Customer Reviews

Dream: a Tale of Wonder, Wisdom & Wishes

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A semi-finalists in the 2005 Independent Publisher Book Awards!

We are never too young or old to have dreams and pursue them; dreams are a necessary part of life. What we do with them, however, is our choice. "There's a whole world to conquer and you know exactly what you want: to make your own way...and make a mark on the world." The text takes us from the dreams of childhood to those of old age, relating that a successful life is about discovering and acting upon all the possibilities within us. Outstanding motivational quotations by noted historical figures are featured on each spread. The author enlisted the aid of 15 award-winning illustrators, whose work enriches the story and shows the power of art to inspire.

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"What a beautiful book! As a syndicated columnist, I get more than 20 books a day -- every day -- and I must say I was wonderfully surprised by this incredible book. It's unlike anything else I've seen come across my desk. It's not just a book -- it's an opportunity to be inspired, learn, and to grow. This is an awesome book. I would highly recommend it for parents and grandparents to share with children, and for adults looking for a meaningful gift for anyone they care about."

This grand project is a potent mix of quotes, concepts and images sure to inspire childlike awe in readers of all ages. As its subtitle suggests, 'Dream' contains three of the most important features of any book for the young and young at heart: wonder, wisdom and good wishes. Showcasing the work of 15 highly talented artists, each magical illustration is meant to stir the imagination and a sense of wonder. Along with her own poetic text, the author includes words of wisdom from some of the world's greatest philosophers, innovators, and leaders. The emotions these pages evoke make the act of wishing come naturally, and readers are encouraged to do just that, by hunting for the star hidden in each illustration -- and making a wish when they find one. But the author also delivers a reality check, touching on how we must all deal with fear and doubt, and then describing the process of overcoming our fears by believing in ourselves and acting boldly. Like most great children's books, this one opens opportunities for adults and children to find connections to the self, our world, and the circle of life. A resource page and interactive website encourage further observation, discussion and activities. Here is a serious philosophy beautifully delivered in a 40-page picture book -- one that promises dreams at any age can come true.

Being a fan of Kittie Nesius Beletic's "What Color Is You Dream?" published by Brown Books Publishing Group, I thought I might enjoy this book, "Dream: A Tale of Wonder, Wisdom, & Wishes" by Susan V. Bosak, so I ordered it. I am glad that I did! :)

Dream really does capture your heart, mind, and soul with its guiding text, kaleidoscope-like personalities, human diversity, and vibrant art, which was rendered by 15 top illustrators. The beautifully detailed book cover entices readers to open the book quickly and explore at leisure. The silver, star-filled end sheets really do make one believe that he / she has a special product in hand, and they too are useful for contemplation. The book's fonts are friendly, large, and easy to read--especially for eyeglass wearers. Colors in this book are used to convey moods and shade meaning.

I like how the book opens with the definitions of dream and the illustration of a person opening a huge chest at the end of a glorious rainbow. The in-text prompts to "Dream a Dream With Me" are clever devices to tie the ideas together into a unified whole. Quotes from key figures add much to the pages, given them depth and reach. Most helpful is the book's "Explore the Illustrations" notes, which comment on the artists as well as their work.

Educationally, this book promotes keen observation, critical thinking and response, personal expression, historical-mindedness, humanity's strengths / successes, awareness, courage, gratitude, and the ages and stages of human life. Potentially, it encourages reading and research beyond its own pages. It is appropriate for a variety of audiences, teens to adults. Book messages are especially appropriate for folks who are taking new road's in life's journey: graduates, folks recovering from illness or injury, people who are moving to new places, people who are retiring or rethinking their lives, etc.

To make the most of the book, avid readers can visit the official Legacy Project website and find more materials to explore. Educators will enjoy the guides, suggestions, and activities in the "Begin and End With a Dream" section of the webpage. Contests and workshops are also available on the site.

