Dream Friends

PreS-Gr 2—Soft sunset colors and unusual imagery welcome readers into a child's dream world. Melody finds more happiness in this imaginary place than she does in her new neighborhood, where she feels shy and lonely. In her dreams she has a special friend, a large, flying doglike creature that brings magic, adventure, and companionship into her life. The succinct text allows the swirly, expressive spot and full-bleed art, created with paintbrushes and ink and manipulated digitally, to develop the emotional arc of the story. As Melody tries to lure her dream friend into reality, she manages to unleash its joyous energy into the playground. Though her dream friend doesn't materialize in the way she hopes, Melody finds the magic within herself that ultimately leads to a real friend. This gentle story celebrates imagination and bravery in new circumstances.—Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA