Dream Big: A Heartwarming Story on Overcoming Adversity (The Live Big Series)

by Kat Kronenberg

#1 New Release and Amazon Best Seller
Family Choice Gold Award Winner
Readers Favorite Award
Moonbeam Award for Best Series
Mom's Gold Choice Award Winner
Writer's League of Texas Discovery Prize Winner
Have you ever dreamed of accomplishing something despite being told it was impossible? Meet different animals who live in the African savanna that imagine big dreams. Caterpillar, Tadpole, and Flamingo are the dreamers who seemingly have the odds stacked against them. But they discover the animal's first secret to light the gift of CATCH-M, love's wondrous spark in their hearts, and become extraordinary stars in their stories together. Packed with positive affirmations, young readers will delight in watching these lovable animals overcome the impossible, fill their heart's treasure, and celebrate extraordinary dreams. Dream Big's inspirational message shows readers how to catch CATCH-M love every day, making it a wonderful gift for dreamers of all ages.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Inspirational, Fiction

48 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2017

About the author

Kat Kronenberg is a sought-after keynote speaker and the creative mind behind the bestselling LIVE BIG series--DREAM BIG, LOVE BIG, THINK BIG, and the forthcoming LIVE BIG with CATCH-M (August 2025). Her multi-award-winning books foster social and emotional learning by exploring the heroic quests of various African animals. Albert Einstein said, "If we look deep into nature, we will understand everything better." The character's hard, heart-led journeys help children, families, educators, and companies navigate life challenges with connection, courage, and clear choices to be the hero of their story. 

Kat's deeply impactful body of work has resonated with readers worldwide. Her books have achieved #1 New Release and Best Seller status on Amazon and received national recognition with awards such as the Moonbeam Award for Best Series, Readers' Favorite Award, Family Choice Gold Award, and Mom's Choice Gold Award.

Kat thinks these stories found her because she needed them as a young girl. After struggling with the sudden loss of two siblings and considering quitting as a writer, her quest for meaning led her to one simple act: a smile. Kat calls her smile a "U-shaped bridge" over troubled waters, filling the void between fear and love. Her smile was a powerful "YES!" It opened her to the extraordinary wonder of life as she found her full, braveheart. Her stories inspire her and readers everywhere to reconnect with their bravehearts by catching CATCH-M every day. CATCH-M is the gift of love's wondrous spark in all of our hearts. 

Reviews

[Stace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dream Big, is a bedtime-esq children’s story book.

Moody Buffoon is always grumpy and tries to quash the other animals dreams. First, he tells Caterpillar, who dreams of being able to fly, that he won’t be able to with all of his feet clinging on to the tree.

Next, when Tadpole dreams of dancing, Buffoon tells him that he’s got no chance as he has no feet to follow a beat. He then tells Flamingo that she is too ordinary, when Flamingo tells him that she dreams of being beautiful.

When one by one the animals dreams come true, Buffoon is left flabbergasted and looking a bit silly. He’s also a little envious and makes a dream of his own, but will his own dream come true?

The book is all about teaching children to believe in themselves and to dream big, as you never know, your dreams may just come true. It also teaches them not to listen to those who try to make fun of your dreams.

The book is extremely colourful throughout, which is aesthetically pleasing, but with the full page being brightly coloured, sometimes the writing merged into the background, and I couldn’t quite make out the text without looking at it really closely.

At the back of the book, the author has also included a resources section, which is helpful for parents and teachers. This is a sweet children’s book, with a powerful message.

Reviewed by Stacey at www.whisperingstories.com

[Sandra Hoover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dream Big is the first of three inspirational children's picture books. As soon as I opened this book on my Kindle, I wished I was holding the book in my hands. While the pictures are nice on ebook, it's obvious they are beautiful and vibrant on actual paper. I've no doubt children's attention will be riveted to the pictures as they or their parents read them this story. Dream Big encourages children to do just that - reach for the stars and dare to dream big - pursue your dreams and just maybe they'll come true. The author's message is delivered through Baboon who is skeptical as he watches a caterpillar, tadpole, and young flamingo wish upon the stars . . . and their wishes come true. Imagine his surprise! Believe in yourself and reach for the stars! It's a lesson we should all adher to. This book is beautiful to look at and beautiful to read. I've no doubt children everywhere will love it!

