This is another fantastic addition to Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara's brilliant "Little People, Big Dreams" series. Its publication is timed to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the iconic musician's death.
The book follows John Lennon from his roots in wartime Liverpool, through his meeting with Paul McCartney and the Beatles' rise to fame, his relationship with Yoko Ono and his activism for peace. While Lennon's musical and political legacy and his early death are mentioned, the circumstances of his death aren't referred to. There are a few important messages reinforced by the book. Firstly, the collaboration between people who have different strengths (in this case Lennon and McCartney) to produce something extraordinary. Secondly, the loneliness of fame and feeling the need to project a certain image, and the value of finding someone who sees and loves the real you, rather than that image. Finally, Lennon's belief in fostering respect and understanding between different cultures, and the way he manifested this belief through his music and political activity. While the lyrics of his song "Imagine" aren't included in his book, there are clear references to it in the final page. I believe young readers would enjoy listening to and reflecting on the song after reading this book.
This was a delightful book, illustrated in a similar whimsical and colourful style to the others in the series. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it with my Beatles-obsessed 11-year-old daughter.
My thanks to the author Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, illustrator Octavia Bromell, publisher Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this title prior to publication.