Iris Apfel

Review to come late August on blog and early September on Goodreads/other places

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

I have always been a fan of Iris Apfel. I just love how she wears what she wants. Flamboyant outfits, big glasses, and how she just sparks with joy and life. I really hope when I am her age that I look that fabulous as well! I still got a lot to learn though given that I often just wear something that isn't standing out too much. So of course I had to get this book in the wonderful Little People Big Dreams series! I wanted to learn more about this wonderful woman.

In this book, as expected, we learn all about Iris. From how when she was a kid she was already interested in clothes/fashion/fabrics and how that, as she grew, got bigger and bigger! Fabulous clothes, great style. I loved reading about her first jobs and other jobs she did (I didn't know she did the White House decorations for 9 presidents!!) to her relationship with her husband to various other big achievements she has reached. I would have so loved to see that collection of clothes! Sadly, I was a bit young and America is a bit too far. Haha. Maybe one day there will be a collection near me and I can go see them! That is a dream! I loved how full of facts and fun this one is. Yes, this goes for most of the books in the series, but I have to say, some do cram in a bit more than others.

I do think it is a shame that at one point the ARCs of this series just did away with the time line. Just adding photographs but nothing more. I would really love to have those back in ARCs. It just seems weird to leave those out after all.

The art was just so much fun and I love how it fit with Iris Apfel and who she is. Kristen Barnhart has a fun and expressive style!

All in all, I learned a lot of new things about Iris and I had a fun time reading this one. Would recommend it to all!

I love Iris so I knew I would adore this book! Iris's creativity and passion for style is such a great message for young children - you can have fun and express yourself at any age!

what I love about Little People Big Dreams series is that not only do they write about people you may have heard about, and know quite well, such as Elton John, but then they chose someone I have never heard of, Iris Apfel.

And, if like me, you too have not heard about her, she apparently helped redesign the interiors of seven White Houses. And her style of dress was so quirky that the Met Museum of Modern art did an exhibit of just her outfits.

Fun, quick picture book as it the format, to just give you a taste of what Iris did in her life, frist as a child, and then as an adult.




<em>Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. </em>

So, fun thing: Normally, I either know the person a book in this series is about, or I don't. This time, the name Iris Apfel rang a bell, but I could not really remember it.
Turns out, Iris Apfel was a fashionista before the term fashionista was a thing, to a point at which she had more fun preparing for a party than on the event itself.

The phrasing really made Iris and her passion for fashion shine through, and bonus points for the picture with Iris Apfel holding an apple, or Apfel, as the German translation is.

I still have fun with these, and still am learning despite not being the target audience.
Have recommended this series multiple times to people with small humans, and will continue to do so.
The arc was provided by the publisher.

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 one is about Iris Apfel, someone that I believe we could all look up to. She's not afraid to express herself and her unique style and she has so much fun doing so. She seems like such a lovely lady and every time I see her outfits I'm in awe. I'm sure children are going to love reading her story!

How can you not smile when you look at this cover!

Iris Apfel, maybe not be a name or face young readers will immediately recognise, unlike some others featured in this series like, Michelle Obama or Stevie Wonder…but that’s the beauty of these books, because that just doesn’t matter.

This series of books celebrated the uniqueness of people, and introduces readers to interesting people from all over the world.

Iris is a 99 year old fashion/style icon. From a young age she was not afraid to embrace her own style and make it shine. Her style is bright and bold, and the way she dresses expresses how she feels.

That’s the take away from this book, don’t be afraid to be adventurous when it comes to fashion, wear clothes that make you smile, and make you feel like you can take on the world!

Iris Apfel 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.

Iris Apfel is an American businesswoman, interior designer, and fashion icon. This book follows Apfel as she studies art history at New York University to her marriage and business success with her husband, Carl. The book also highlights the fact that Apfel dressed the home of nine presidents.

Kristen Barnhart illustrates this installment and does a fantastic job. Barnhart's art style was so captivating and her art definitely further helped tell Apfel's story. 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

Iris Apfel by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara is another wonderful addition to the Little People, BIG DREAMS series. This time, the colourful Iris Apfel is front and centre in all of her stylish and enduring glory. With beautiful, complementary illustrations, we learn of the fashionable beginnings of this icon, who continues to brighten up our Instagram feeds. You will want to add this one to your collection of this always enjoyable and informative series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Children's Books for an ARC.

The story of Iris Apfel is told straightforwardly and simply with bold, detailed, and colorful illustrations that are very eye-catching. This could be a useful addition to a classroom or school library as a resource for a career exploration unit or a study of artists.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

This was such a fun book! I had actually never heard of Iris before but am a fan of these books, so figured we would give it a try. I loved learning about her and immediately connected with the fact that she is a seamstress and focused on doing so thriftily as well. She also decorated for US presidents, which I thought was cool! My kids and I enjoyed the fun and vibrant pictures and learning about her life. I was compelled to look her up after reading the book and found she is still alive and in the spotlight at the ripe old age of 99!

