The illustrations in this book are beautiful, I love all the vibrant colors! I knew who Ru Paul was but didn’t know their story. I like that this book is a simple way of telling a much deeper story. I would love to read more about Ru Paul and find out what happened in the years between school and becoming a success, but for children, this is perfect.

What a fun book for children about RuPaul! I loved the colorful illustrations and the author does a great job of succinctly summarizing his life and impact. We meet Ru as a child who loves expressing themselves through clothing. I loved learning about his life and his rise to fame and inspiring others. This would be excellent for a child who is artistic, but feels like they don't quite belong. I think parents who are fans will enjoy reading this one to their kids!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this ARC.

A wonderful addition to this series, and a great lesson for kids. I could see this being a wonderful starting point for discussions and helping kids of all ages learn about being their own unique self. Excellent addition to any diverse bookshelf!

I love the Little People Big Dreams series. I would buy every single book. They are so well done. This one focuses on RuPaul and is a total delight. The illustrations are the most beautiful from this entire series I think. The story is full of hope and age-appropriate. If you love RuPaul, you will LOVE this little book for your little one!

The publisher made a copy of this book available for review via Netgalley. This is my honest opinion.

Rupaul is the newest lead in this latest edition of the Little People, BIG DREAMS series by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara. This series is such a delight and the perfect way to educate not just kids but everyone about historic and cultural icons.

Rupaul is an American drag queen, actor, model, singer, songwriter, and television personality. As a fan of Rupaul's drag race, this book was an excellent way to see Rupaul's beginnings in San Diego. This book explores Rupaul moving to New York at 21 and performing in drag with Lady Bunny to releasing "Covergirl" and Rupaul's work on TV as a host.

Wednesday Holmes illustrates this installment and does an amazing job. Holmes' art style was so captivating and her art definitely further helped tell Rupaul's story. I love collecting these books and am so thrilled to add this one to the rest of my collection.

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

This is such a vibrant book filled with creativity, passion and the power of embracing who you are no matter what people think! Such an important message to give to children everywhere.

The beautiful cover of this book immediately tells the reader much that they will discover in its pages about Ru Paul. Kids learn that, as a child, Ru Paul found joy wearing what were traditionally called women’s clothing. Ru Paul knew that this was okay, that it was possible to be one’s unique self. Ru Paul’s mom expressed this well. She told a young Ru Paul that she believed in the importance of Ru Paul knowing and loving the person inside. This is how Ru Paul lived.

That is the message of this book, and it is one for all children. It will be empowering to those who feel “different” and equally important for those who could benefit from gently learning that it is important to accept others as they are. Readers will learn about how Ru Paul grew up to make a difference.

This title is an excellent addition to this series. It comes highly recommended.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

RuPaul is another charming addition to the Little People, BIG DREAMS series. This time, the spotlight is on RuPaul, the inspiring performer who has risen to fame as a supermodel and television star. The story of little Ru's aspirations and ultimate rise to fame are perfectly complemented by beautiful and colourful illustrations. This is a truly inspiring series that is sure to be enjoyed by anyone, at any age. I highly recommend acquainting yourself with these wonderful books.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Children's Books for an ARC.

This series is always a joy to read, it’s a really nice introduction to well known people 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 little book here is all about RuPaul, who is such a well-known person for everything he does with his show RuPaul's drag race. RuPaul is truly himself and doesn't hold back and I believe this is something we should all strive for. The message is clear and the last words of this story perfectly express it: Don't ever think we are born just to fit in a box, we are born to stand out.

This little book packed a great punch. I am a very big fan of RuPaul and what he has done for the LGBTQ community in his life. While reading this there were times when it fell flat. I understand this is for a younger audience, however the immediate fame it gave the idea of was not realistic.

This book did have so many great qualities though. It shows kids reading that it’s okay to be yourself and chase your dreams no matter what. I think every kid should know who RuPaul is and know his impact on the world.
I had an amazing time diving into this and will definitely recommend it to the parents I know that have younger kids!

Another colorful, fabulous entry into the Little People Big Dreams picture books series. This one is about LGBTQ+ and drag icon RuPaul. The book follows him through childhood to adulthood where he achieved fame. As always, the book is a brief, simplified biography with target audience of young children. The book includes an appendix with real photos of RuPaul and a timeline showing key moments in the life & career of this celeb. As always with this series, the book as encouraging messaging around following your dreams and being true to yourself.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an arc of this book!

I love the Little People, Big Dreams series and when I saw that there was an upcoming book on RuPaul I knew I had to get my hands on this.

These books always contain beautiful illustrations and fantastic role models for young readers to be inspired by.

“When you become the image of your own imagination, it's the most powerful thing you could ever do.” Well said Ru!

But this book for your small person or for yourself!

RuPaul's history comes alive in this book through child-friendly language and exquisite illustrations. While the storyline is interesting, the wording could be a bit more lyrical and engaging.

Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara's series of "Little People, Big Dreams" has earned its ranking as one of the best and most requested picture book series I sell-- and this title more than lived up to that standard! I love the way that the book will guide children through RuPaul's journey in a way that will start an abundance of discussion, and pique further curiosity! The art style was fabulous, bursting with acceptance, and will make kids want to discover how being themselves makes them stand out in the world. I also love the way there is further information illustrated in a timeline at the back of the book, for kids who want to learn more specifics about RuPaul. This book was excellent, and I can't wait to see what's next from this author!

"Don't ever think we are born just to fit in a box, we are born to stand out."- RuPaul

The Little People, Big Dreams series is an outstanding collection of biographies for children and their new RuPaul book is a fabulous addition. Spotlighting RuPaul diversifies the series and gives a voice to a powerful LGBTQ+ icon. Sharing this book with kids helps teach them to celebrate what makes them unique and to accept others who don't "fit in a box". In addition to the powerful message, the book has beautiful, colorful images that children will love.

This book provides a biography of RuPaul for children. I wasn't sure what to expect and although I'm not a teacher, I would guess it is aimed at Primary school kids (7-11 years). The illustrations are very celebratory which I loved, but I'm not sure about the first illustration of Ru in a closet, seemingly having fun, with family looking on. There are some great messages of acceptance throughout, which are inspiring and very RuPaul, and it also doesn't shy aware from the difficulties Ru experienced. It doesn't go into any depth, but gives starter points for discussion instead. One critique is that it mentions Ru being a drag queen aged 21 but doesn't explain what that means until the following page. I also wasn't keen on the kids watching Drag Race being described as 'lonely kids'. The following sentence does improve on this, but still. Overall, this is a good read and you do finish getting a sense of who RuPaul is. The biography at the back showing photos of Ru is useful and gives more in-depth info.

I absolutely love that RuPaul was the topic of this book. The biography was beautifully and tastefully written, appropriate for the age it was intended for. Nicely done!

Review to come May 12th to blog/goodreads/etc.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

I just love these Little People BIG Dreams series and I look forward to a new batch each time. So when I saw a new batch appear with RuPaul in the mix? I knew I had to get it and read it!

I haven't watched a lot of Dragrace, just episodes here and there, but I do love what I have seen. It is a fun show (or should I say shows) and I just love how RuPaul is there, either as himself, or in drag. I was definitely curious how he got to where he is now.

In this book we see just that. From how his childhood was, how even then he stood out, he wasn't afraid to wear whatever he wanted. How his family loved him. How he got to be the icon he is now. I would at least call him an icon. And very inspiring. I wish I had that much confidence, now and back when I was a kid.

It was very nicely illustrated, I like the style.

The text is simple, but it tells us so much. You learn a whole lot about RuPaul. I didn't even know he was in a band! Haha, that is amazing!

It was a shame that the text at the end (with the timeline and the photographs) was blank in my ecopy. While it is often a more text-heavy rehash of the story there are sometimes new details found there.

All in all, I would recommend this book to all who want to know more about RuPaul.

I was so excited to see this book! I think Ru Paul is an amazing human being and needs more people of every age knowing who he is and what he has done for the community! This was such a cute book! I loved the artistry and how to the point the book was! I loved how positive the book was! He has gone through so much and to see it in such an amazing light was great!

RuPaul pushed me out of the closet and under the microscope

Posted on May 1, 2021 by michellelovatosbookreviews, world's first book color commentator, book reviews with a twist

