these children's books are teaching me things! Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.

Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A powerful mini biographical storybook about the courageous life of the first female Philippine president. In very short summaries we learn about her life and the struggles she faced when bringing democracy to her people. Love it!!

Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy of this book via netgalley!

I read this book with my five year old. She said she liked it! I had to explain a few words to her which was great to get her thinking and asking questions (democracy, revolution, etc). She liked the pictures especially the first ones of the Philippines which were beautiful.(her words). Putting pictures of the actual person at the end of the book is a great idea! It made my daughter realize that it is not just a story, but the story of a real person.

This is the 3rd book that we've read in the Little People Big Dreams series. This one tells the story of Corazon Aquino, who became the first female president of the Philippines. As with all of the Little People Big Dreams stories, the books is appropriate for elementary students and is a quick-to-read picture book. We get the basics of Corazon's life presented in a child-friendly way with appealing illustrations. I didn't know much about Corazon Aquino before this, so even I learned something while reading it with the kids.

The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The ‘My First Little People, Big Dreams’ series provides informative and inspirational biographies about people who left a mark on this earth, no matter what difficulties they have encountered.
These stories are very short, but that’s because they’re books for children, so it’s totally understandable.
I think they are a very smart and wonderful way to introduce little children to such important figures.
This one here is about Corazon Aquino, the first female President of the Philippines. Her story really touched my heart and I think she's a great example of honesty and bravery. Now I'm even more curious about this great figure and I want to discover more about this woman that led the revolution that ended a dictatorship. I'm so glad children have the opportunity to read about her.

Another wonderful book from the Little People Big Dreams serious, this time about the first woman president of the Philippines, Corazon Aquino.

Very simple, of course, because it is a picture book, but it does go over the family's exile, before they returned, and her husband was assassinated, and how she took up where he had left off.

Very uplifting story, with hope, although the present state of the Philippines is a bit more dire.

As always, bright pictures, and an easy to read story of her life, with a more detailed biography at the back of the book.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

An awe-inspiring story that instantly made me look into Cory's life and her husband's. This book is even more poignant when compared to today's politics and that of the almost cult-like presidency of Donald Trump.

This was a beautiful, brightly illustrated book about the first woman president of the Philippines. I had never heard about her, but found her story so inspiring. This would be a great children’s book that could teach children about courage and overcoming tyranny.

This story focuses on a historical figure that I had never heard of and am intrigued to read more about. This series is amazing and I will definitely be buying hard copies for my son at some point.

An excellent nonfiction title that will entertain readers and educate them on very important historical person that inspired our world to try to achieve more.

What a fascinating children's book! A great addition to the series. I wasn't that familiar with Aquino prior to this book, but she lead a brave and bold life. With political turmoil being so common these days, this might help educate young readers about revolution and why people protest.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC.

I really like this series of books! I really love how it has very individual styles, and I like how it doesn't sugarcoat the circumstances of her husband's death. I really feel like it manages to introduce Filipino history to children in a good way. Would we perfect to use in the classroom!

I requested and received an e-ARC of this book from Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and Quatro Publishing Group through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I love the Little People, BIG Dreams series. I love that these books introduce kids to amazing people and this one did not let us down. I knew of President Marcos and that he was a corrupt leader of the Philippines, but I did not know that Maria Corazon was the person that brought democracy back to the Philippines. Again, these books taught me something new!

An interesting biography of a strong woman from Philippine.I was not aware of the journey and hardships she faced .A good book for every child's library.

I really enjoy this series and I love to see new people added to it. I learned a lot of cool stuff in this one. Thank you for continuing to make these!

Corazon Aquino is another fantastic book in the Little People, Big Dreams series from Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara. The Little People Big Dreams series is the most beautiful set of non-fiction children’s books I have ever come across. Each gorgeous hard cover book is a child-friendly biography of a significant person from history. There are so many inspirational men and women to choose from.

Each book focuses on one individual from history. Many are quite recent, bringing history from living memory to life for children. The stories are very relatable, starting with when the individual was a child (just like the reader). The development of their passion and dreams for the future are clearly explained in an accessible but detailed manner. There is so much to learn from each biography! The books focus on positive traits, creating wonderful role models. Resilience, hard work, determination, a positive attitude and a sense of what is right play centre stage as children see that anything is possible if you follow your dreams. The wide range of role models allows children to expand their worlds. With such a broad series, there is something to suit every child and every interest.

The books are brightly coloured and so appealing. They have a feeling of quality inside and out. With a manageable amount of text on each page and engaging illustrations, the reader is drawn into the fascinating facts and stories of overcoming obstacles and achieving great things. They can’t help but be inspired!