The series is a joy to read. I have read about Kamala Harris and now Iris Apfel.
The book is quite short but doesn't fail to give important insights into the person's life.
Iris Apfel is a fashionista in true sense. She thinks you need to stay true to yourself.

The series celebrate people whether they are highly known or relatively less which doesn't matter.

Also, the art style is fun.

I first learned about Iris Apfel from a documentary. It was delightful to spend time watching this feisty and original senior citizen. Now, a favorite series, is telling Iris’s story to young readers. She will help them to see that the most important thing that a person can be is themself!

Readers will learn that Iris was interested in fabric and fashion from a young age. Both were used by her in order to express herself vividly and uniquely. Her design instincts for homes took her as far as the White House. When Iris was 84 a collection of her fashion was put on view at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Quite a life!

Iris achieved a lot. Most appealing are her spirit and sense of fun. Hopefully, young readers will find her story inspiring. It is well told in this entry of the series and accompanied by delightful illustrations.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

These books are always perfect little bios to introduce readers of all ages to famous people. I love Iris and her fierce drive to be her creative self

I received an electronic ARC from Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books through NetGalley.
Sanchez-Vegara continues to open the world to young readers. This time she introduces them to Iris Apfel and her brilliant use of colors and fabrics. They see her from her first interest in fabrics as a child and how she worked to develop her own style. I love the message to believe in yourself and not worry about what others think. To boldly explore colors and textures and create your own style that makes you feel like your best self.

I live these little books about kick ass people.
Iris is such a role model, she shows that women and girls can do, without relying on their looks.
Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review. My girls and I love these and as we home Ed they make us delve deeper.

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

Iris Apfel is another recent addition to the Little People Big Dreams series by critically acclaimed author Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara.
This bright and fun biography for children is beautifully illustrated and presented and as always is inspirational for children.
This book teaches children, especially girls, to reach for their goals and not let others dim their sparkle. Thus book shows that they can be all they set out to be after all Iris Apfel managed to become not only a great businesswoman but also an interior designer and fashion icon with very unique fashion styles.
A great addition to the series!

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 little book tells the story of Iris Apfel, a great businesswoman, interior designer, and fashion icon. It was so pleasing reading about this amazing woman and I'm so happy children can be inspired by her.

What a fascinating children's book! A great addition to the series. I wasn't too familiar with fashion icon Iris Apfel prior to reading this book, but I loved reading about her life as a child, who loved artistic expression and fashion. This would be a wonderful book for kids who love fashion and being creative.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC.

Thank you to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This new book in the collection Little People, Big Dreams talks about Iris Apfel, a vivacious and accidental fashion icon who grew up in New York.

Iris grew up between fabrics and colors and patterns. She never dressed for anyone to see her, she dressed for herself, which is so important.

The principal message in this biographical story is: be yourself just for yourself. Dress like you like, dress for you. Be you.

She has a documentary, has written a book about herself,...

"She dressed to express herself."

She loves and admires her work.

The illustrations are so full of color and stylish.

I highly recommend this book. It is a book written for kids, but I think that everyone should read, at least, a few of these stories of Little People, Big Dreams.

This book comes out on 24th August 2021, so stay tuned!

#IrisApfel #Netgalley

I had never heard of Iris Apfel prior to this book. I love how Ms. Sanchez Vergara chooses people that are commonly known as well as unheard of people for her biographies. Once again, the illustations were beautiful and the extended biography at the end gabe more information. Nicely done!

Little People, BIG DREAMS
Iris's message to everyone is *Dare to be different--Dare to be yourself, and be kind to everyone* and she spent her whole long life proving that very philosophy.
She loved fabrics and color and working with them from a young age. Then she went on to form a fashion house and decorated many places--including the White House. Now you can still see her talented wardrobe ideas at the Metropolitan Museum of Art!
One of a series for adults to read to children and for ESL to polish their English and learn about people who have shaped their world.
The illustrations that are mostly simple and forthright as created by Kristen Barnhart.
I requested and received a free temporary ebook copy from Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

I had never heard of Iris Apfel until I read this book today, which is my third or fourth in this series. What a joy to find out that Iris is still living (99 years old!) and still keeps her eccentric sense of fashion. I really enjoyed this and learning about Iris' life. What a great sense of style!

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

I know Iris Appel as I think many do; she has a distinct look and wears those large glasses. I did not know much else about her. Fascinating to read she was born Iris Barrel and lived in Queens. She always loved fabric and later designs people’s houses. She is so successful that she is known as the ‘First Lady of Fabric’ b/c she designed the homes of 9 Presidents. That is very impressive.

Later, when she is 84 years old, the Metropolitan Museum of Art does an exhibit to showcase her unique clothing and sense of style. It is very well received. She becomes a global fashion icon.

How Wonderful Life can be when you let Yourself Shine! This is the best quote of the book.

Again, I love this series. I learned much about Iris Appel. This is just the best series for children to read and explore their dreams. There is going to be a new ‘fashion icon’ that lasts 100 years, but we need to let kids know that this could be their life!

