Evonne Goolagong

Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Loved this short biographical storybook about famous tennis player Evonne. Very inspirational for young girls who aspire to be good at sports despite barriers.

This series is always a joy to read, it’s a really nice introduction to well known women for little children. Of course the plot is always a little bit fast but that’s to be expected and it’s totally understandable.
This is the perfect book for children since it shows the importance of believing in your dreams and the perseverance it takes to achieve them. Evonne Goolagong is such an inspirational figure who took down so many barriers in order to do what truly made her happy.

I love when I learn new things from a picture book. I have heard of Evonne Goolagong, but never realized that she was of the Wirundjuri people, an Aborigine, one of the Indigenous peoples of Australia.

And like the native people's of North America, she suffered the same discrimination, and wasn't even allowed to be on the tennis court, unless it was after hours, when the white people had gone home.

To get where she ended up, from where she stared, is absolutely amazing.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5563" src="https://g2comm.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/evonne-goolegon.png" alt="" />

Just another great book in the series that introduced kids to famous men and women who they need to know about. This, as far as I can tell, gave a good introduction to her life.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

This is another beautiful installment to the little people, big dreams series. This installment is about a female tennis player called Evonne Goolagong who became a world class tennis pro when she started out with very very little. This is another inspiring story to encourage children not to give up on their dreams and that winning isnt everything

The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The ‘My First Little People, Big Dreams’ series provides informative and inspirational biographies about people who left a mark on this earth, no matter what difficulties they have encountered.
These stories are very short, but that’s because they’re books for children, so it’s totally understandable.
I think they are a very smart and wonderful way to introduce little children to such important figures.
This one here about Evonne Goolagong is really perfect for children. It teaches them to believe in their dreams and to never give them up. Truly inspiring!

While scanning through the books on NetGalley, I stumbled across this awesome new board book series for babies and toddlers. The vibrant, yet simple, covers displaying historical women that I have grown up learning caught my eye, and it instantly drew me to dig in and see what this series is all about. 

Through my reading and my post-reading research, I have learned that Little People, Big Dreams is a series that focuses on introducing the youngest of readers to amazing, wonderful women that have influenced the world.

Each book is purposely designed in order to highlight one woman who has made a difference in the world. It tells the story of that women's dream and how she was able to make her dream come true despite the biggest obstacles. 

I loved the simplicity of the design of the series, Little People, Big Dreams. The authors and illustrators who have worked on this project clearly understand their audience, and they have made each of the books reflect exactly what they want their youngest of readers to be exposed to.

Designed for babies and toddlers, Little People, Big Dreams uses simple text and engaging pictures to tell the story of each woman in a kid-friendly manner. 

Often times, my biggest complaint with board books is that they lack plots or messages. Even though board books are purposely designed for babies and toddlers, I absolutely believe they still need to be strong examples of books that contain both strong plots and messages. All age levels of children need to have access to great texts.

I loved how Little People, Big Dreams designed their biography series for baby and preschool readers. There are not many nonfiction book series out there. This series is absolutely helping to pave the way to push the norm for what we typically think of when we think of baby books.

Little People, Big Dreams series is a positive example of how even our youngest of readers can read and learn from awesome books!

The story of Evonne Goolagong was absolutely-deserved to become one of the newest biographies add to the Little People, Big Dreams Collection.

I love the books in this series and always find something new in them.
This was a book that focused on a lady who followed her dreams and succeeded against the odds, starting with nothing
Evonne was an inspiration to many, and she should consider to be too as she showed with passion and determination you can succeed, she became the number one tennis player in the world and then went on to train others with similar backgrounds to her own and to help them achieve their dreams too.
It is 5 stars from me for this one, I loved the images and it is a great and well deserved addition to the series

Yet another amazing book in this series. So informative and inspiring. Even as an adult, I find these books an invaluable resource to learn about so many amazing people in history. Beautiful information and amazing for children.

So glad to know Evonne's story. I'd not heard of her before. It's inspiring to see how through her commitment to learn and practice and the awareness of others, her dreams were able to come true. Also, interesting to learn that her mom's advice to enjoy playing rather than focus on winning actually helped her to succeed.

