Picture a Barcelona-born storyteller who turned her childhood dreams into a global phenomenon—meet Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara! As the creative force behind the bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, she’s inspired millions of young readers with vibrant biographies of icons like Frida Kahlo and Amelia Earhart. Her journey from advertising to authorship proves that big dreams can come true with passion and perseverance.
Vegara’s knack for crafting engaging, accessible stories has made her a beloved figure in children’s literature. With over 100 books and 12 million copies sold worldwide, her series celebrates dreamers who started small but achieved greatness. Let’s dive into her remarkable story!
The Making of Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara
Born in the 1970s in Barcelona, Spain, Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara grew up enchanted by stories. Fictional heroines like Pippi Longstocking and Tinkerbell, alongside Spanish poet Gloria Fuertes, sparked her imagination. She dreamed of becoming a poet, sneaking late-night reads under the covers with a flashlight. After studying advertising, she spent nearly 20 years as a creative director, collaborating with artists and honing her storytelling skills.
Her pivot to writing came in 2012 when she self-published her first book, investing most of her savings. The birth of her twin nieces, Alba and Claudia, ignited a new vision: a children’s series celebrating real-life heroines. This spark led to the creation of Little People, BIG DREAMS, forever changing children’s biography books.
Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara’s Unforgettable Stories
The Little People, BIG DREAMS series, launched in 2014 with a book about Coco Chanel, redefines children’s biographies. Each book tells the childhood story of a notable figure—designers, scientists, activists—with simple prose and vibrant illustrations by over 70 global artists. Vegara’s conversational style makes complex lives accessible to kids aged 4–7, emphasizing themes of perseverance, creativity, and empathy.
Key titles include Frida Kahlo, which captures the artist’s resilience through colorful storytelling, and Amelia Earhart, highlighting her trailblazing aviation feats. Martin Luther King Jr. and Greta Thunberg showcase Vegara’s range, covering civil rights and modern activism. Her 100th book, about Ugandan climate activist Vanessa Nakate, reflects her commitment to diverse, inspiring role models. By blending facts, timelines, and quirky illustrations, Vegara creates books that kids and adults adore.
Vegara’s process involves obsessive research and careful illustrator pairings to match each figure’s personality. Her ability to distill intricate lives into engaging narratives sets her apart, making history fun and relatable for young readers.
Why Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara Matters
Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara has transformed children’s literature by making biographies accessible and empowering. Her series challenges gender stereotypes, showcasing women like Marie Curie alongside men like Nelson Mandela, encouraging kids to dream without limits. With translations in over 33 languages and 12 million copies sold, her global impact is undeniable.
Her work fosters empathy and curiosity, inspiring children to see themselves in the stories of dreamers who changed the world. By celebrating diverse figures, Vegara’s books create a more inclusive narrative for the next generation, proving that anyone can achieve greatness.
- Born: 1970s, Barcelona, Spain
- Key Works: Coco Chanel, Frida Kahlo, Amelia Earhart, Vanessa Nakate
- Sales: Over 12 million copies worldwide
- Languages: Translated into 33+ languages
Snag Frida Kahlo or Amelia Earhart and dive into Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara’s vibrant world of big dreams!