Book Title: Dreamers
Author: Yuyi Morales
Published: 2018
Number of Pages: 44
Recommended Age Group: Preschool, Elementary
From Dreamers
“Someday we will become something we haven’t even yet imagined.”
Synopsis
Dreamers is the latest work by accomplished author/illustrator Yuyi Morales. The story is based on Yuyi’s real-life journey from Mexico to the United States. It uses captivating storytelling and illustrations to describe how she and her son built a new life for themselves after discovering the power of books and libraries. Morales’ powerful tale is full of emotion and eloquently celebrates imagination and the love for picture books.
The books’s stunning artwork has been recognized through a number of distinguished awards including the 2019 Pura Belpré Illustrator Award and the New York Times / New York Public Library Best Illustrated Book of 2018.
What makes Dreamers a great book?
Subject/Theme
Author Yuyi Morales brings the subject of immigration to the forefront by describing her own, unique journey to the United States. Morales is masterful in the way she takes readers along with her as she finds her place in a new world. The book’s beautiful message of overcoming obstacles to achieve your dreams is truly inspiring and perfect for all children. For parents, the book serves up an easy way to introduce the topics of immigration and different cultures that is sure to prompt productive discussion.
Alongside the cultural aspects of the book’s subject, readers will also note the underlying theme of promoting literacy. Yuyi Morales describes in great detail her passion for picture books and how she was inspired by their creativity. This important message, partnered with the aforementioned subject of cultural diversity, make Dreamers a great option for classroom discussion.
There’s a lot of important information packaged in the prose of Yuyi Morales’ Dreamers. The inspiring story of an immigrant’s journey and love of books make this an excellent read for children children 4 and up.
Illustrations
Yuyi Morales’ background as an artist is on full display with the illustrations in Dreamers. Complete with rich colors and beautiful imagery, Dreamers is the epitome of what a picture book is meant to be. It uses brilliant artwork to effectively partner with the message behind Morales’ story.
The book is certain to capture the attention of younger audiences, ranging from preschoolers to elementary children. Dreamers partners beautiful, artistic visuals with an inspirational message which has made it one of the most popular picture books of 2018.
If you like Dreamers, we also recommend these other works from Yuyi Morales!
Nino Wrestles the World, 2015
Just A Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book, 2016