Little People, Big Dreams does it again! I really love how in every book they highlight the best qualities of the person that they’re writing about. To be honest, I didn’t know much, if anything, about Rafa Nadal before I read this book, but I definitely can’t say that anymore. I’ll continue to read every single one of these that I can, and I’m excited to collect these and read them to my (future) babies.

Rafa is a championship tennis competitor who was born in Majorca Spain, gifted with sports talents, and tutored in soccer and tennis by his uncles. But he was once a young boy who has problems with nighttime darkness. He is also a man who gives back to his hometown and to others who need help.
The illustrations by Rocio Ledesma are fun, simple, brilliantly colorful, and meaningful.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school or your local public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Quarto Publishing Group/Frances Lincoln Children's Books via NetGalley. Thank you! Expected publication 04 Jun 2024
@QuartoKids @CBCBook @Frances_Lincoln #LittlePeopleBIG DREAMS @sanchezvegara @TheQuartoGroup

I found it very hard to rate children's books so everything is a 5 star read for me!!
I really loved this book, the illustrations are so beautiful and captivating that I found myself smiling through every page I read.
Amazing book and amazing story of life. Also, this book collection is amazing! Can't wait to read the all!!

"Rafa Nadal" by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara is a delightful addition to the Little People, Big Dreams series. Through captivating illustrations and accessible language, young readers are taken on a journey through the life of one of tennis's greatest champions, Rafael Nadal. What sets this book apart is its ability to entertain while educating; children not only learn about Nadal's achievements on the court but also about his determination and perseverance in the face of challenges. The book is a testament to the series' commitment to inspiring the next generation by showcasing the stories of remarkable individuals in a format tailored for young readers. With its engaging narrative and vibrant artwork, "Rafa Nadal" is a must-read for any child with a love for sports or a curiosity about the lives of extraordinary people.

Another beautifully illustrated Little People Big Dreams book. This follows the structure of the others in this series but I felt the story wasn’t quite as exciting as some of the other characters. Overall though a great little insight into a tennis legend, which kids will love alongside the other great books in this series.

I loved this! These stories are really well done, good writing, easy to understand and to the point, the illustrations are lovely. I think it's great to showcase athletes from all different sports, especially those that maybe aren't in the media as much. Having seen Nadal play, he's an amazing player and it's great that his passion started through his family and he has been charitable. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the free preview in exchange for an honest review.

A fabulous addition to the Little People Big Dreams series, the story of Rafa Nadal is beautifully told and illustrated.

The author portrays Rafa as a talented sports man, which indeed we all know, but also tells of his drive to succeed, his love of his home island and his care for others. I loved the inclusion of his fear of the dark in a book aimed at a young audience - the perfect way to make them realise we are all human.

Buyer beware! This isn’t just a popular series of books, Little People, Big Dreams picking a famous sporting superstar to maintain their brand and sell more books.

Rafa Nadel is another worthy addition to this collection of mini biographies.

It tells of his humility and drive to succeed making him a suitable role model for our young people to emulate.

Born into a sporting family he shared a similar passion and skill set for both football and tennis. Choosing to pick up a racket and follow that dream from an early age. What marks him out was not just a natural ability but an equal measure of determination and humility. Qualities that were to serve him well (no pun intended), throughout his career and through retirement and life after sport.

I was amazed by his commitment and dedication; preparing the courts and tidying up afterwards. His many injuries which might undermine others and stall their career. Rafa only redoubled his efforts to overcome and strive to perform as before, to his very best. Whether on the Grand Slam circuit or representing Spain in Davis Cup or at the Olympics.

What marks him out as an extra-special person for me however, is a memory of where he came from originally and a lasting commitment to his home island. Helping out after severe flooding and putting into place facilities and resources for a future generation of sporting success.

The one about Rafa Nadel shares the familiar format which marks this series out as a special collection of books. Each of similar length, a simple brief text adorned by a colourful palette of illustrations. Every book has a biographical summary for older readers at the end, with real photos of the person featured.

Rafael Nadal was my favorite tennis player back then, and he hasn't been replaced by anyone else to this day. The "Little People, Big Dreams" series of books about different personalities is a favorite in our home, and as a fan I was thrilled to introduce Rafa to my son through this biography. Every illustration in this book is meticulously crafted to depict Rafa's life and his significant milestones. The book not only highlights his successes but also acknowledges his fears. The author poignantly conveys the idea that even famous and successful individuals have fears. This book encourages young children to believe in themselves and work hard to achieve their goals.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Rafa Nadal by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vergara is a great book to teach young children about tennis superstar Rafa Nadal. Not only does it emphasize his tennis talent and work ethic to become one of the best tennis players in the world, it also mentions that he helps people in need and was scared of the dark (showing children that even those on top of the world have fears too!). The illustrations were great. I would recommend any and all of these Little People Big Dreams books to my friends and audience. They are a great, age appropriate way for children to learn about public figures - not only their talent, but their kindness and philanthropy as well!

I love this series of books and this is a great addition. Brilliantly illustrated it tells a story of the power of dedication, determination and motivation with important moments of vulnerability and generosity. Recommended in particular for any budding sports fans.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

I have said so many times but I truly adore this series.

Rafa Nadal is Spanish, like me, so I knew quite a lot about him. It makes me very happy to see a Spanish person in this series and I love the story that they tell about him. He is one of the greatest and I am grateful for this book.

Thank you very much NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange of my honest opinion.

My seven year old enjoy the pictures in the book, but the story did not keep her attention. It was a fine children’s book with some good lessons and information about Rafael Nadal.

I was recently introduced to the Little People, Big Dreams series and I’m hooked! They make for such entertaining reads and Rafa’s story was another great entry. This book will inspire many young athletes and the lesson of dedication and perseverance is an important one. As with the other books in this series, the illustrations are charming as ever.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Received for review: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Why did I decide to turn the pages? I love this series. Most of the books are very informative, and I love the diverse representation in the series. So when I was given the chance to review it, I took it.

My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: I always enjoy this series, and this one was no exception. It can be difficult to distill a person's life down into a children's book with so little text and so few pages, but Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara does a great job. I have liked almost every book in this series. This one has a great message of working hard to acheive your dream and great illustrations.

Pages: 32

Reading age: 4-7 years of age.

Love,

Danica Page

I did not know the story of Rafa Nadel, but Little People, Big Dreams does an amazing job of giving you the highlights of his life. Rafa is a world-renowned tennis player. As a child, he enjoyed both soccer and tennis but ultimately pursued tennis. He suffered many setbacks with injuries along the way but made a name for himself in the world of tennis. This book is great for all ages, but especially young kids looking to enter and play tennis.

Another addition to the great series for kids. I didn't know much about Rafa Nadal so the background of how he came into sport, and tennis was interesting.
This really is a lovely series for children.

Rafa Nadal shows kids how hard work and persistence can help them achieve their dreams. He never forgot where he came from and gave back to his community. Another great addition to the Little People, Big Dreams collection.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this Arc.
I absolutely love this series! It's such a wonderful children's book, perfect for learning about amazing people from around the world and the impact they've made. It's simple yet beautiful, and would make a fantastic gift for kids too!

A cute biography of one of tennis's greatest living players. I liked that it made him human - the fact that he's afraid of the dark will appeal to lots of kids who feel the same!