Official Review: Little Dreamer

[Laura Lee]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Little Dreamer" by Nell Jones (Sharon Jones).]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Little Dreamer is an utterly charming children’s story told by the talented Nell Jones. The story opens with Little D, a little girl daydreaming in class. Readers are invited into the imaginative child’s rich, inner world. Little D is blessed with a teacher, Miss Amelia, who understands the value of creative imaginations. Rather than scold the little girl, Miss Amelia refers to these flights of fancy as imagination field trips. The story continues as D pursues her education through grade school, middle school, high school and even college, always inspired by the positive influence of her first grade teacher.

Little Dreamer is perfect for emergent readers who will enjoy listening to the story, picturing it in their own minds. It can also be a good choice for Level 2 readers who are gaining confidence in their own ability to sound out words, but may need help with some of the longer words.

Although the book is only 38 pages, the story is well-paced and keeps the reader’s attention well throughout. One thing I particularly appreciated about this little story was how the author skillfully wove recurrent themes throughout the entire book. For example, in first grade, Miss Amelia shows Little D photographs of former students and even a former teacher of her own. Miss Amelia’s teacher called his students his “little cabbages,” an endearment Miss Amelia continues and which, at the end of the book as D pursues her dream of being a teacher, she plans to call her own students. Miss Amelia also comes to D’s high school and college graduations, always with her trusty camera to chronicle the event. These little themes, so skillfully interwoven throughout the entire story build a thematic continuity that is very pleasing.

The book also has original art illustrations by the talented professional children’s book illustrator, Dayne Sislen. I always appreciate original art in children’s books, art that is more than the too-common computer-generated images so often found in today’s children’s books, and these illustrations do not disappoint. The black-and-white line drawings capture enough detail to fire young readers’ imaginations, holding their attention throughout.

Little Dreamer has been extremely well-edited. There were only a few very minor issues with capitalization that, quite frankly, would be overlooked by most. I am thrilled to give Little Dreamer four out of four stars. It deserves every single one of them.

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Little Dreamer
View: on Bookshelves

[Kennedy NC]

I wonder why Little D was daydreaming in the class, but this aspect lures my attention to this book. Great review.

[Etienneza]

Wow, an impressive review. Eloquent and descriptive .Miss Amelia creates the natural space for her learners to aspire to what they do naturally, Montessori measures,fabulous!

[Albaou Amira]

All kids need kind and caring teachers and I'm glad this has been portrayed beautifully in this book.

[Harty Muli]

I like that this book encourages imagination in kids. Nice review.

[Krishnajee100]

A very nice review. Every child should have a Miss Amelia .

[Eddy E]

A lovely review. It has a soft and enduring theme of love and innocence. Every child needs that one, kind hearted teacher who is there to encourage and push them to do better. This review say it all

[Drianie]

Miss Amelia sounds like an amazing teacher. I can see this story being inspirational and entertaining to many young readers. I wouldn't mind giving it a read myself. Thanks for the excellent review!

[Chinma1026]

A very good review.
I think the book would be a very good book for children to easily relate with.

[olum anyango]

I believe this book creates the perfect picture of teacher learner relationship nicely put.