Frances Lincoln ISBN 9781847807717 £9.99
There is much to be celebrated in this biography, for it shows that anyone, from whatever background, has the opportunity to live a fulfilling life; that those from an unpromising background can rise above low expectations. And not least, it shows that women are just as influential as men on the world stage. When so often we struggle to name famous women, this book, one of a small series, redresses the balance a little. And so we learn about the young Coco Chanel – real name Gabrielle, born in a charity hospital and entering a strict convent school after her mother’s death when she was 11. Here she was taught to sew, which later enabled her to work as a seamstress. But she had big dreams, resulting in making and selling hats from her own shop. This led to her redesigning the tightly-fitting, restrictive clothes women wore at that time, to allow more freedom and comfort, but with her own distinctive Chanel style, influencing women’s fashion forever. The story is told in simple language and illustrated in muted shades by mannequin-like figures. Age range 7 – 10
Pam Dowson, retired primary teacher and PGCE tutor