Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

Meet Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

We're thrilled to introduce Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, the brilliant author behind the globally beloved "Little People, BIG DREAMS" series. Known for her captivating and inspiring children's biographies, Maria Isabel has charmed readers worldwide by making the lives of remarkable individuals accessible and empowering for young minds. Her books are a favourite among parents and children alike, celebrating big dreams and even bigger achievements.

The Story Behind the Stories

Born in Barcelona, Spain, Maria Isabel's journey to becoming a celebrated author is as inspiring as the stories she tells. Growing up in the 1970s, she was deeply influenced by figures like Spanish poet Gloria Fuertes, sparking her own dream of becoming a writer. After two decades working in advertising, she self-published her first book in 2012. The true catalyst for her iconic series came in 2014, when she sought a birth present for her twin nieces, Alba and Claudia, and found a gap in the market for books about real-life heroines. This personal quest blossomed into the "Little People, BIG DREAMS" series, driven by her desire to inspire children with true stories.

A Life in Books

Maria Isabel's literary career truly took flight with the launch of the "Little People, BIG DREAMS" series. First published in Spain in 2014 as "Pequeña & GRANDE" and then in English in 2016, the series quickly became a phenomenon. It has since sold over 15 million copies worldwide and is translated into more than 40 languages, featuring over 100 titles as of 2023. Key works include early titles like "Coco Chanel" and the expansion to include male figures such as "Stephen Hawking" in 2019. The series has garnered significant recognition, with titles like "Queen Elizabeth" (2023), "King Charles" (2024), and "Taylor Swift" (2025) being shortlisted for British Book Awards in Children's Non-Fiction. Maria Isabel also acts as the creative director, collaborating with a diverse team of over 70 illustrators to bring each unique story to life.

Did You Know?

  • Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara worked in advertising for two decades before pursuing her dream of becoming a full-time author.
  • The "Little People, BIG DREAMS" series was initially conceived in 2014 as a special birth present for her twin nieces, Alba and Claudia.
  • She personally oversees the selection of more than 70 different illustrators for the series, ensuring each book has a distinct and engaging visual style.
  • As of 2023, the "Little People, BIG DREAMS" collection features over 100 titles and has sold more than 15 million copies globally.

Why Readers Love Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

Readers adore Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara's books because they offer more than just facts; they present real, relatable stories of perseverance, creativity, and courage. Her unique narrative style, combined with vibrant illustrations, makes complex biographies accessible and engaging for children, fostering empathy and encouraging them to believe in their own potential to achieve great things. The "Little People, BIG DREAMS" series empowers young readers to see themselves in the shoes of trailblazers. We invite you to explore her wonderful collection of books Malta at BookClub.com.mt and inspire the little dreamers in your life!

89 books available

Latest News

What's new with Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

It's been a truly exciting time for fans of Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, as we celebrate a significant milestone: the tenth anniversary of her beloved *Little People, BIG DREAMS* series! This wonderful collection, which has inspired countless young readers, is being celebrated throughout 2026, marking a decade since the first book graced our shelves. Maria Isabel herself recently participated in a special interview with BooksForTopics in April, answering heartfelt questions from pupils, teachers, and librarians, giving us a lovely glimpse into her creative process and inspirations.

Adding to the excitement, a fantastic new compilation is on the horizon! You can already pre-order *Little People, Big Dreams: Treasury: 50 Stories of Brilliant Dreamers*, a beautifully packaged keepsake edition set to be released on September 15, 2026. This treasury promises to be a delightful addition for both new readers and long-time admirers of the series, bringing together fifty inspiring stories in one volume.

Beyond the anniversary celebrations, Maria Isabel is also venturing into a new and important project. She is co-authoring a book of Palestinian fables titled *Under the Olive Moon* with Nour Ferwana, which is slated for publication in October 2026. This promises to be a unique and meaningful addition to her impressive body of work. Meanwhile, the *Little People, BIG DREAMS* series continues to grow, with new titles featuring British icons like Beatrix Potter and William Shakespeare also being released.

It's clear that Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara continues to be a vibrant and prolific voice in children's literature, constantly finding new ways to share inspiring stories with the world. We're so thrilled to see her work continue to flourish and touch so many hearts.

Have a look through their collection below — there is always something worth discovering.

Last updated June 2026.

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