Being a queen wasn’t something Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, or Lilibet as her family called her, had dreamed about nor been prepared for. After all, she was born a princess, the granddaughter of King George. There were many others in line for the throne. Unlike her grandchildren today who are being raised in the shadow of what’s ahead, the first decade of Elizabeth’s life was carefree, with little understanding nor expectation of a royal destiny.

The author’s focus on two major events in young Elizabeth’s life, highlight moments which changed her life forever. This is a good opportunity to spend time with children discussing what happens when events, out of our control, occur and cause our journey to take a different direction. I read this with my niece and nephew, and we talked about how our attitude can make all the difference in the world. The first lesson Elizabeth learned was that “a good queen serves her people, not the other way around.’ This shaped her destiny and contributed to her incredible legacy as the longest serving British monarch.

For seventy years, putting others first served the Queen well. We could learn from this lesson.

As always, Vegara’s books have the best illustrations! This one kept my niece and nephew engaged and was the perfect springboard to further discussions about our new King, the succession and what it means to be a royal child.

I was gifted this advance copy by Quarto Publishing Group, Frances Lincoln Children’s Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

It may be a coincidence that this entry in a favorite series is being published now. That timing is perfect though as many children are hearing a lot about the Queen following her funeral.

Elizabeth was an inspiration to many. In this Little People, Big Dreams book, readers will learn how a little girl, a lover of her ponies and dogs, had a life that changed quite dramatically. She became a Queen who served her people and inspired many.

The story of Elizabeth is told nicely. I love the accompanying illustrations. All in all, easy to recommend this one.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

Queen Elizabeth
by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara
Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books, Frances Lincoln Children's Books
Pub Date: 27 Sep 2022

This charming book beautifully captures the life of the late Queen Elizabeth II for readers 4 through 7.

Part of the beloved Little People, Big Dreams series, the story is told through colorful illustrations and text, black and white photos, a detailed timeline, plus the Queen's beloved corgis scattered throughout, giving readers a profound sense of her challenges and joys from childhood through 70 years as Britain's longest-reigning monarch. Highly recommended!

Thanks to the author, illustrator, Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books, Frances Lincoln Children's Books, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.