Corazon Aquino was the first female president of the Philippines. The road to government was not easy. It was filled with fighting, loss and the courage to stand up for what is right. Cory showed the world that she had the perseverance, hope and a determination necessary to do the right thing. As a result, she became a wonderful role model for women and girls all over the world.

These fantastic books would be at home in any primary classroom as well as on a bookshelf at home. They deserve to be read over and over again as children get to know the wonderful people within.

Thank you to NetGalley and Frances Lincoln Children’s Books for this wonderful book! It will be published in August 2020.

This is a great book about helping to amplify the voices of those that are silenced. Corazon helped make sure ideas were heard from a young age, and later assisted her husband with this when he was wrongly imprisoned. Even after his death she fought for equality and became the first female president of her country. A very important read teaching that everyone has a voice that matters.

Received e-arc for honest review.

This was a fascinating little book about an inspiring woman I didn't know much about. It's not easy to explain the history of the Philippines in a way that's suitable for children, but I felt this book managed it well. I've read books in this series about musicians, actors, and sportspeople, so it was great to see one with a political figure. The illustrations are also lovely.

A new entry in this excellent series is always most welcome. This time, young readers will be inspired by Corazon Aquino.
Readers of this charmingly illustrated book will learn that Cory came to the U.S. to be educated. She later returned to the Philippines with her husband, Ninoy. Corazon always had a voice but it was magnified when her husband was arrested for criticizing the government. As a dictator gained power, the couple and their child were exiled.
What happened to the family? What did Corazon go on to achieve? Readers will find out and hopefully will be inspired to question what governments do when there is a void in democracy.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Another beautiful addition to the Little People, BIG DREAMS series!
I particularly appreciate the representation little girls will get to see and feel seen through Corazon Aquinos, the first female president of the Philippines. The illustrations are beautiful and helped tell the story of Aquinos' life through political turmoil, assassinations, dictatorships, and her presidential victory. Inspiring and challenging, this one's my favorite book in the series to date.

This tiny biography of Corazon Aquino, first Female President of the Philippines, is a nice entry into the Little People, Big Dreams series. Starting in her childhood when she stepped up to give a speech in place of a classmate who couldn't, we follow her to school in the US, to law school, to meeting her husband, to stepping in to his shoes to run for President after he is killed.
The illustrations are vibrant and bright, and the excitement of her election leaps off the page. Nice addition to the series.

This series of books always provides something I look forward to! I have never been disappointed and always learn something new...from a children's book!
Corazon Aquino was no exception! I never knew the story behind the first female President of the Philippines and was excited to learn.
I love how the series keeps the story and language simple and engaging for even the youngest of readers. The author tells the full story in language that is relatable and not frightening.

Ack! Another super adorable addition to the Little People, Big Dreams series.

Even as an adult, I am loving this series since it is introducing me to numerous famous and talented people that I hadn't heard of before! Corazon Aquino is one of those people! I had no idea that she was the President of the Philippines! Her story is heart breaking yet heroic, and it's a story I hadn't heard before. Stories like these need to be heard!

This series is incredible: amazing non-fiction tales, incredible illustrations and a wonderful presentation! I can't recommend this series enough for little readers. What a great educational tool at everyone's disposable!

Four out of five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

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

Another delightful book in the little people, big dreams series telling the story of the first female president of the Philippines (Corazon Aquino) in a condensed but understandable way for children of all ages to enjoy and find encouragement from to do their best, go after their dreams and support their beliefs.

The illustrations are delightful and I always enjoy reading the more detailed time-line at the back of the book which is always accompanied with actual photographs of the person the book is written about.

Not my favourite of the series but however still very informative, deals with tougher subject matter for the little ones but great for learning

Another hit in the Little People, Big Dream series! I had never heard of Corazon (Cory) Aquino before reading this biography! What an amazing woman. Back matter gives more details and a timeline. Highly recommend for any library biography collection that needs some refreshing.

This was a lovely addition to the Little People big dreams series! I had heard of Corazon Aquino in the past but knew very little about her. This was the perfect little guide to her life! I also really liked the illustrations in this once after not enjoying the style of the past few.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review!

Another great title in the wonderful children's series on notable women in the world/history.

As always, the illustrations are colourful, relevant in tone and style to the person, in this case Corazon Aquino, the first female president of the Philippines. They would definitely catch the eye of any child looking at the book and the text is simple for older children to read.

My only problem is I wish there was more to read on her!

Fun and interesting book with colorful and imaginative illustrations that tell the story of the Philippines first woman President. Kids will enjoy this book.

This series is always a joy to read and I always keep an eye out for new books being released, they are lovely little introductions to well-known people for little children and as a mum I love reading them to my daughter.

This one is about Corazon Aquino who was the first female President of the Philippines, she is an inspiration, she went against the odds and fought corruption again adversity following the loss of her husband who had been instruments in the fight for this cause, she willingly became his voice when he incarcerated and picked up the baton after he was killed- even as an adult I love this series and get to learn!