I love the picture books that Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara does. They are perfect for little children.
This one is a picture book that introduces the little readers to the incredible life of the inspiring indigenous Australian tennis player who despite the difficulties she faced she managed to make her dreams come true.
It is written in simple sentences, which are perfect for the little ones and it offers them inspiring messages.
I love how quirky the illustrations are.

Inspiring childrens book

I really like the concept of the "Little People Big Dreams" series. I had not heard of Evonne Goolagong before, shame on me! She definitely has a very inspiring biography, overcoming oppression and discrimination, as well as poverty. The book is lovingly illustrated and tells Evonnes story in a simple yet inspiring way. A good series to teach your children about pursuing their dreams and not giving up.

I hadn’t heard of Evonne Goolagong before. I love books for kids about strong females. Hearing about someone inspirational can be huge for a child. Especially a woman in sports.

This series is always great to take your mind off things. One could argue that there is an age when you're told old to enjoy picture books, but I don't think so. They're fun, pieces of art, and ideal for a quick and fun read to get you out of any kind of slump.

I never heard about Evonne Goolagong before, caused by a mix of not caring about tennis and not looking up famous indigenous people in sports. So, again, a book from the Little People, Big Dreams series has expanded my knowledge, first with the narration and then with the timeline of her life at the back.

I especially fell in love with the vibrant depictions of Australian landscapes, and the message of this book: If you love something, do it for this love and not for possible gains. Always have fun doing what you love.

I recieved a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I thought Goolagong was a great subject for the story, but I felt like it kind of glossed over the unfairness of how she was treated and how her background really affected how much harder she had to work to become a tennis pro. Overall a decent read, but not the best in the series.

This would be one of the better books in this series by far, were it not for the horrendously childish, cartoonish illustrations. So I shall pass over those, and their felt kit aesthetic, and say this strongly gives us the bare bones that a young reader would need to know in relation to Evonne Goolagong, the world-beating Native Australian tennis player. It's all here, from her segregated childhood to the inspirational paying-it-forward she does now, as she gives opportunities to other kids that she herself lacked. It's a really good book, in truth, for its subject is less well known than some of the entrants in this series, so there's scope for it being more educational than the norm in that regard – and the message of the whole franchise is really epitomised by this figure that remains worth looking up to. A strong four stars. But be prepared for the pain in your eyes from the visuals.

Another great addition to Maria Vegara's book collection. Lovely illustrations as usual, anothee must have for any fans of her previous books.

I received a free digital copy through NetGalley. This series is a champ at being concise, informative, and enjoyable. They also do a great job at showcasing lesser known people along with ones that are heavily written about. .

I love this series! I didn't know anything about Evonne Goolagong before reading this so on top of my children learning about someone new, I did too!

Another hit from the Little People, Big Dreams series. It is so lovely when these books cover people, like Evonne Goolagong, that even I hadn't heard of. I love learning about these brave, strong, wonderful figures with my children.

What a fantastic little introduction to Evonne Goolagong. Have to admit I didn't know about her before reading this book.

I've seen quite a lot of the "little people, big dreams" series in the bookshop but hadn't had a chance to sit and read one, so it was nice to get a chance to read the story and see the cute illustrations.

Would definitely look to buy these as gifts for younger readers! I like that it has further suggestions to read to find out more about the person at the end.

**Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for access to this book in return for an honest review.

This was a beautiful children's book telling the inspiring story of a lesser known women from history. I loved the illustrations and the style of story telling. I had never heard of this woman and really enjoyed learning her story.

Per usual the Little People, Big Dreams series hits it out of the park. I loved learning about Evonne Goolagong, who I had never heard of before and am amazed by her story and braveness.

I adore these books from Little People, BIG DREAMS series, This new book is about the life of Evonne Goolagong who was an inspiring indigenous Australian tennis player.

I highly recommend this new book Evonne Goolagong by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara.
Come to think of it all her books. They are so adorable, colourful with lovely illustrations throughout and great for small children to learn about some of the wonderful people that were and are a part of our lives and did great things they did.