I loved the book. The only comment I would make is that the cover is beautiful and bursts with energy. However, the book’s illustrations are good, but not as exciting as previous editions in this series.

Thank You NetGalley, Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, and Frances Lincoln Children’s Books for an ARC of this book. I really appreciate it as I love this series.

Such a lovely book, another brilliant edition of the little people big dreams collection. A collection everyone needs for their children or self. I love the collection as do my children.

Fascinating learning about iris and her flamboyant love of fashion and design, the impact she had on the wold, where her love came from and how she started out

As always the illustrations are just spectacular. You’re instantly drawn in and captivated by all the details.

Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara is the author and creator of the Little People, BIG DREAMS series. Her 64th book, Iris Apfel, will be published on August 24th.

Even if the name, Iris Apfel, doesn’t ring a bell, you’ll recognize the face! Iris’s bold fashion sense and signature large glasses will be sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Iris grew up with fashion and flair all around her; her grandparents’ fabric collections and her parents’ boutiques. You’ll read about a young girl whose mission it was to bring colour, fun and flair to life while expressing herself freely. It’s truly an inspiring story about a vivacious designer and fashion icon.

I read this book with my 8-year-old niece and 5-year-old nephew and they were spellbound. They loved Kristen Barnhart’s simple and quirky illustrations and pondered over each page before sharing their thoughts. Each page led to discussions. It was the perfect length to hold their attention and the extra facts with the timeline at the back appealed to the 8-year-old. They’ve read many books in this series and love to read about other children achieving great things. These empowering stories introduce children to artists, trailblazers and dreamers who’ve made an impact.

The book whetted their appetite to learn more and soon we were watching a YouTube video of 96-year-old Iris Apfel shopping at Nordstroms. Before long they took out paper and pencil crayons to design ideas for Iris’s latest creations!

This book is a fun introduction to discussions about being yourself and will lead to colourful art creations!

I was gifted this fantastic advance copy by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, Quarto Publishing Group, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

This was a fun and colorful book. I loved the bright illustrations, and how true they stayed to Iris’ vision and style. This would be a great book for a budding fashionista.

I never knew who Iris Apfel before, maybe because I'm not those artsy people. But knowing that an artist born in a farm got me hooked. So this Iris was supported by her family, then her husband, to do things she likes. Buying dress for herself, to renovating the White House under several presidents. Her life was amazing! So if your children are like Iris, let them soar, don't held them down. And if you feel like Iris, do amazing things!

The story of Iris Apfel is told in a the wonderful, beautifully illustrated way we've come to expect from Little People, Big dreams books. I think this is a great addition to any collection that included biographies: biographies are far from boring and this book shows that! I think children will be inspired to create after reading her story.

As a fan of Iris Apfel I was thrilled to see that this book exposes children to her life. Such a fun read, and the illustrations were lovely. Will recommend this to fourth graders and up as some of the terminology would get lost on the younger set. Now I will have to read some of the other titles in this series. Such a great message for children and adults.

I love all things Irish Apfel and this is such a lovely honor to her zest for life and her interest in living! I choose to see the message about honoring who we are and marching to our own drum in this sweet biography!

I love this book! My five year old daughter requested it two nights in a row. It's colourful and perfectly tells the story of Iris Apfel, a now ninety something fashion icon. I loved the documentary 'Iris' and this book introduces her to a younger audience. I had forgotten she had dressed the homes of several US presidents and travelled the world with her great love Carl. A really sweet book for introducing fashion and individuality to younger readers. Also love the eye-catching front cover!

The Little People Big Dreams books are great because they give kids positive role models who have achieved their dreams despite any hardships or obstacles they have encountered. Iris Apfel made it a priority to be who she was and express herself no matter what anyone else thought.

I had not heard of Iris Apfel before, but after reading this book, I did some research on my own and was surprised that she is still going strong at the age of 99. Iris Apfel, was born in Queens and was an only child. To keep busy at family outings, she would sort through her grandmother's bags of fabric, thus began her love of design. She is to look up to, as she was not afraid to express herself and her unique style. She said getting ready to go out was more fun than the parties she went to, I loved that. She redesigned the White House for 9 presidents which I found amazing and when she was 84, her outfits were displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. How could I have not known about her. Once again, I loved how child friendly this biography is and how quirky, yet fascinating the illustrations are. My granddaughter is a bit of a diva (she is only 5) and the outfits she puts together are wonderful. Of course she loved the outfits in the book and the ones I found online for her to look at. A great addition to this series, to encourage children to follow their dreams.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for kindly providing me with a digital copy of this book for review.
It was an absolute joy to step back into the world of Little People, Big Dreams, and this time discover a little about Iris Apfel. I didn’t know much about her beforehand- I was just aware of her distinctive image from the media, so despite the book being only small bite sized chunks of information- I still learned quite a bit myself.
The book is very clever with the artwork and mirrors the personality of Iris, in the choice of a very bright and vibrant colour palate, and the contrasting patterns.
I very much enjoyed this little gem of a book and look forward to continuing sharing the series with my children, who very much enjoy them also.