A NEW exhibition and trail at Mottisfont House is using a bestselling biography series to help children discover some of the world’s most outstanding people.

The new immersive experience at Mottisfont, National Trust is showcasing artwork from the bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS picture-book series this summer.

The exhibition includes a gallery experience and outdoor activities to encourage families to delve into the stories of artists, activists, sports stars and scientists from all over the world.

Little People, BIG DREAMS created by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara, introduces trailblazers and dreamers who have made a big impact in the world around them. Mottisfont’s exhibition and trail aims to highlight these stories and encourage children to be bold, be brave and dream big.

The four rooms of Mottisfont’s gallery are each dedicated to a different personality including Malala Yousafzai, Martin Luther King Jr.,Frida Kahlo, and David Attenborough.

Hampshire Chronicle: Little People, BIG DREAMS exhibition and trail at Mottisfont

Outside in the gardens, an inclusive activity trail looks to stimulate creativity and courage, with more ‘Little People’ to learn from. Meanwhile, an ‘Olympic Arena’ will host sporting activities inspired by record breaking athletes Jesse Owens, Michael Jordan and Megan Rapinoe. Other outdoor activities include an outdoor gallery of musicians, story writing and ‘speaker’s corner’ where participants can become activists like Emmeline Pankhurst, Rosa Parks and Greta Thunberg.

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The exhibition also features portraits inspired by the picture book series created by New Forest Primary School. Visitors will be able to add their own portrait along with their dreams to contribute to the display.

Helen Potts, visitor experience & programmes manager at Mottisfont said: “We’ve had so much fun creating this inspiring exhibition and family trail. Stepping into the gallery will feel like stepping into the books – with colourful illustrations covering the entire walls, presenting the lives of some iconic people who dreamed big and made positive changes in the world. We’re looking forward to sharing this experience with our younger visitors and families, and hope children will feel empowered to dream big, just like the many iconic people they will meet along the way.”

Hampshire Chronicle: Little People, BIG DREAMS exhibition and trail at Mottisfont

Little People, BIG DREAMS published by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books is aimed at children aged four to seven years plus. Since its release the illustrated series has sold more than 7.5 million copies worldwide.

Peter Marley, associate publisher of Frances Lincoln Children's Books said: “Our best-selling Little People, Big Dreams series introduces children to the lives of outstanding people, from artists to scientists and musicians to activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream. We hope that children visiting the colourful and interactive Little People, Big Dreams exhibition and trail at Mottisfont, National Trust, this summer will have an unforgettable experience and feel inspired to dream big too.”

Hampshire Chronicle: Little People, BIG DREAMS exhibition and trail at Mottisfont

The exhibition and trail run from Saturday, July 23 to Sunday, September 4. Gardens are open 10am-5pm whilst the art gallery is available 11am-4.30pm daily. Normal property admission price applies (free for National Trust and Art Fund members), £2 per trail. Books and other merchandise related to the series will be available to purchase from the National Trust shop at Mottisfont.

For more information about Mottisfont go to nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont or call 01794 340757.