LITTLE PEOPLE BIG DREAMS RUDOLF NUREYEV /ANGLAIS
Little People, Big Dreams Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (244)
What’s inside...
From the critically acclaimed Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the life of Rudolf Nureyev, one of the greatest male ballet dancers of all time. Rudolf fell in love with dance as a child but was not allowed to go to ballet school until he was 17. There, he had to make up for lost time and hone his skills to compete with other dancers. As a professional, he dazzled audiences with sensational performances and star power. He went on to become a world-renowned choreographer and master of perfection in dance. This inspiring book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the dancer's life. Little People, BIG DREAMS is a 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. This empowering series offers inspiring messages to children of all ages, in a range of formats. The board books are told in simple sentences, perfect for reading aloud to babies and toddlers. The hardcover versions present expanded stories for beginning readers. Boxed gift sets allow you to collect a selection of the books by theme. Paper dolls, learning cards, matching games, and other fun learning tools make the lives of these role models accessible to children. Inspire the next generation of outstanding people who will change the world with Little People, BIG DREAMS!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What challenges did Rudolf Nureyev face and how did he overcome them to follow his dreams?
How do you think dancing made Rudolf feel when he was on stage?
Why do you think practicing every day was important for Rudolf?
If you could meet Rudolf Nureyev, what would you ask him?
What did you learn from Rudolf’s story that you can apply in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use empathetic listening to fully understand your child's responses, showing genuine interest in their thoughts and feelings about the story.
Relate Rudolf’s experiences to your child’s life by discussing similarities and differences, helping them connect personally with the story.
Encourage your child to express themselves by asking them to imagine and describe a dance they would perform if they were like Rudolf.
Create a supportive environment that celebrates efforts and perseverance, just like Rudolf’s dedication to ballet, to inspire your child.
After reading the book, watch a video of Rudolf Nureyev performing to help your child visualize the story and discuss the emotions conveyed through his dance.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance pays off
Explanation: Rudolf Nureyev's journey from a struggling background to becoming one of the world's most renowned ballet dancers showcases the importance of determination and hard work.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to persist in their own activities, whether in academics, sports, or arts, despite challenges or initial failures.
Example Lesson: Embracing individuality
Explanation: Nureyev was known for his unique dance style and interpretation which set him apart in the world of ballet. This aspect of his life emphasizes the value of embracing and celebrating one's unique traits and talents.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to appreciate and express their own individuality in positive ways, understanding that being different is a strength, not a weakness.
Example Lesson: Cultural appreciation
Explanation: Through his performances, Nureyev introduced global audiences to Russian ballet, thereby fostering a greater appreciation for cultural diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to explore and respect diverse cultures, which can enhance social inclusiveness and global understanding.
Example Lesson: Courage to follow one's passion
Explanation: Nureyev defected from the Soviet Union to pursue his career in the West, illustrating his immense courage to follow his heart and passion against daunting odds.
Real-World Application: This story can motivate children to pursue their passions and stand by their choices even when faced with difficult decisions or opposition.
Example Lesson: Lifelong learning
Explanation: Nureyev's continuous effort to improve his craft, exploring different aspects of ballet and even venturing into choreography, highlights the importance of lifelong learning.
Real-World Application: Children can embrace the idea that learning never stops, and that they should always strive to learn and grow in various aspects of their lives.