Little Leaders: Visionary Women Around the World
#2 of 3 in Leaders & Dreamers Series
on Goodreads (992)
What’s inside...
Little Leaders: Visionary Women Around the World is a beautifully illustrated book by Vashti Harrison that highlights the stories of 30 women from diverse backgrounds and cultures who have made significant contributions in various fields. The book showcases their achievements, and is designed to inspire young readers to dream big and work towards their goals. The stories are age-appropriate, easy to understand, and accompanied by beautiful illustrations that make the women's stories come alive. This book is an excellent resource for introducing young readers to influential women and encouraging them to become leaders and change-makers. The instant New York Times bestseller! From the author of Little Bold Women in Black History comes the highly anticipated follow-up, a beautifully illustrated collectible detailing the lives of women creators around the world. Featuring the true stories of 35 women creators, ranging from writers to inventors, artists to scientists, Little Visionary Women Around the World inspires as it educates. Readers will meet trailblazing women like Mary Blair, an American modernist painter who had a major influence on how color was used in early animated films, actor/inventor Hedy Lamarr, environmental activist Wangari Maathai, architect Zaha Hadid, filmmaker Maya Deren, and physicist Chien-Shiung Wu. Some names are known, some are not, but all of the women had a lasting effect on the fields they worked in. The charming, information-filled full-color spreads show the Dreamers as both accessible and aspirational so readers know they, too, can grow up to do something amazing.
Discussion points
How do you think the women in the book changed the world around them?
Which leader inspired you the most and why?
What qualities do all these women share that helped them achieve their dreams?
If you could solve one problem in the world, like these leaders, what would it be?
How can we apply the lessons from these stories in our daily lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they know about female leaders and what they expect to learn from the book.
Encourage your child to think about how they can be leaders in their own lives by relating the stories to their school or community activities.
After reading about each leader, have a brief discussion about her achievements and encourage your child to ask questions or express their feelings about the story.
Use the illustrations in the book as a talking point to discuss the diverse cultures and backgrounds of the women featured.
Post-reading, create a simple project like a drawing or a poster that features their favorite leader from the book and a quote or message from her story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: Through the stories of visionary women, the book teaches children about overcoming obstacles and persisting despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by not giving up easily on their school assignments or personal projects and learning to push through challenges.
Example Lesson: Importance of creativity and innovation
Explanation: The book highlights women who used their creativity to change the world, emphasizing the value of thinking differently and innovatively.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to engage in creative activities, think outside the box, and express themselves through art, writing, or other creative outlets.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding diverse perspectives
Explanation: By presenting stories from women around the globe, the book allows children to see life from multiple viewpoints and builds empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can practice empathy by interacting with peers from different backgrounds and trying to understand their feelings and perspectives.
Example Lesson: The power of education
Explanation: Many of the women in the book used their education as a tool for change, which underscores the importance of learning and personal development.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to take their studies seriously and see education as a path to impacting the world.