Rihanna

Discover the inspiring story of Rihanna, from her childhood in Barbados to becoming an international superstar and successful businessperson.

Growing up on the Caribbean island of Barbados, little Robyn Rihanna Fenty loved to sing and perform. Despite a challenging childhood where she often had to look after her younger brothers, she dreamed big, and an audition in New York set her on the path to stardom. From her debut single "Pon de Replay" to worldwide anthems like "Umbrella" and "Diamonds," Rihanna is the bestselling female recording artist of the twenty-first century, with 14 number-one singles to her name.

But Rihanna's story didn't stop with music. She built an inclusive beauty and fashion empire with her brand, Fenty, changing the industry by celebrating every skin tone and body shape. She is also a dedicated philanthropist, working through her Clara Lionel Foundation to support education, disaster relief, and healthcare worldwide. She is the ambassador for culture and youth in Barbados, and many on the island celebrate "Rihanna Day" on 2 February.

This inspiring book introduces children to Rihanna's remarkable journey--from her first performances at home to global superstardom, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship--showing that with determination and self-belief, anything is possible.

This inspirational book also features stunning illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the superstar's life.

Little People, BIG DREAMS is a bestselling biography series for kids that explores the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream.

This empowering series of books offers inspiring messages to children of all ages, in a range of formats. The board books are told in simple sentences, perfect for reading aloud to babies and toddlers. The hardcover versions present expanded stories for beginning readers. With rewritten text for older children, the treasuries each bring together a multitude of dreamers in a single volume. You can also collect a selection of the books by theme in boxed gift sets. Activity books and a journal provide even more ways to make the lives of these role models accessible to children.

Select praise for the New York Times Bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS series:

"...cute and quirky..."--USA Today, in praise of Dolly Parton
"...address[es] not only setbacks but also their strength to persevere and reach their goals."--Buzzfeed, in praise of RuPaul
"...introduc[es] kids to important figures in Latinx history."--Good Housekeeping, in praise of Frida Kahlo
"...[an] extraordinary series..."--TheEverymom, in praise of Mindy Kaling
"...a fabulous way to teach little ones about the extraordinary lives of influential people..."--Town & Country, in praise of Vincent Van Gogh
"...handled in an age appropriate way..."--Parents.com, in praise of Amanda Gorman
"...particularly great for this age..."--NY Magazine, in praise of Prince
"...encourages kids to dream big to 'achieve incredible things.'"--Rolling Stone, in praise of Kamala Harris

Author: Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
Publisher: Frances Lincoln Ltd
Published: 02/24/2026
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.70lbs
Size: 9.64h x 7.94w x 0.42d
ISBN: 9781805701750
Audience: Ages 4-8

About the Author
Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara, born in Barcelona, Spain, is a writer and creative director in constant search of new concepts for children's books. In 2014, she created a book for her two twin nieces for their birthday, which shortly thereafter became the first book in the Little People, BIG DREAMS series. This multimillion-copy bestselling series of picture books explores the lives of outstanding people. From Mahatma Gandhi to Aretha Franklin, to Prince, Sánchez Vegara researches complex careers and makes them accessible to young children, with her unique and mindful style of writing. She works with a diverse team of illustrators to make each book lively, eye-catching and motivating. Working for more than fifteen years for clients in top advertising agencies, her books combine creativity with learning, aiming to establish a new and fresh relationship between children and pop culture. ​

Niña Mata is an award-winning illustrator and author known for creating children's books, including the New York Times bestseller I Promise by LeBron James. She was born in the Philippines and grew up in Queens, New York, and her work is a consistent ode to the diverse community she was raised in. She believes that everyone deserves to see themselves reflected in the stories they read, and that we should all be celebrated.