I was given the opportunity to receive a free copy of Heidi Poelman’s new board book, Little Heroes: Courageous People Who Changed the World, in exchange for my honest review.
All it took was the adorable artwork on the front page, and the title of the book, to put a smile on my face and suck me in. The artwork on each page is so cute and well-done, helping you see what the setting would have been like for each little hero, as well as what they looked and dressed like. Well done to Kyle Kershner for his careful creativity!
Each little hero in the book was a real person in history or modern day who has made a significant difference in the world by fighting for peace, prosperity, and equality.
I read the book to my boys, ages 4, 7 and 12. This is what they thought about the book:
The 4-year-old: He liked the pictures. His favorite was the one about Rosa Parks.
The 7-year-old: He thought the book was interesting because it showed life from back then with people trying to change bad things. This son recognized Abe Lincoln and Malala from the cover of the book. He loves history and he loves learning about people who make a difference, so he is thrilled to have this book in our home.
The 12-year-old: He thought it was great to have a children’s book that taught about each of these people. He feels that this book will inspire children to solve wrongs they see in our world.
Each little hero in this book is one to admire and aspire to be like. They came from all time periods, races, and backgrounds, but they all stood for goodness and fairness in this world where we all deserve to be happy.
For some reason, this book brings me to tears as I think about it. I am so glad, like my oldest son observed, that Poelman realized how no child is ever too young to be inspired by those who have changed the world so that they too can change the world someday.
Book Description
From the intrepid efforts of Susan B. Anthony to the quiet courage of Rosa Parks, Little Heroes: Courageous People Who Changed the World is a young child’s first introduction to the brave people who fought to make the world a better place. Simple text and adorable illustrations tell the contributions of eight champions of freedom: Abraham Lincoln, Rosa Parks, Susan B. Anthony, Malala Yousafzai, Harriet Tubman, William Wilberforce, Mahatma Gandhi, and Martin Luther King Jr. A quote from each individual is included on each spread along with colorful, delightful artwork.
Heidi Poelman
“I received my degrees in communication from BYU (BA) and Wake Forest University (MA). One of my passions is learning about marriage and family relationships and using what I learn in my own home. I love being a mom to my three kids, exploring new cultures, reading a good book, spending time outdoors, and going out on date night with my best friend, to whom I’ve been married for 12 wonderful years. I also enjoy teaching families how to build and use a home food storage. Families can learn more about building a great tasting food storage at foodsense.shelfreliance.com.”