A special thank you to Greenleaf Book Group for a copy of this book via Netgalley.

[Kristi Betts · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love the idea to "dream big" and follow your dreams. However, I feel this book misses the boat. Are the animal's (caterpillar, tadpole, and flamingo) dreams really being fulfilled, or is it simply their life cycle? To me, the book is almost confusing. As an adult, I know the caterpillar will transform into a butterfly and the tadpole to a frog. As I was reading I kept trying to figure out what the baboon was going to turn into at the end of the book. Maybe I am being too critical, but that is where my adult brain went while reading.

The illustrations are bright and bring a lot of character to the animals.

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Baboon is moody and puts everyone down when they wish for something but is then astonished when they get their hearts desire because they dreamed and never gave up on their dream.
This is a bright and vibrant, beautifully illustrated book that encourages children to not let others drag them down and always believe and have fair in themselves.
The back of the book has some great ideas to try with your child too.

[Caroline · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this with my 5 year old daughter.
We thought the story was just okay.
The pictures were very bright and colorful, my daughter gives them a thumbs up.
We liked that the story was about not giving up on your dreams.
I wish the dreams were not things that are going to happen because of nature/biology, but because the creatures had to work for them. I think the author missed an opportunity there. With the story as is (caterpillar becoming butterfly, tadpole becoming frog, etc.) these are things that would happen anyway, even if they didn't dream of it.

2 stars for pretty pictures, but meh storyline.

[***Book Lady *** · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Illustrations are wonderful, and bright colored, and captivating!

[Franci · Rating 3 out of 5]

#56 of 2021

[Kenny Rutherford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm surprised at how many reviews there are for this book that are overly critical and negative. It is a children's book. It has bright, colourful pages. It uses words/sounds that would be fun for children to hear/say. It has a few parable-like stories that are intended, not to be taken literally, but to promote self-confidence and ambition. The world needs more positive messages like this for children and even adults. It uses a recognizable children's song to further its point. It even ends with instructions for easy art projects to keep the message alive after the book is closed. I think it accomplished the job it wanted to do. Visually and auditorily stimulating for the sake of positivity.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Should be read to all children! This is a great book about believing you can become anything you want, if you wish for it hard enough and believe and work for it! Great illustrations!

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4 stars

I rounded up because I think the illustrations are bright and cheerful and really quite beautiful. And overall, the story is great because it has a very positive message of dreaming big and not giving up on your dreams. There is even a section at the end to do a dream board together with your child. That said, I think some of the message is confusing because the first three creatures who achieved their dreams did so because of their biology and not because of anything they really did. Although one could argue that because they didn't give up, they allowed the changes to take place, but I think that's a bit muddled. But then baboon took their changes as a sign that perhaps he could change and that was more about him decided to do so and then working with his friend to achieve that dream. So that was a bit more on the mark. And finally, he sought out the termite and encouraged her to build a hill and find some friends and family to fill it and through hard work, that was achieved. So it starts out a bit more confusing, but I do like the way it ends. And as I said, the illustrations were wonderful. However, because the message is not completely clear, it's possible some kids will just not get it.

Thanks to #KatKronenberg and #NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of eBook

Long ago, when the savannas were new in the wilds of East Africa, Caterpillar looked up at the night sky and wished upon a star; he wanted to fly. Tadpole looked up at the night sky and wished upon a star; he wanted to dance. Flamingo looked up at the night sky and wished upon a star; she wanted to be beautiful.

