Non-Fiction Picture Books

The Little People, BIG DREAMS series has become hugely popular with children and young people, with more than seventy titles now in print. Each book introduces an inspiring figure — scientists, artists, singers, designers — who all began as children with a dream.

One of these titles is Marie Curie, written by Isabel Sánchez Vegara, illustrated by Frau Isa, and translated by Emma Martinez. As a young woman, Curie was barred from university because of her gender. Later, her groundbreaking discoveries of radium and polonium advanced the fight against cancer and earned her two Nobel Prizes.

Soft green and brown illustrations complement the simple text. Children who find reading challenging are often drawn to these books, particularly because they tell the real stories of real people. The series includes both men and women, offering plenty of choice and inspiration. Additional biographical details are provided on the final pages, making this an excellent springboard for students who may struggle with more formal project work.