I was raised to hold secrets; hide truths; put on faces “the world” expected me to wear. But the truth is, reader, that my tastes are different than some others. While many adults my age prefer to read thriller novels and sappy love stories, I am a closet children’s literature fan. This genre is honest, innocent, and pure of heart. And it illustrates the way my true heart wants to be.
After all, what better time in life is there to approach a developing heart and mind with the message of love and inclusiveness?
I’ve never seen drag queen RuPaul on television. Not once. I don’t watch TV. It’s not a slight. It just is. But a few years back I did watch a Masterclass video session RuPaul taught. It was life-changing to understand this person’s story and to embrace his philosophy when it came to how to behave when someone else does not accept you; when someone else is downright mean and hurtful in his words, actions and intentions. RuPaul’s message is foundational and I wish I’d learned it before I spent my childhood calling people “Booger,” and “Fat,” and “Stumpy.”
Whoever said that “sticks and stones can break my bones but words will never hurt me,” WAS A LIAR. They hurt. They actually destroy.
But one thing that truly cannot hurt me, or any child, is the understanding of love and acceptance that we humans can gift to one another.
Little People, Big Dreams, RuPaul, by author Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and illustrator Wednesday Holmes is a child-sized account of a colorful, oak-strong personality who weathered the storm of the 1970s and 80s with the grace and wisdom of a queen.
Most influenced by his mother and three sisters, RuPaul’s childhood was a time of exploration and discovery. RuPaul was encouraged to be the person he was on the inside, and what blossomed out of that love and expression was a person who later defined the word, drag queen.
Forgive me for preaching, but here is why RuPaul’s children’s message is important to me as a Christian:
The power, in my mind, of the message of Christ, is that Jesus LOVES us; that Jesus ACCEPTS us, where we are, right now, at this moment. Why would it be different for RuPaul, or anyone else? It’s not. But I as a Christian have far too often jumped straight to weirdo and skipped right over the top of the crystal clear message that the word “WE” means all of us.
I am thankful to God that RuPaul dared to stand up and express his personality. I am thankful that this story is on the shelves to teach the true oneness of humanity. And I am thankful that God has opened my eyes to see my error in excluding those who act differently than myself.
Little People, Big Dreams, RuPaul is an uplifting story that teaches our future that it’s okay to be different, that love truly does conquer all, and, ironically, Little People, Big Dreams, RuPaul shares the ultimate message of God’s love in a non-churchy format.
Oh, and for all you naysayers: Self-love is not always intended to be a Godless, carnal running wild of behavior. And in this case, I take it to mean that we all need to embrace who we are and “just be.”

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Happy are those who respect the Lord and obey him. You will enjoy what you work for, and you will be blessed with good things. Psalm 128: 1-2

4/5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and Frances Lincoln Children's Books for providing this e-arc!

A short and sweet book meant to familiarize children with a fracking icon such as Rupaul. I had some minor formatting issues which unfortunately affected my experience.

Well done and colorfully illustrated, this book takes *Free To Be You And Me* from the 70s and brings it into the now by showcasing a flamboyant and well known personage. The story of his/her life emphasizes the goal of loving yourself and making your own magic despite what others may say about you!
I requested and received a free temporary ebook copy from Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

I adore this series of books and am a fan of RuPaul so this was bound to be a winner.
These books are a he ultimate is showcasing wonderful people in the most accepting and beautiful way, especially people who may not get the attention they rightly deserve.
The illustrations are gorgeous, so colourful and inviting, and the whole story of RuPaul growing up highlights how important it is for us, and our young readers, to be accepting of everyone and to stay true to yourself. Can't wait to get a physical copy for the bookcase in the kids' room.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this. All views, as always, my own.

This one is so damn uplifting!

I would have never known about this personality had it not for this adapted illustrated series.

Such empowerment and the "nailed it" vibes couldn't have been told in a better way.

We have the right to become who we want to ne. It's never too late. It's so encouraging to have a family who supports you and love you for who you are.

Drag queens. Cross dressing. Why should we even discriminate someone based on these things?

Some days we are discriminated for just breathing. So leave them and become the best version of yourself like this amazing personality!

Love the illustrations. I love the #pride vibes!

Thank you, authors and the publisher, for the advance reading copy.

I really enjoyed this book and all the colorful illustrations in it! This is such an important message to share with kids! I just wish it was a bit longer and that the concept of a drag queen was more explored and explained for kids to understand.

"True fierceness comes from within."

An inspiring book for young readers on the life of RuPaul celebrating diversity and self-love. An important read for people of all ages that showcases the importance of acceptance and support towards the new generations in order for them to spread their wings and become who they're meant to be.

The publisher provided the ARC of this book 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 concise, but that’s because they’re books for children, so it’s totally understandable.
I think they are a brilliant and wonderful way to introduce little children to such important figures.
This one is about the Incredible RuPaul, very famous now thanks to RuPaul's Drag Race show. His message is a significant one, which is to express ourselves, always.

I love this series, and I was so excited to see there was a RuPaul one! The illustrations were so cute, and fun and colourful, and it was a delightful read.

In this edition of Little People, Big Dreams, we learn about RuPaul's upbringing and contribution to the LGBTQ+ and drag community. This story delivers a great message to be yourself, love yourself and to do what feels right for you. I would recommend to anyone who was interested specifically in RuPaul or an avid collector of the series.

Thank you to NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

I have been a fan of RuPaul for years and years and I am excited to see how this children's book portrays them.

