Customer Reviews

Dream Carver

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The story of a child who sees the world in his own special way never gets old. Diana Cohn tells the story without overdoing it, and lets Amy Cordova's wonderful illustrations become full partners in the storytelling. A wonderful lesson in the value of the individual.

This is a beautiful book which portrays the childhood of millions of children leaving in the rural areas of Mexico who are full of dreams and full of talents. I liked the idea about including an afterword about the story of Oaxacan Wood carver Manuel Jimenez, who story inspired Diana Cohn to write this book. The afterword also includes some pictures about Manuel and the beautiful works he does. I love reading a book about a rich expression of the Mexican culture that is many times unknown to others. This is a book for all ages. I truly enjoyed the book.

This story of a young boy who breaks from tradition in his small village in Oaxaca to create the woodcarvings of his dreams is beautifully illustrated. The rich and vibrant colors come alive, as do the vivid images of goats, birds and cougars, as dreamed, and later carved by the main character of the story. The interesting part about this story is that it is inspired by a visionary wood-carver, named Manuel Jimenez who, it is claimed, helped revitalize the woodcarving industry in that region.

DeeDee Fox, author and illustrator, The Ruby Red Slippers