A River Dream

by Allen Say

A little boy takes a fantasy trip up the river by his house to fly-fish with his uncle.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

30 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

Allen Say is one of the most beloved artists working today. He is the recipient of the Caldecott Medal for GRANDFATHER'S JOURNEY, and also won a Caldecott Honor and the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for THE BOY OF THE THREE-YEAR NAP (written by Dianne Snyder). Many of Allen’s stories are derived from his own experiences as a child. His other books include THE BICYCLE MAN, TEA WITH MILK, and TREE OF CRANES, hailed by The Horn Book in a starred review as “the achievement of a master in his prime.” Allen’s recent book, ERIKA-SAN, received a starred review in Publishers Weekly. He lives in Portland, Oregon.

Reviews

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A gentle story with an emphasis on the out-of-doors. Ideal for a child with an interest in fishing.

To kill or to release? That's a decision every fisherman must make, and one Mark must face (in his realistic dream). A perfect opportunity for a child to think about what he/she would do in that situation.

(And this can lead into a conversation about decision-making and considering the pros and cons of each option.)

[Ashley B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this story because it was about leaving a river the way you found it. Fishing is a fun past time, but if you are not going to eat the fish, it is best to release it back into the water. I loved how the uncle thought of the little boy as he was sick and took the time to send him a gift. The boy immediately felt better and was able to go on an adventure with his uncle.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites- Allen Say is a wonder for his weave of illustration and story, choice of words, what he chooses to say, what to show and how. This is a must have treasure for parents who love to read aloud to their kids.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little boy receives a fishing tackle box gift from his uncle while he is sick in bed with fever. The boy is transported in a dream to a lake where he meets up with his uncle and catches the biggest trout ever. He is faced with the decision whether to release it or keep it.
Filled with Say's beautiful illustrations, the story evokes magical realism and is a fun story to share with children and discuss.

[Sidney McQuade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet story of a sick boy who's uncle sent him a fishing lure box when he was sick with a fever and stuck in bed. Mark has a dream of going fishing with his uncle where he catches his first fish. He puts the fish back in the water as his uncle taught him to leave the river just has he had found it, just like his uncle.

[Emily Knickerbocker]

Mark is sick at home and receives a box from his uncle. Mayflies flutter out of the box, and reality and dreams merge. Mark follows the river that replaced the road in front of his house, and when he sees his uncle fishing, he joins him. I would have my students write what they think is happening if Mark is seeing the truth, or if there was a hidden meaning behind it.

[Mitchell Friedman · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always with this author, a picture book with beautiful art, with a lot of words, that feels at least vaguely autobiographical. This one is a dream sequence, which I generally don't prefer, but works for this book. It has a classic fish catching double-paged painting as well. And it ends well. I'm coming to the end of all this author's books (though a new one is coming out).

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of Allen Say's book, but this one wasn't a huge favorite of mine. Features magical realism, but very niche. I don't think kids would be overly interested in the book unless they are interested in and have a knowledge of fly fishing.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story wonderful pictures of a young boys fevered fishing dream.

[Amanda Walz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Allen Say book about a dream. A good story.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice story.

[Monique]

Allen Say's radiant illustrations and subtle storytelling make this something special.

[Israel Hernandez]

This book is over a dream the main charcter has. "River Dream" can be used to introduce or expand on lessons about rivers, their importance, and the animals and plants that inhabit them

[Kimberly · Rating 2 out of 5]

A sick child recieves a box of fishing lures from his uncle. He's only been fishing once and didn't catch anything. His neighborhood turn into a river and he meets up with his uncle and goes fishing. He catches a fish and wants to kill it to show his parents but decides to let it go when his uncle tells him he has to kill it himself. He goes back to his room and goes to sleep.
The theme of this book is about respecting life and not hurting others for selfish reasons. I think that the setting in a dream river make A River Dream less preachy than if it were set on an actually fishing trip.

[Lesley Looper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice story about a boy who dreams of a fishing trip with his uncle, where he catches a rainbow trout, but puts it back in the river. If I were more into fishing, I'd probably give this 4 or 5 stars. The pictures are really nice.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was a cute book that taught a lesson on life, and respecting life and nature. I thought it had a good bit of suspense, but it may not appeal to all young readers,some part may be a bit too realistic for young children, like the part where he said to stab the fish...

[Brittany · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not really enjoy this book however this book might be interesting to a child that enjoys fishing.

[Marianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

An imaginative tale about a boy and his uncle's mystical fishing trip. At the end my son asked "was that real?"

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably my favorite illustrations from Allen Say. I never get tired of looking at the world he has created, dreamy and magical.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once again I am satisfied with Say's blending of the dream or fever world together with hopes and everyday life.

[Paul Hankins]

After he sends along a fishing lure box to him, a young boy imagines the view outside his window becomes a river where he envisions a fishing trip with his uncle while lying sick in bed.

[Robert Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sick young boy receives a gift from his uncle which, in his feverish state, sends him on a river fishing adventure.

[Tanja · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe not one of my favorite picture books by Allen Say but still very enjoyable.