It's no secret that I love the books in this series, and the RuPaul installation may be my favorite yet! The illustrations are fun and the story is simple, yet powerful. It would be a great read for parents and children during Pride Month.

This sweet little book is a good introduction to the life of RuPaul. Illustrated with beautiful colors it is fun to view and the text is nice for whoever does the reading. We love these big dreams books and this is a great addition.

I love this series – I've read at least half of them, and they rarely disappoint. I'll certainly be adding this to my little ones' LGBTQ+ reading shelf, and I'd advise all parents/aunts/uncles/friends to do the same!

Thank you Little People, BIG DREAMS series for sharing Ru Paul's story. Ru Paul is awesome and has done so many things for the LGBTQ+ communities. I hope everyone reads this book and i puts the same smile on their face as it did on mine.

Keep these books coming!

Not only is it a great book about who RuPaul is but it's also a great message need to, and should, hear. It's inspirational in everyway possible.

I received an electronic ARC from Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books through NetGalley.
An empowering biography for young readers. They meet RuPaul as a child and see their journey as someone who had to struggle to find where they fit in life. The brightly colored illustrations capture RuPaul's personality and help readers see his style and how he got to this point in his life. The timeline at the end of the book provides more information for further research.
Another terrific book in this series by Sanchez Vegara.

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

Rupaul is one of the latest additions to the amazing Little People Big Dreams series by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara.
I live Rupaul and have always been in awe of him! This book is a great addition to this series and teaches children to dare to be different, stand up and be who they want to be, embrace who they are and not be ashamed of this either.
These books are truly inspirational and diverse child friendly biographies for children, full of lovely illustrations and bright engaging colours.

What a beautiful book and empowering story. This book would be a great way to start conversations with children about lifestyles that don’t fit the mold but are still fulfilling and beautiful. The style of the illustrations fit perfectly with the story, and made this a true delight to read.

In this book of the Little People Big Dreams series, we meet RuPaul. This book is a brief biography in simple language for children. It tells of how RuPaul felt differently from other children and was encouraged by his mother tone himself and express himself. RuPaul is an inspiration to children to be inclusive of everyone.

As an educator, I would recommend this book for school or classroom library in elementary.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Aww we loved this book, we love the series they are so fabulous.
Ru Paul is such an inspiration and a joy to read.
Thankyou so much for this opportunity.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first book that I have read from the Little People, Big Dreams series and I really loved it. I thought the pictures were bright and vibrant, just like RuPaul himself, and the story of his life was told succinctly and in simple terms that younger kids can understand. I also thought the timeline at the end was an excellent addition, as well as the real photos of RuPaul. The only thing I feel might be missing is a glossary. While a glossary is not typical in biographies, there are some terms like "drag queen" with which children might not be familiar. If some of those terms had been explained, this would have been five stars for sure.

4★
“When little Ru was about to be born, a fortune-teller told his mom that her son would one day be famous. Growing up in San Diego, with his mother and three sisters, it was only a matter of time before he figured out how…”

My Goodreads review includes an illustration with the caption:
Cover picture of RuPaul as he saw himself

Ru was never someone who was going to blend in with the crowd, especially at school. It was one of his sisters who taught him that anyone can create magic if they try.

My Goodreads review includes an illustration with the caption:
“his sister Renetta laid out a blanket in the backyard, took out some cookies from a paper bag and asked him to enjoy the most fabulous picnic.”

So what if they were only cookies? Ru got the idea. He loved playing dress-ups and making his own magic, and although he never fit in, his mother taught him to be true to himself. He quit school and went to study performing arts in Atlanta.

My Goodreads review includes an illustration with the caption:
“Playing with his first punk band, he mixed a prom dress with army boots on stage. Everyone wondered if he was a boy or a girl.”

What he was, was RuPaul, but nobody knew that yet. He continued his colourful ways, moved to New York, wore wigs and high heels, and was having a lot of fun.

My Goodreads review includes an illustration with the caption:
“On and offstage, Ru had found his true groove! She felt as comfortable in high heels… … as he did wearing his favorite pair of slippers.
It was time to share his joy and meet someone special: his husband Georges.”

[Note the subtle change from she to his, as he moves from one persona to the other.]

He walked the catwalk as a model in dresses and big wigs and released a famous song. He even performed with his idol, Diana Ross.

My Goodreads review includes an illustration with the caption:
Ru and Diana Ross

He went on to found his famous show to find the next drag superstar, and people everywhere are inspired now to show us who they are, to love themselves, and to love life.

My Goodreads review includes an illustration with the caption:
“By sharing with the world the beauty of drag, little Ru gave us valuable tips to make the most out of life: ‘Don’t ever think we are born just to fit in a box, we are born to stand out.’”