Big Thank you to NetGalley and Frances Lincoln Children's Books for the ARC provided for an honest opinion.

5★
"The day she left home, her mother gave Evonne a tennis dress made of bedsheets and some very good advice: 'Do not worry about winning or losing. Just play your best and have a lovely time.'"

I'm reading this while the Australian Open is playing on the television in front of me. Nobody is wearing tennis whites, and there are people of all colours and nationalities playing.

This is a lovely little picture book about world favourite Evonne Goolgagong, who once said she was tired of hearing her name always prefaced by "Aboriginal girl". She was born in 1951, so being Aboriginal meant she was at risk of being "stolen" or taken from her parents. These days, she would be referred to as a proud Wiradjuri woman, a far cry from back then.

The pictures are like paper doll cutouts, and everyone is round with rosy cheeks, whether they are black or white, young or old.


Evonne and her seven brothers and sisters

She found a tennis ball, so her dad made a wooden paddle to hit it with. She loved it! Then she discovered a book about a girl who went to England to play tennis.

Evonne, reading and dreaming about Wimbledon

But when she was a little girl, Aboriginal people weren't welcome in tennis clubs. [My comment: They weren't even counted in the census, couldn't vote, and couldn't own land until 1968. But I digress.]

So she stood outside the fence and listened to the coach teaching the other kids. Eventually, the manager let her play by herself after everyone had gone home.

Evonne, holding her paddle and watching the other kids play tennis

A coach from Sydney saw how good she was and invited her to live with his family. She went, remembered her mother's advice to enjoy herself, and the rest, as they say, is history!

Evonne, excited while her parents look sad to see her go

And here's the history.

Evonne takes the tennis world by storm!

The last page has some real photographs and a simple timeline of her life. This isn't one of those photos, but it shows what a sweet kid she was and the ruffled tennis dress the author used in her Wimbledon illustration.

Evonne Goolagong, 19 years old, winner of Wimbledon, 1971

She travelled the world with tennis but came home to Australia, reconnected with her heritage, and established a foundation where she helps young indigenous players get the chances she never had.

I thought I'd include a picture of two proud indigenous women, together in Cairns, Far North Queensland, where they went to surprise some young indigenous players. Ash Barty, who has Ngarigo heritage, is the current world number one women's player and has always been inspired by Evonne.

Ash Barty, current world number one, and Evonne Goolagong Cawley, champion and legend

Thanks to NetGalley and Frances Lincoln Children's books. This is another worthy addition to the Little People, BIG DREAMS series, of which I'm an unashamed fan.

This is to be published in March.

This is an excellent series. The people written about in the series aren't your run of the mill children's biography subjects. But they are all intriguing people and make for interesting reading. The illustrations are going to appeal to the kids as well. These books are a good way to broaden their horizons.

In this installment, Evonne Goolagong shows how children can grow up to become whatever they want to be as long as they put the work in

This is lovely, hinting at the horrible discrimination Evonne would have faced but letting the nicer aspects of the story take the lead. Highlighting that she won because she enjoyed her tennis and didn't let negativity into her game is a great lesson for kids. The illustrations are charming, I particularly like the galahs in the background of one of the images.

This is such a beautiful, inspirational story, and one that will enlighten and encourage many children. There’s no shying away from the struggles of Evonne’s early life, and although racism is not specifically mentioned in the text of the book, it’s clear from the illustrations that there was a race divide between Evonne and the other tennis club children as well as a financial one. A wonderful book.

This book was another good addition to the Little people, big dreams! I hadn't heard of Evonne Goolagong before so I appreciate the expansion of my important women knowledge! As always the blurbs are great and I really enjoyed the illustrations! Can't wait to read more from this series!
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me an arc for an honest review!

All because of old tennis ball, Evonne Indigenous Australian lived a big dream. With that old tennis ball, Evonne wanted to play tennis. With racism keeping her from her dream, her determination was admired from Vic Edwards, a professional tennis coach that saw her potential for much more. Her story is easily grasped and inspiration to all. She never let anything keep her from her dream and let the love of the sport move her forward. A great story to read with your kiddos.

