I Dreamt . . .: A Book About Hope

by Gabriela Olmos, Elisa Amado (Translation), Valeria Gallo (Illustrator)

In many parts of the world, children live with violence. Wars, gangs, guns, crime, bullying, harassment, and fear keep kids from living the full, free lives every child should enjoy. This book was created in Mexico, where for the past six years a vicious war has brought fear and insecurity to many children's lives. Their dreams have become nightmares. Some of Mexico’s best illustrators have donated their art to create a book that gives children a way to talk about their fears, a reason to hope, and the inspiration to resist falling into grief.

Genres: Picture Books, War, Social Issues, Childrens, Cultural

32 pages, Hardcover

First published May 14, 2013

About the author

Writer and editor. She has worked at the prestigious publishing house Artes de Mexico for fourteen years and is currently the deputy publisher.

She was nominated by the Mexican government for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, one of the most important children's literature prizes in the world.

She lives in Mexico City.

Reviews

[Trudi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no words to describe the beauty and the powerful message contained within the pages of this little book. Read it!! Buy it!! Give it to someone you love! Teachers share it with your students! Parents share it with your children!

[Carol · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wow...I don't think I have ever encountered a picture book where the inside contrasted so much from the cover and what my expectations were. I think I understand what the creators were going for, I just think it would give my son nightmares and cause more confusion if he were to read it. I loved the cover if that helps. The rest of it was too disjointed and odd to be appealing.

[Sofía De la De la Vega · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este libro expresa demasiado en tan poco, el sentimiento que genera es enorme.
Tanta verdad en algo tan sencillo.
Si se lee con detenimiento y reflexión, este libro aporta demasiado, al sentir y comprender el mensaje, incluso unas lágrimas podrían brotar.
Todo el mundo debería recibir este mensaje.

[J9 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing book. Beautiful illustrations that are both unique and entertaining, a truly original piece of work that my kids loved. It gives a great message of hope as well. A great addition to any collection.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful concept book that does not flinch from addressing the dark, difficult realities of many children's lives. A passionate, purposeful book that should be widely read and discussed.

[Uriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

HERMOOOOSOOOOOOOOO

[Carrie Gelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful. Tackles fear, violence, war head on but through striking images and few words.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powerful concept book that needs to be read in context and in a place where discussion is available. I love the message of hope and changes. Olmos challenges readers to be the generation that brings change.

[M'Kinna Burrus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book written to help kids who have lived through war and other tough times. It was a sweet book that aimed to talk about the worlds evils in a positive way, the way he dreamt they should be. He knows not everyone gets to dream and a lot of children are hurt.

[Jess Klug · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark and also beautiful

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twelve Mexican illustrators lend their artistic talents to this picture book depicting one child's dreams about the violence that fills his/her world. In the dreams, weapons are softened so they shoot butterflies instead of bullets, and flowers are the weapons used in wars. The child draws inspiration from the trees that grow in the city, some of whom manage to thrive even while pavement surrounds them. One of my favorite pages wistfully describes how "danger could be cut into confetti if only you could find the right pair of scissors" (p. 21). While the reality of many children's lives is just as stark and frightening as this book depicts, which may upset some readers, I found the book quite honest and inspiring. For many children, life is filled with threats and violence, and it's hard to find hope among all the evil that exists. This book provides hope and a gentle reminder of how much better the world might be if it were a gentler, softer place where soldiers shadowbox instead of shooting each other.

[The Styling Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dreamt… A book about hope by Gabriela Olmos – I thought this was a touching illustrated book with a balance of heartbreak and hope. Strong voice, packed with beautiful pictures, and there are so many poignant discussions that can begin from page one. I think this is a strong book for world awareness discussions along with interesting possible points on style of different illustrators with their pictures mixing together throughout the book. Perfect partner book with world awareness discussions and beautiful picture books with multiple illustrators like: For Every Child: The UN Convention on Rights of the Child in Words and Pictures text adapted by Carolyn Castle, forward by Archbishop Desmond M. Tutu. I’ve already shared a list of books and thoughts on teaching about child rights and responsibilities, really important topic, this is another book to add to the list!
http://thestylinglibrarian.com/2012/0...

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was especially poignant because I live along the border with Mexico. Found it by chance at a local Goodwill and picked it up for our Little Free Library.

Definitely a great book for adults who like reading picture books. Thought-provoking, meditative, and loved the ending. While having a variety of illustrators could have created a discordance, personally, I think it was masterly woven together. My only regret...I wish it had both Spanish and English text.

Parents of sensitive children: be sure to review it before reading it to your child. I'd have to know the child & parents well before I would read it to someone else's k-3rd.

[Maddypictures · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong anti-violence/anti-war message in this book, created in collaboration with Mexican artists. Red endpapers feature dried dandelion puffs (as if to make a wish for peace.) A fairly heavy message, which gets a bit dark at times, "I dreamt of pistols that shoot butterflies... and of drug lords who only sell soap bubbles." Varying typefaces in different sizes and colors lend emphasis to the poetic dream images and unite the diverse artistic styles employed. Profits from this book will go to the International Board on Books for Young People for Children in Crisis.

[Emily Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peritext: Dandelions on front, back and inside covers and two children on two dandelion seeds on the front.
Author: Gabriela Olmos
Themes: A world without danger, and crime
Text: Varied styles of text that add to the storyline with pictures that are subtext in their own right.
Thoughts: An excellent story with beautiful illustrations. Some content is a bit graphic and needs to be discussed openly with students, parents and administration.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would be great to use with Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty unit. It is a great introduction on how children can overcome difficult backgrounds. The art is absolutely outstanding and would appeal to young adults.

[Alyson (Kid Lit Frenzy)]

I need to ponder this one. Not sure what I thought about it. Because of how it is written I would have to be careful how I read this one in a school setting. The issues are valid but it is very blunt.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is gorgeous yet devastating. While it ultimately ends hopeful, the first part is page after page of gut-punchingly sorrowful art. I couldn't bring myself to read it to my kids (5 and 3) at least not yet but I am so happy I read it.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must have for every school library. High concept picture book.

[kelsey! · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful in both its message and its artwork, this book delivers a stunning message of hope (though perhaps it is a bit blunt for children)

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful illustrations by many different artists, some spanish words interspersed throughout. created in Mexico.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Visually written to inspire. Love it.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so ambitious, and jarring, and sad. I'm not sure I need to own a copy for our home library, but I am glad it is in the public library. It is a good conversation-starter for children.

[Mollie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book: Just not a great storytime book. Guns, drugs, and violence are discussed an not appropriate for preschoolers. Maybe 4-7th grade.

[WriteTheVision · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Lovely illustrations and a positive message.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a great book about hope. If only this was the way the world really worked.