This is a great little series of books about people who are beautifully shaped pegs who don’t happen to fit into the usual holes we have boringly bored in society. They often have a hard time in childhood, when kids are trying so very hard to fit in, but they are the people who bring us the colour and joy when they blossom.

As always, there are some real photos and a short biography at the end, along with suggestions for other reference material if you want to follow up.

This is a very bright, cartoonish offering, and I found it a little hard to know which stylised character was Ru on some pages, but the overall impression is certainly that the wilder the colours and patterns, the better!

Thanks again to NetGalley and Quarto’s Frances Lincoln Children’s Books for the preview copy from which I’ve shared a few illustrations to encourage readers to try this series!

A book to shop children an important icon's history or more importantly herstory.
Children of today need to know their lgbtq plus history and this book seems perfect for this.
I know the book aims to show the positives but it does not talk about many of the adversities RU had to faces as she was both black and gay and on top of that she was a drag queen.
However, the inclusion of the timeline at the end of this book can important for some lateral thinking children who may not link cartoons with non-fiction people.
During Pride I would especially read this to my class as the pictures are representative of all of the LGBTQ plus identities as well as the majority of cultural identities.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

First and foremost, I loved the illustrations and vibrant colors used throughout this biographical children's book. They're so fun, and they really compliment RuPaul's story. The representation in this book is wonderful, and I thought the author did a great job summarizing RuPaul's life and impact thus far. This would be a great book to read and kickstart dialogue to help young people of all ages to learn and acknowledge their desires to be their own unique selves.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this ARC.

One of the only things my 3 kids have in common is their love for RuPaul's Drag Race. It unites them as they discuss the outfits, the relationships between the queens and the unjustness of some of the dismissals on the show. This Little People, Big Dreams book is really cute. I adored the pictures and it is satisfying to read. Just the right amount of information for a little fan of the show and a great way of introducing children to the diversity in society. It's super cute and is a great format. Just right.

WoW! Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara books must be one of the best little books to purchase for children, these are the best-selling series of books and educational games that explore the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream.

So, this latest book is about RuPaul by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and is just brilliant.

"Even before little Ru was born, a fortune teller told his mom that he would one day be famous... It was only a matter of time before he figured out how. Playing dress-up was his favorite game, and that's where he felt most comfortable. Ru went on to study performing arts and then moved to New York to mix things up in a punk band. Later, drag was a way to express himself as an artist. He found success for himself, then wanted to help others find theirs. He inspires us to do what feels right and love ourselves."

This brilliant book is witty and a wise book which features stylish and quirky bright and colourful illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the inspiring performer's life."

It's one book, you should definitely buy for your little readers so they can learn about this wonderful artist.

I am so glad these books are being published and I highly recommend all of these books

Many thanks to Quarto’s Frances Lincoln Children’s Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

With over 60 books in this series, I was thrilled to see the Ru finally got his/her turn to be the star of one of the Little People, Big Dreams books. Ru was raised by his mother and three sisters. He loved to dress up and entertain. He was not welcomed in schools and was actually asked to leave at one point. He ended up studying performing arts in Atlanta where he met a friend and fellow lover of dressing in women's clothes. They went to New York together and set the city on fire. They were wanted at all the events and Ru went on to have a television and radio show. Ru even sang a duet with his idol Diana Ross. It was his mother who encouraged him and taught him an important lesson: do what feels right to you .... and love yourself for who you are. I knew who RuPaul was, but I learned a few things about his life and what he went through. This is a very bright, cartoonish offering, and I found it a little hard to know which stylised character was Ru on some pages, but the overall impression is certainly that the wilder the colours and patterns, the better! There is just enough information in this story to whet the appetite and send the reader off to research more if they are interested. The closing quote from this book sums up RuPaul's advice to everyone: "Don't ever think we are born just to fit in a box, we are born to stand out." Another great offering in the Little People, Big Dreams series that I recommend to parents, schools, classrooms and public libraries.

RuPaul is the latest addition in the Little People, Big Dreams series by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara. I have to admit I had never heard of this person but, still enjoyed this children's story with its fun, colourful illustrations. Thanks to NetGalley for my Digital ARC.

Always amazed about people written in these series. I know a RuPaul somewhat, but have no clue who he is. A boy who loves playing dress-up, and encouraged to be whoever he wished to be, became a drag queen. A person who created magic by believing in oneself. He then inspired a lot of kids who couldn't find their ways to become themselves.

A reassurance at the back of the book said : "Don’t ever think we are born just to fit in a box, we are born to stand out."