Little People, BIG DREAMS: Earth Heroes: 3 books from the best-selling series! Jane Goodall - Greta Thunberg - David Attenborough

My daughter collects this series, so she was excited to find a trio gift set. Certainly, these "Earth Heroes" are not the only environmentalists who have a biography in the series, but you can see how they fit together. There are other scientists and naturalists such as Charles Darwin and Mary Anning sold separately. All 3 are written by the same author but illustrated by 3 different people, so each book has its own slightly different "feel" while maintaining the thematic thread of the Little People Big Dreams series (e.g., the seeds of adult achievement can be found in the everyday activities of a young child just like you! and Follow your passion!). There are many children's biographies of Jane Goodall already in existence (in particularly, Me...Jane and The Watcher, two of my favorites). I have to admit that I like the two books I mentioned better; however, Me...Jane covers only her childhood. The Watcher short-shrifts her childhood, but has a fuller, richer telling of her career than this book. SO...if you want the entire narrative story of Jane Goodall's life, pick this book. But I do think the other two books are more richly told and richly drawn. In any case, I am parsing here. This is a standout selection in the LIttle People series. It hits all the right notes--how she discovered her interest as a child, how she had to work hard to pursue her interest, how she lucked out by meeting the right person at the right time, and how good fortune led to more good fortune, but how she used her good fortune for the benefit of the animals she so loved. There's a reason Jane Goodall has so many children's biographies -- her story is very inspiring and easy for children to relate to because of their own love of animals. The Greta Thunberg book is also very inspiring. The narrative thread starts in a place familiar to children--learning about a problem while at school and wanting to do something about it but not knowing how. What distinguishes Greta is that she didn't stop with the thought and shrug--she kept pursuing the problem and action, starting first with her parents and then expanding her protests into a global phenomenon. Most books in the series take a soft touch with the hardships and trauma of the person. Interestingly, this book takes a page to state that doctors thought Greta had selective mutism and Asperger's syndrome because she stopped talking when she couldn't figure out what to do about climate change. I had never heard that about Greta (maybe I'm the only one). The back matter talks about Greta saying that Asperger's is her superpower. Yet nowhere in the book does it explain what Asperger's is, so if you're reading this with a child, be prepared to explain selective mutism and Asperger's syndrome, or look them up together. I'm mixed about this. I appreciate shining a light on an exceptionality (what some would still call a "disability" because of deficit thinking) and stating that Greta views it as her superpower, but without the background information on Asperger's syndrome and selective mutism, the young reader can't do much with the shined light, except ask questions or skip over it or confuse the two things mentioned. On a final note, the David Attenborough edition is the most disappointing of the three. My children love David Attenborough and recognize his voice instantaneously as do so many nature lovers around the world. We were interested to learn the backstory of David's life. But the book is very sparse. Other than a dried seahorse he receives as a gift, there aren't many catching specific details to anchor the story. It's very general and a little dry as a result. The illustrations are also deep in browns and dark greens, so a little gloomy. We didn't feel this edition was up to the usual standards, but then again, a biography about a broadcast journalist who spends his life behind the scenes spotlighting the lives of animals may be a harder narrative to tell.

I absolutely love this book series and was thrilled to find out that Greta Thunberg was recently added to the list of heroes. While there are details of her story that are up for debate or whatever, her visibility and vocal power are important for kids to see. They need to be reminded that their voice counts, and that there are still people in this world who are revered for being champions for good. I'm always trying to teach my kids: we don't really need to worship people who unbox things on youtube and reality television robots. There are better personality traits and accomplishments to admire.Greta, David, and Jane all help teach my daughters that what you do matters, and that by simply staying focused on your goal and not worrying about detractors, you too can make an impact just by being motivated enough to challenge the status quo. I love the lessons in these books and as a side note, the set itself is heavy, beautifully printed, and great quality. Books are a nice large size with bright and colorful but aesthetically mellow illustrations - perfect for engaging young interests with pictures while not overshadowing the message therein. I love love love this series for kids and strongly encourage you to check out not only this little set of three, but all of the books in the Little People, Big Dreams series. Wonderful and recommended!

I love this series. This series focuses on some noteworthy women.Jane Goodall (b. 1934) - a primate researcher. From other biographies I have read about her, it is plain she has Asperger's and primates are her special interest. She has lived in Africa since 1957 and since 1961 made major contributions in primatology. Born a Baronness, Ms. Goodall is revered as the world's leading experts on chimpanzees.Greta Thunberg (b. 2003) - an activist who brought climate change to the world's collective attention. A brilliant leader and spokesperson, Greta Thunberg banged on the drum about reducing one's carbon foot prints and to become more eco-savvy. She, like Jane Goodall has Asperger's and once that became known, a spokesperson for Asperger's as well. I think it is unfortunate that she dropped out of school at 15, but all the same I have nothing but the highest admiration for her accomplishments and ability to push a cause forward and raise people's awareness.David Attenborough (b. 1926) made a name for himself in broadcasting and in history. An earth conscious man, Attenborough has made films about Planet Earth and has earned many awards and plaudits for his work.All in all an excellent collection. I highly recommend the Little People Series.

These are some of my favorite books for my first graders. They give an account if the subjects life starting from when they were a child of around the same age. Who were they and what did they do to get to where they are? Each is written in a concise easy language for a younger child to read.In all of these books, there's always a challenge to be overcome and I love that it shows how they did. Be it Asperger's or overcoming some type of gender bias, these people are incredible. These are all written in positive ways for people who have changed and influenced our world. It's not in depth but it's a great introduction to really young readers.My children are now reading these to me and they adore them as well. Out of this batch I think Jane Goodall was my favorite but you can't dislike any of them as they're all written so well. Overall, never hesitate to buy one of these on a person you want your children to know about. Great introductions!

These books are absolutely fantastic and great value if on offer. My little one loves learning about these "earth" heros and doesn't get tired of re-reading them. Its informative without being dull and has beautiful art work to go along with the text. I highly recommend them to any friends with little ones.

Got these as to give as a present. Was very impressed with the quality. Different artist for each book. Lovely stories. Beautiful feel. Getting the anthology for my niece.