Perhaps my favorite portion of the book is the "Great ideas--the impossible made possible" pages (16-17). From medieval to modern, the rich image illustrates humanity's collective "learning lab," where the world's most influential discoveries and inventions can be found. The more you look into the image, the more you see, the more you feel connected to something larger than yourself! You begin to realize how much your life has been influenced, affected, and improved by other people's dreams, their contributions to humanity. Some of the highlights of this image are the following:

1) the medieval window that opens to a refreshing view of sea, land, and sky

2) the sconces

3) a retro-modern looking TV that is broadcasting the moon landing

4) Computer, book, papers, and pens

5) Rocket models, engines, and pictures of various flying machines

6) Basic tools, gears, printing press, hour glass

7) Telescope, telephone, microscope, electricity devices,

This book would make a great gift or achievement / award book. It is a worthy product for personal study and group discussion. Humanities instructors could glean much mileage from this source, a great supplement to lesson plans, special projects, multiculturalism, diversity, art appreciation, history appreciation, philosophy, literature, etc. Home schooling families might find the book useful in bring some interdisciplinary flavor to their curriculums.

Truly, no one dreams alone...because when dreams come true, many people, many lives are forever touched.

Dream by Susan V. Bosak is a daring picture book featuring the work of 15 famous illustrators, including Leo and Diane Dillon, Shaun Tan, and Robert Ingpen. All of the illustrations are beautiful and amazing unto themselves, but it is Ms. Bosak's words that tie them all together into one brilliant tapestry.

Each page takes you through a different stage in life, from exploring infant to introspective young adult, to confident adult and beyond. All are about dreams - little dreams, big dreams, and everything in between.

This is the kind of picture book you collect and then buy additional copies of, so you can give it away to all your friends and family. It's really just a beautiful book and you'll want to share it with all the dreamers in your life, whether young or old.

It reminds all of us of the importance of our dreams, our wishes, our hopes and desires.

--Kimberly Pauley, Young Adult Books Central

This book made excellent graduation gifts for several high school graduates this year. It helped me convey my greatest wish for each of the recipients--to keep dreaming. I also use the book in my classroom and use many of the activities at the related website to help my students learn more about dreaming and then taking the steps to make those dreams come true. http://www.legacyproject.org/

The book contains one of my favorite poems-Dreams by Langston Hughes. The whimsical illustrations highlight the wonderful message this book conveys. I would highly recommend this book.

This is a beautiful, well written book and a great gift for anyone working toward a goal.
Each page takes you through a color of the rainbow, and through a stage of life. It offers hope for those who may have hit a rough spot in attaining their "dream". I received it as a gift and bought 6 copies to give away. It's a book I will read again and again!

Dream: A Tale Of Wonder, Wisdom, & Wishes is a fantastic picturebook featuring lavish color illustrations and a beautiful rhyming verse, all about the inspiration, majesty, beauty, and incredible thoughts that can spring from dreams. From fabulous inventions, to the strength of inner beliefs, to learning how to overcome the challenges of growing up, dreams offer an important contribution to growing as a person, and Dream celebrates their role in pursuing a fulfilled life. Dreams grow like seeds. / They need to take root, / then stretch toward the sun. / They grow slowly. / They must be tended to. / And sometimes a gray day / gives them just the rain they need.

"Dream" is a book that you just want to celebrate -- to give to yourself and to give to everyone you know. It's just plain WOW!

The author's previous books are a big hit in my family and my kids just love "Dream". Each page is so full of rich color with detailed illustrations by today's top artists. I get tired of the cutesy, not-much-to-say books that seem to be popular. Here's a book you cuddle up with your kids and their eyes and yours are wide open with wonder about what treat is coming on the next page. The text is just as exquisite as the illustrations with a beautiful, thought-provoking and inspiring story of our hopes and dreams and how they change from when we are young to when we are old.

I've given the book as a gift to several of my adult friends who are going through changes in their lives or celebrating some milestone. Repeatedly, they seem genuinely touched by the book and say it's the best gift anyone has ever given them.

It's amazing how such a little book can pack such a big punch, but the author seems to have done it again with this new gem to add to her works. It's a top 10 book in my opinion, and others who buy "Dream" will be sure to cherish it forever. Did I mention WOW?

THis is my standard purchase for a college graduation gift. It starts about dreams as a young child and continues on through life. As a child educator, and child care professional...the "young adults" always get a kick out of receiving a childrens book with an appropriate message for adults.