Baboon doesn’t believe their fantastic dreams can come true, but Caterpillar turns into a butterfly, tadpole grows feet so he can dance, and Flamingo turns into a beautiful pink bird. Baboon watches this and wishes to celebrate everyone’s dream coming true while encouraging others. He gets a chance to do just that when Termite becomes so afraid that she hides. Baboon, Caterpillar, Tadpole, and Flamingo write a special song for Termite, who then builds a beautiful castle. With everyone happy, the animals celebrate with drums and pom-poms.

This mythological fable, the first in a series, reveals the secret moody Baboon discovers. A footnote provides a brief fact about each of the animals as the young reader meets each of them. The story tells young readers to believe in themselves, to dream their biggest dreams and to believe they can come true. It reminds them to celebrate their lives. Because they are made of star-stuff, they are extraordinary. A positive lesson in self-esteem, young readers are sure to read this story over and over again.

Recommended.

I received a free copy of this eBook from Greenleaf Book Group Press and NetGalley
#DreamBig #NetGalley

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this to my 3 year old last night; she was filled with awe. It was such a positive, thought provoking story. After our second reading of the book she looked at me and asked, "So I can be an Elephant right?" I found myself laughing and she asked what was so funny; I then straighten my demeanor. I looked at my daughter and said, "Yes, you can be whatever your heart desires; even an elephant! Are you sure you want to be that big though?" She replied, "No silly, I just wanted to know it was ok to be something like an elephant!" I replied, "You can be anything you want to be just like the story says! Just make sure you reach for the stars and dream big!" She smiled and said the most amazing thing, "Well, today I just wanna be here, with you right now; but someday I'm gonna be something big! Like elephant big!" Today, we have read the book three more times. I can almost recite it by memory. It's a book that truly teaches a child they can be anything they want to be they just have to believe in theirselves and their dreams! An amazing read! Tomorrow, it is going to preschool with, Liv for share time. I want to say, from my own personal experience- it's never to late to Dream Big! You never know when wishes will become life! 10 stars!!

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Evan (age 3), Sarina (age 4), and Mom for Reader Views Kids (9/18)

Could there be a more positive storyline then the one found in, “Dream Big” by Kat Kronenberg? We don’t think so! This hardcover, beautifully illustrated story takes place in the Savannas of East Africa, where the inhabitants are finding that they want to be more in life, but wonder if they have the courage to make it happen?

“Dream Big” is about a grouchy baboon and his inability to accept that we can be whoever we want to be if we only believe we can. His first encounter is on a starry night when he notices Caterpillar on a branch looking up at the stars. He was wishing he could be like a bird and fly. Baboon just laughed which made the Caterpillar very sad. But Caterpillar was determined to make his wish come true and would not give up even though Baboon said it was impossible.

During the story Baboon meets several other creatures all wishing to be more, but he could still not accept that they could change. Only after seeing for himself that change is possible if you wish and believe hard enough, did he realize how foolish he had been.

Evan and Sarina both liked the butterfly and how his wings sparkled when he made his wish come true. They both listen intently and had many different questions about the characters in the story. They loved the brightly colored illustrations that seemed to jump off of the pages and would not let me turn the page until they finished looking at every little detail the pictures had to offer.

“Dream Big” was such a pleasure to read with my kids and what a wonderfully positive storyline. I think all parents would enjoy reading this story to their kids. All through the book Evan and Sarina were clapping and saying,” But I can! I Believe.” We have read “Dream Big” several times now and each time they will notice something different in the pictures or come up with a new question about the story. Their favorite part in the story was when the characters sat around the fire at night and made up a song for Termite.

“Dream Big”, by Kat Kronenberg is a very special book that should belong in every family’s home. The positive feeling you and your kids receive from this story is exceptional. We look forward to reading more stories by Kat Kronenberg.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A most wonderful inspirational book for kids of all ages! The illustrations are stunning with some concealed meanings in them --- a song to learn, a dance to play with your other friends ---not enough stars to rate this book! A truly Inspirational Messages for ALL OF US – you can be whatever you want and how to be the best of what you are! Also has some great ideas and suggestions at the end to help you “follow your dreams.”

