Children’s nonfiction books about women’s lives are a long overdue trend, and this empowering, resolutely “anti-princess” storybook is a very welcome addition. Initially funded by a $1m Kickstarter campaign, the authors wrote it in response to the gender stereotyping they found across children’s books and media.

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One hundred extraordinary women are profiled in mini biographies alongside striking full-page portraits by female artists. Countries from across the globe are represented, with around a third of the women from the US. Elizabeth I, Ada Lovelace and Jane Austen lead the British entries, which do feel a little predictable – my daughter fruitlessly scanned through for JK Rowling; the most recent entry is Margaret Thatcher – but this is a minor gripe.

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From ancient philosophers to modern sports stars there is real richness to the nationalities, ethnicities and professions of these inspirational role models. Much of the charm is in the juxtapositions: queens sit alongside activists, ballerinas with lawyers, pirates and computer scientists, weight lifters and inventors, creating a thrilling sense of possibility. The biographies share a lyrical, fairytale lilt. “There was a time when only boys could be whatever they wanted,” in Hillary Clinton’s case. The stories are not sugar-coated, and the emphasis is on overcoming obstacles and persevering, the book’s dedication page urging readers to “dream bigger, aim higher, fight harder”.

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Beautiful production makes this a book to keep, treasure and read again, and the end pages are a call to arms: space for readers to write their own story and draw their own portrait. Essential reading for girls and indeed boys; children who read this at bedtime are guaranteed some big and inspirational dreams.

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Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo is published by Penguin (£17.99). To order a copy for £15.29 go to bookshop.theguardian.com or call 0330 333 6846. Free UK p&p over £10, online orders only. Phone orders min p&p of £1.99