I loved the images and this is another 5 star hit for me!

As a Filipino, I was so proud and happy to see this available on NetGalley. I think Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara did such an awesome job explaining in this children's book, the background and story of Corazon C. Aquino and how she became the first female President of the Philippines. Ginnie Hsu's illustrations were gorgeous and vivid. I am very glad this book will be published and more children will learn about what a quietly powerful woman she was.

5★
“When the greedy president faked the results of the election, she knew a revolution was about to start!”

But I’m getting ahead of myself! Cory Aquino was the very popular first female President of the Philippines, but it was a tough road to get there. The first page is a delightful representation of the variety across this nation of islands, with everything from small huts to skyscrapers.

My Goodreads review includes an illustration captioned: Cory and the many different islands

At school, she helped another student by giving his speech for him when he couldn't be there.

My Goodreads review includes an illustration captioned: Cory giving a speech in front of the school

It might seem unusual to include this as one of her accomplishments, but it is an excellent foreshadowing of what came next in her life. But first – off to America, where she was sent to study and met her future husband, Benigno (meaning ‘Good Man’) Aquino.

My Goodreads review includes an illustration captioned: Cory and Benigno (“Ninoy”) having a picnic in front of the university

Ninoy was a very political man and was determined to try to clean up the corruption in the Philippines. I’m not sure why this book never mentions President Marcos by name (or his wife, Imelda Marcos, known for her thousands of pairs of shoes).

“Before long, her husband was the toughest critic against a dishonest president who was ruining their country with his unfair laws. When Ninoy was arrested, Cory wrote her first speech and became his voice.”

That’s the foreshadowing I referred to earlier. The president became a dictator, and when Ninoy was released from prison, the family was sent away.

My Goodreads review includes an illustration captioned: Cory and Ninoy and their children, banished from their homeland

They moved to Boston, in the US. What a change!

My Goodreads review includes an illustration captioned: The Aquino family enjoying the snow in America!

But when they returned to the Philippines, Ninoy was killed, so Cory decided to run for president in his place. The election rigging had been so bad that the public revolted, and Cory won!

My Goodreads review includes an illustration captioned: Cory and the people celebrating her win

The book shows Cory in her trademark yellow in the first illustration at election time and then in every picture thereafter. It never mentions the significance that colour came to have, which I think is a pity. It became such a symbol of the Yellow Revolution.

She was an amazing woman, filling in for others at first, but stepping up in her own quiet, but impressive way when she was needed. I enjoyed this little book very much and was inspired to remind myself of some more details of the revolution.

It’s an excellent book, but I am disappointed not to see the villain named (Marcos) or reference to the yellow of the Aquino campaigns, since the world came to identify it specifically with Cory, the little girl who became an inspiring national leader.

Thanks to NetGalley and Frances Lincoln Children’s Books for the preview copy from which I’ve quoted and copied pictures. In this series, the last pages always have a short summary of the biography and a few real photographs, followed by a recommendation of a couple of books to learn more.

If you are interested in learning more yourself, here are a couple of links.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People_Power_Revolution

This is just the first part of a subscriber-only article, but the photo and introduction are enough.
http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1914873,00.html

[P.S. When reviewing adult fiction, I’m careful (I hope!) not to summarise the plot or include spoilers. If I’m reviewing non-fiction, I do try to touch on some of the main topics and points to encourage people to read the book if what I've shared sounds interesting.

However, when reviewing a children’s picture book, I include as much as I can, because I don’t think anyone is going to buy this kind of book without seeing it first, either in a bookshop or a library. There are many more pages of illustrations, but at least this will give you a good idea.]

What did I just read?

That is both inspirational ( both for me and the everyone who's listening me read this story) and traumatic (for the adult me reading this book to the kid).

Inspirational as the book tells us about a woman who brought democracy in her land making people believe in their right to choose their leader and vote after going through years of struggle and sacrifice.

And for the traumatizing part, I was not ready to read (I will never be) about what she had to lose in achieving such success and leadership.

I don't want to spoil anything.

But it's breaking my heart so bad...


Thank you NetGalley for the book.

This is another great and informative book from Little People Big Dreams to teach children about history and the world around them.

Thank you for providing me with this book!

This is a good read, as usual, from Little People, Big Dreams Series. Growing up, I've heard of Corazon Aquino. But what did she do besides being a president? No I did not know. Told in a simple manner, for kids, this is a short biography of the strong woman. How a woman can become a president, or her dreams behind it.

Strong female leaders in other countries! Yes, please! This is my favorite series of picture book biographies. The subjects for the books are so varied, and I learn so much about people I didn't know.