[Gail Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best new picture book I have read in awhile. Different animals dream to be better versions of themselves, and their dreams come true. The African animals are different ones which children will be familiar. The book helps children believe that their dreams can come true too. The illustrations are wonderful too.
I won my copy from Goodreads and will be giving it to my grandchildren.

[♥Sabulous ♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the bright colors and drawing style of this book.

What I had to take star off for was that the storyline doesn't match the title suggests. The title makes you think that its a story about working hard and not giving up on your dreams but the examples given are just process of growing up.

A tadpole doesn't need to dream and believe that it will grow legs because it will as it matures. A flamingo doesn't need to hope that it will develop pink feathers because it will given time and the right diet.

Overall, the book is okay but not really something I would recommend.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great inspirational book for the younger child. It is full of lots of captivating scenarios where dreams come true. It's a pleasure to read and is so easy to get into the spirit of the book that it brings laughter and joy to the both the narrator and listener. And I cannot say enough about how I enjoyed the illustrations ... they were really beautiful. A wonderful gift idea!
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.

[Melanie Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is perfect for little kids who are in the early stages of reading or still need read too. It is a great book for the formative years in teaching them confidence in their dreams and themselves despite what others may say. Written in a way to entertain the child and to teach them the power of positive thinking. Much love for this book!

[Jasmine Nangauta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so amazed as soon as I opened the cover of this book! It has such a good storyline and wonderful eye catching illustrations! It's definitely something I could read every night to my daughter!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally loved this book and all the swag it came with! My daughter loved it too. Very cute pictures to go with a great story. A fun book for the great meaning behind the plot.

I won this book through Goodreads for my honest opinion.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is illustrated with such beautiful scenery and has a lovely message. We should all remember that stardust is everywhere and in all of us! There are some fun, inspiring, activities for children at the end of the book.

[Amanda Harrison · Rating 2 out of 5]

I mean I get believing in yourself is important, but I still can't grow wings.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A GOODREADS GIVEAWAY win!
Thanks to the author!
I gave it to a precious young lady, who was glad to have.
Hope you all have big dreams, and never give up on them.

[James Schattel · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is wow! I absolutely loved reading this book to my child. He loves to read about animals and learn from them. This book is beautifully illustrated and written. It has great encouragement in the book and helps children to believe in their dreams. There is also a good website that anyone can go to that has great activities, that you and your children can do together. It is: www.katkronenberg.com which has awesome coloring sheets, facts about animals from the book, and also great curriculum activities that align with the TEKS. This is great for my son because we live in Texas and he will be soon be dealing with standardized testing. I am so glad that I have received this book and I recommend this book to children, teachers, and adults.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great for young readers. We all experience that one person we tell our dreams to, our friend. Some times they tell us that our dreams are unattainable. We have to hold on to our dreams and wish upon a Star. The Universe is listening. We can attain our dreams, if we keep on believing.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book, read with my 7 year old and she loved it. Beautiful art, great message. This is a new favorite ^_^ Thank you!!

[Suzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated. Grandkids love it!

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really well done book! I'd say that the author & publisher did not 'just get by' on this production...it's very well made, big, very pretty/nice & inviting illustrations all the way through it. The pages are nice heavy, thick pages.....a book that will stand up to repeated use! My book even came with neat bookmarks & coloring/activity pages to go along with the message of the story.....which was very nice. It's definitely a good story to share with little ones. I think the book 'projects' enthusiasm! The crew putting this together did a very nice job!
I did win this book in a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway program, simply in return for my own fair/honest review. All opinions here are my own.

[Missy Block · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the cover to the last page, this book will delight any small child. Set in Africa, the illustrations are bright, amazingly drawn, and will capture any little’s imagination. The story unfolds in messages sent to the animals thru the stars.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful uplifting story with beautiful characters and illustrations. My daughter's favorite was the flamingo and the fact that it looked beauiful all along.
We won these books through Goodreads giveaways