Happy Dreamer

PreS-Gr 2—A pajama-clad child is a self-proclaimed happy dreamer, good at "daydreams. Big dreams. Little dreams. Creative dreams." The child demonstrates different ways to dream, acknowledging that sometimes dreaming is easy but that there are lonely moments, too. The secret is to find a way out and get back to dreaming. This celebratory book finishes on a motivational note: "But the best way to be a happy dreamer? Just be YOU." The digital illustrations feature loose linework and soft, swirling pastels. As in many of Reynolds's books, the text is hand lettered. A large foldout reveals a plethora of kids participating in various activities: "nature happy," "kindness happy," "civic dream," and "vision dreamer." Although some illustrations pop from the page, others, showing literal visual translations of the text, are less engaging. The work aims to be uplifting and rousing, but the never-ending stream of inspirational keywords and phrases result in a sentimental, clichéd free verse poem. Unfortunately, this title lacks the narrative arc and originality of Reynolds's earlier titles, such as Ish and Sky Color.