I love the illustrations and at the end the time line of Evonne's life. Showing photos of significant times in her life makes it that more interesting where your kids can say me too.

A Special Thank you to Quartro Publishing Group and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review

DISCLAIMER : Thank you, Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Evonne Goolagong's story is inspiring and empowering for the next generation of girls growing up. This book is part of the series LittlePeople Big Dreams with adorable illustrations complimenting the storyline that gives us a biographical account of the events in her life that made her a world tennis champion. To see her succeed despite her background is nothing short of an awe-inducing experience for the reader. These books are an amazing addition to add to your kid's book collection. It is simple and gives the reader the important facts that led her to be the person she is. The book is relatively short focusing only on the highlights of her life. The story of an indigenous Australian native and her rise to success is what will keep our young kids moving forward despite the struggles you may experience in your life. The series focuses on these wonderful role-models whose stories will encourage them to dream and dream big. I loved the book and how the story was outlined. There are some additional facts at the end of the book and additional reading recommendations as well if you are interested in finding out more about these wonderful personalities. I gave this book 5 stars and highly recommend getting this book.

This series focuses on inspirational women with dreams. The board books, of course, offer simple messages. While the hardcover versions are slightly more advanced.

This book is about the dreams that come true regarding the tennis champion from Australia. Evonne Goolagong’s love for tennis and desire to succeed led her to become the number one tennis player in the world.

What Concerned Me
Though I love the series, this book left me with some concerns. I tried to read it with a young mind. When I did, the sentences felt too long, and the content jumped quickly from place to place.

It tells that Evonne left home to learn more about tennis. Was she a child? A teenager? The illustration doesn’t help with that question.

In a sentence that is 28 words long, it points out that she discovered a story about a tennis player. The player was in a place called Wimbledon in England and won on its magical center court. Is it just me, or would a child wonder what a “magical center court” is? (My child mind visualized a unicorn on the court.) Okay, maybe I was feeling too child-like, but it was my first thought.

The story felt a bit too shallow and not up to par with the others in the series.

My sincere thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing for the ability to review and give my opinion of this eARC book.

What I Liked
The information provided at the end of the book is extremely helpful since it fills in the blanks that the book skips over. I’m sure it’s intended to help the adult be able to read and tell the story more fully. And I do like that the series always includes this information. This is certainly a series to check out; I just don't think this book is one of their best.

I adore the Little People, Big Dream books which is a bestselling series that introduces young readers to inspirational people throughout history. The books demonstrate that many successful people have had to overcome challenges in their lives and work hard for their achievements. The board book versions provide even the youngest readers in our lives an opportunity to hear these incredible stories. Each book is complete with clear, bright and colourful illustrations that tell the story just as much as the words.

I thoroughly enjoy reading all the different stories in this series but could not contain my excitement to see Evonne Goolagong’s name! She is a fantastic role model for girls, Australian’s and especially Indigenous children who are often under represented in books.

Evonne is a proud Wiradjuri woman who overcame poverty and discrimination to not only win a Wimbledon title but do so as a mother, the first person to have done so in 60 years. Before she left home her mother left her with the words ‘Don’t worry about winning and losing. Just play your best and have a good time.’

This edition is a must have as part of your Little People, Big Dream series or one its own.

Thankyou to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

#EvonneGoolagong #NetGalley

This title is yet another wonderful entry in one of my favorite series for kids.  Each book features someone who had a dream and worked to make it come true.  In this entry, young readers learn about the childhood and accomplishments  a well-known tennis champion.


Young Evonne grew up in Australia at a time when there was prejudice against the indigenous population.  She was raised in a family of eight children where money was scarce but...one day she found a ball and her lifelong passion for tennis.


The author tells readers that Evonne was not allowed to play on the court in her community.  She stood outside to listen and learn until one day someone gave her a key so that she could practice on the court at night.


From this beginning Evonne was "discovered" by a coach and moved to Sydney.  She became a successful player who remembered her family's advice to enjoy the game.  Evonne won many championships and was the first mom to win a major tournament at Wimbledon.


The illustrations in this book are so cheerful and the story of Evonne is inspiring. I recommend adding this title to your home or school library.


Many thanks to NetGalley and the  publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

I just reviewed Evonne Goolagong by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara. #EvonneGoolagong #NetGalley

When requesting for this book, I have no clue who Evonne Goolagong is. But now I do, in a nicely illustrated book. While reading about someone's biography might be a chore, this book enables me to love it and look for more.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher through Netgalley. This mini bio of Evonne Goolagong is my first from the Little People, Big Dreams series but it will not be my last. Despite my interest in tennis Evonne Goolagong was an individual I was not familiar with and after this little bite sized introduction someone I will be looking into further. I absolutely adored this book and I wish these books had been around when I was a child to inspire me to explore my interests and pursue my dreams. I will definitely be picking up not only this book but a few of the other ones in the series to gift to some of the children in my life based on their interests.

I love the books in this series and always find something new in them. I had heard the name Evonne Goolagong, but I didn't really know much about her at all. This book, like the rest in the series, focuses on a lady who followed her dreams and succeeded against the odds. Evonne is an indigenous Australian who was not allowed to mix with the "white" Australian children. She wanted to play tennis, so a club owner gave her the key to the tennis courts. After all the other children went home, she snuck onto the courts and developed amazing skills. She was noticed by a tennis coach and promoter and she was eventually on the women's tour, winning many tournaments, including Wimbledon. Evonne was an inspiration to many, showing passion and determination to succeed. After leaving her professional tennis days, she worked with many young Australian tennis players encouraging them to follow their dreams, especially indigenous children. The illustrations were well done and certainly would appeal to children. As I have said with other books in this series, this book should be in all school and public libraries. I love that this series can be used to teach about dreaming big, famous people that might not be well known, learning about writing a biography and as a step off for further research.

Another fabulous contribution to these amazing books that are so beautiful, so well written and illustrated and simply purely inspirational for the little people and not so little in our lives. Essential reading as far as I’m concerned

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

I'd never heard of Goolagong before, which is a real shame because this is a pretty cool story. Honestly, as Americans we can get a geographic blindness. We don't learn enough about inspiring people form other countries. This is a story about rising above poverty and racism. Goolagong is a truly self made athlete, learning tennis from lessons she overheard. After first being noticed, all she gained was access to equipment. Alone, after hours. This is also a story about sport and our relationship with it. Because Goolagong was a champion but that doesn't seem to have mattered to her. She played tennis because she enjoyed it. And because she wanted other people to enjoy it as well she shared what she had learned and created opportunities for kids like herself.

One of my favorite things about the Little People, Big Dreams books is how author & illustrator, Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, brings us the lives of, not only those already well known to us, but those that we don't...but should.

This edition brings us the dreams of Evonne Goolagong, a young indigenous girl from Australia that dreamed big and worked hard to become a tennis champion in every sense of the word. She had heart, dedication, & determination. What an amazing role model for young girls of today.

As always, Ms. Vegara brings us a Solid Five Star Read. A huge Thank You to NetGalley & Quarto Publishing Group-Francis Lincoln Childrens for the digital copy to review.

I remember seeing Evonne Goolagong on the news when I was a child, and wish I'd had this book then to learn more about her. This gives a good overview of her life, from being one of eight children in an Indigenous family in a small town in Australia, where she could only practice on the tennis court at night, after the white people had gone home, to winning first the French Open and then Wimbledon, becoming the top tennis player in the world at age 20, going on to win 92 tournaments during her career, to her work now with Aboriginal children in Australia. The illustrations are sweet and colorful, and convey her bright spirit well. A timeline of her life with more information is included at the end of the book, with photographs.

#EvonneGoolagong #NetGalley

The story of Evonne Goolagong is one of the most empowering children's stories I have ever read! The stronger message to me, apart from breaking away from poverty, discrimination, following one's life passion and remembering to give back, is the one about being in the game. It does not matter if you win or lose, "just play your best and have a lovely time"! If only more children were taught this about life!
Thank you to Net Galley and Frances Lincoln Children's Books for providing me with an e-book copy in exchange for my honest review!

