Sharon Clark, Dream, Dream Blossom Press, September 2018, pp 40., RRP $31.45, ISBN 9780648426806
In an era where pragmatism rules and the growing threat of climate change hovers, it is important to be able to dream. Whether awake or asleep, dreaming provides insight into ourselves as well as a curiosity in the wonders and mysteries of the world around us. To dream is to have hope, that ingredient that guides us from a young age to strive for a better life and a better world.
One night a young girl dreams and travels to amazing places and sees amazing things: a simple story arc using rhyme and varied font, Clark supports the text with loosely painted, bright illustrations that may appeal to the very young.
Although a great theme more could have been made of both text and imagery. A greater pool of verbs to describe the protagonist’s actions as well as more varied imagery and imagery that more directly supports or extends the text would have given a depth to the story as well as greater visual interest.
Recommended 3 -8 years
Reviewed by Mem Capp
1 Comment
Visions are so important.
And verbs are very powerful. For example: lurch; yawn; wender; pop.
These would go well in a “dreamy” book.
I wonder what fonts are in the book and what effect they have on the intended/implied readers or sharers?
Sharing your dreams in a book – like Sharon Clark as author/illustrator and Mem Capp the reviewer – makes you vulnerable. The sharing is empowering too.