Moonbeam Dreams
Written and Illustrated by Gina Browning
(Eloquent Books, June 2009)
Moonbeam Dreams is a keenly rhymed, fantastical romp through a fantasyland where anything can happen. This fantasyland can only be found in our dreams. Ms. Browning does a wonderful job telling a story that goes beyond the everyday. In our dreams, we learn, children can accomplish things that they wouldn’t be able to do normally, become anything they desire without restriction. From a flying fairy or a princess, to becoming friends with the animals, even conversing with them and visiting their world on great adventures. Children learn they can even be a hero and save the world, or just simply make a difference.
The rhyming story begins with characters talking to the reader about the places they could visit while they are asleep, and what they will see. Some descriptors are odd and unique, but the story runs smoothly, enticing the reader to want to learn more about what they will see and to explore more about the people or animals they will encounter. This fantasy world reminds this reviewer of Alice in Wonderland. In that story, the objects and places are so odd and weird and yet make one wonder how it will end as well as creating a curiosity about actually being a part of that fantastical world. Ms. Browning accomplishes that same goal. Her book is truly different, and yet has a great moral to it.
Though Moonbeam Dreams is more of a bedtime story for young children, it also encourages children to believe in themselves and their abilities. When people believe in themselves, anything can happen—no dream, real or fantastical, is ever impossible.
Young children will also love the brightly colored drawings that illuminate the pages. The rhyming verse will make them smile with delight. The weird and yet wonderful characters, for the youngest of children, will make for great conversation. Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable romp.
Renee Hand is the award-winning author of The Crypto-Capers Series.
Sounds like an adorable children's book! It makes me wish my children were little again so I could explore it with them. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about the book!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great review of Gina's book. This is one of my favorites. It has received many excellent reviews during this tour.
ReplyDeleteYour readers can check out some of those other reviews by stopping in at http://virtualbooktours.wordpress.com/ every day this month.
Thanks again.
Cheryl
What a great bedtime story book for children - it is sure to inspire the best of dreams.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the wonderful review! (Will you be posting it also on Amazon?)
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate your time and your wonderful words.
Cheers!
Gina C. Browning