Little People, Big Dreams: Agatha Christie; Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara, illustrated by Elisa Munsó

When I think of mystery stories I immediately think of Agatha Christie and her most famous character Hercule Poirot. This is something that I often find surprising given that some of her works are circa one-hundred years old. She is just one of those writer’s that is so synonymous with her genre and for me she always will be the Queen of Mystery.

Agatha loved stories. Listening to her mother read them and then reading them herself late into the night, although she could always think up a better ending. With a mind full of ideas, particularly poisons and potions, Agatha began penning books after working in a hospital during the war. She would create two of the most beloved detectives and become one of the best selling novelists of all time…

The inclusion of Agatha Christie in the Little People, Big Dreams series is an interesting one given that much of what she is famed for is murder! This is not exactly the ideal topic to be writing about for five year olds and it is central to this story biography. However, it is all handled appropriately and the playful illustrations bring plenty of smiles. I particularly like the graveyard scene where Agatha stares out at some of the many gravestones of characters that have met their demise in one of her books.

Delightfully illustrated with bright and bold artwork and with a story told in short and simple sentences, this is an interesting read about one of the most famous authors ever to have lived. At the back of the the book there is a short overview of her life which includes key facts and dates and a historical timeline featuring photographs.

Recommended for 5+.