My daughter and I have been big fans of the Rebel Girls books. From books on friendship and money tips, to empowering stories from successful women all around the world and in all different industries. So when we heard there was an updated book of the original Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, we were excited to take a look.
Why this new edition matters
In 2016, Favilli and Cavallo disrupted the world of children’s literature with Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, a collection of 100 short yet compelling biographies of extraordinary women across history. The project was a Kickstarter sensation and has since sold over a million copies in more than 50 languages. But fast forward nearly a decade, and the world has changed. There’s a renewed urgency to celebrate female agency, diversity, and social activism. The 2025 New Edition answers that call, updating the original with 22 fresh profiles, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, Nobel laureate Katalin Karikó, Wolverhampton-born footballer and former Lioness, Mary Earps, and others, to reflect achievements of women in the past ten years.
Storytelling & structure
Each biography is told like a real-world fairytale: two pages featuring lyrical yet punchy text and a striking full-page illustration by a female artist. The tone is simple but never patronising, which is perfectly pitched for children aged six and above, but resonant enough for older readers. The vibrant storytelling and its capacity to encourage kids “to think big, follow their dreams, never give up, and never listen to anyone who says you can’t do something because you’re female” is such an important message for girls growing up. These narratives function well as night-time reflections or morning affirmations.
Illustrations & design
Produced with Fernandez-style finesse, the illustrations strike a perfect balance. They are bold enough to be dramatic, yet so full of colour and detail that bedtime becomes a visual treat. Each image complements, rather than overshadows, the text.
The updated volume retains the tactile appeal of its predecessor, a hefty hardcover designed to become a treasured keepsake. The new edition also includes a fresh foreword by Melinda French Gates, further reinforcing the book’s global and generational significance.
Refreshing additions
The 22 new profiles touch on science (Katalin Karikó), environmental advocacy (Greta Thunberg), sport (Mary Earps), Indigenous rights (Autumn Peltier), and film (Greta Gerwig, Michelle Yeoh). The authors emphasise that these choices reflect both renowned figures and lesser-known heroes from varied geographies, ensuring inclusivity.
Room to grow
As with its predecessors, the New Edition maintains brevity, with each narrative is a snapshot rather than a full biography. Some readers (particularly those wanting richer historical detail) may wish for more depth. But this is by intent: an entry point designed to spark curiosity and a desire to learn more.
Impact & legacy
In 2016, the original Rebel Girls book sparked what critics dubbed a “publishing revolution,” invigorating biographies for children and inspiring similar series such as Little People, Big Dreams. Over the past decade, its cultural influence only deepened: Revolutions in representation and empowerment owe much to its accessible format and affirming tone.
This updated edition reaffirms that mission. With its open-minded diversity—and emphasis on solidarity, resilience, and justice—it’s more than bedtime reading: it’s a manifesto of possibility.
Final verdict
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (5/5)
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls (New Edition) is a beautifully curated, inspiring anthology that affirms everything we want our children to believe: their dreams are valid, their voices matter, and their potential is limitless.
With its carefully crafted storytelling, vivid artwork, and a wide range of female role models—both familiar and previously invisible—it’s a book to read and reread. It belongs on every bookshelf (and coffee table), in UK and beyond. It makes a perfect gift for birthdays, baby showers, classrooms—or any time a child needs a reminder of the extraordinary possibilities inside themselves.
Top pick for:
- Parents and caregivers wanting inspiring bedtime routines
- Educators seeking short, powerful stories for classroom use
- Advocates for gender equity who want representation beyond stereotypes
This isn’t just a book—it’s a spark. Encourage your little rebel to shine.