The “Little People, Big Dreams” series by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara uses captivating illustrations and a simple language to introduce children to iconic figures. This latest instalment chronicles the life of King Charles III, a timely read for young minds curious about the upcoming coronation in May.
Living in the UK and with a keen interest in royalty, I was eager to explore this mini-biography. Overall, it offers a gentle portrayal of the new king’s life and accomplishments, focusing more on successes and less on failures, making it easily accessible for children.
The story follows a young Prince Charles who, despite the love and support of his family, faces challenges due to his future role.
I appreciated the mention of his lifelong passion for nature and his support for environmental causes.
However, the book’s treatment of the fairy tale wedding with Lady Diana and his relationship with Camilla felt overly simplistic. While I understand the difficulty of explaining complex relationships to children, a more nuanced approach could prevent confusion later. Imagine a child raised on the romanticized version presented here, only to discover a more complex reality when older.
The pastel-colored illustrations are delightful, some even perfectly capturing historical moments, like the wedding with Diana Spencer.
The concluding message is heart-warming, reminding readers that milestones don’t happen at the same age for everyone: if Charles became king at 73, it’s okay if we don’t achieve the same things or at the same pace as our peers.