Evonne Goolagong is a short age appropriate illustrated biography of the famous tennis player and a new addition to the Little People, Big Dreams series. I've reviewed a number of these titles and all of them are delightful and exuberant books which cover the lives of famous cultural, science, arts, and sports icons while maintaining an age-appropriate level of detail.

Due out 3rd March 2020 from Quarto on their Frances Lincoln imprint, it'll be 32 pages and will be available in hardcover format.

Written by Isabel Sánchez Vegara it's well written in clear accessible language. The gentle and sweetly whimsical illustrations are well done. The art by Lisa Koesterke is appealing and colorful and supports the text very well. The art is rich in small subtle details which bear a closer look (like the animals, multicultural children, and more which appear throughout the book). There was a small typo in the timeline in the early eARC I received - Goolagong was picked up and trained by Vic Edwards in 1965, not 1956 (when she would've been 5 years old), but otherwise it's factually correct and engaging.

Well written and appealing, I am really enjoying all of these little books. This one is a worthy addition.

Five stars. This would make a superlative reading circle book, classroom library book, or gift. Evonne Goolagong has used her fame as a platform to encourage and help others and this little book is a nice introduction to her life and work for the youngest generation.

What can I say about the Little People, Big Dreams series that I have not already said? I love that it focuses diverse people. Goolagong became a great tennis player from humble means. I enjoyed learning about her heritage.

I did not know Evonne Goolagong before reading the book and I am so glad to have done it!

I personally find that the Little People,Big Dreams books are great to discover stories and learn new perspectives, not only for children but for adults. They could also be a starting point to get to know more about empowering and inspirational men and women!
Short story but lovely illustrations helpful cues to discover more!The messages behind the story are as always very powerful and positive.

Thanks to the author and to the publisher for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.

I loved this one! I was unfamiliar with Goolagong and her plights and am glad this book will introduce younger readers to the pioneering athlete.

Happily I am old enough and the son in a house that loved sport. I may only have been 14 years of age but I remember well Evonne Goolagong winning Wimbledon. While I remember her heritage was mentioned it did not seem such a big deal.
Reading this latest book for children in the Little People, Big Dreams series I was shocked by her upbringing and lack of opportunities due to wealth and discrimination.
Evonne as the third of eight children growing up on a farm in Australia. Her family are Indigenous Australians so there ancestors lived there long before the land was discovered and claimed by Europeans.
That subsequent ‘white’ settlers treated so badly is a disgrace and that it was still happened in my lifetime demonstrates how hard Evonne had to work to realise her dreams.
Her determination and skill was seen, someone allowed her access to tennis courts and a coach believed in her.
Tennis clubs are seemingly still part of a rich elite in the U.K. so perhaps this story should be more widely known.
I am proud to have seen her play and seen her talent in action but it has given me new pleasure and fresh insight reading this special little book.

'Evonne Goolagong' by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara with illustrations by Lisa Koesterke is about the famous Australian tennnis player.

Evonne, a descendant of the Wirundjuri people, grew up in a large family on a dusty farm. When she found a tennis ball, her dreams of tennis began, but as an Indigenous person, getting to play in a tennis club was not allowed. She caught some breaks along the way, and eventually became a world star of tennis.

I liked this story of dreams and determination. The illustrations were fun, and I liked the biography section that is at the end of this entire series.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Childrens, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.

Evonne Goolagong by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara focuses on the life of one of Australia's most inspiring athletes. Part of the indigenous population native to Australia and a descendant of the Wirundjuri people, Goolagong grew up on a farm. She fell in love with tennis after joining a local club and discovering she had a knack for it. Goolagong practised hard, setting her goal on the prestigious tennis tourney known as Wimbledon. The end of the book contains a more detailed look at Goolagong's life, using language suited for much older readers. Perfect for libraries, and classroom learning. Highly recommended!

***Many thanks to the Netgalley & Quarto Publishing for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.