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Dreamland
Bedtime surroundings mingle with dream imagery as a little girl drifts into peaceful slumber.
Amelie loves everything about bedtime: wrapping up in her favorite blanket, listening to bedtime stories, and most of all, dreaming. But finding her dreams is not always easy, and she often has to set out in search of them. As Amelie ventures into the surreal world that lingers behind her closed eyes, she overcomes cold toes, too-bright moonshine, tangled blankets, hidden shadows, and ticking clocks to finally uncover her favorite dreams. From illustrator and production designer Noah Klocek comes a breathtaking depiction of a half-asleep landscape sure to lure readers into a dreamland of their own.
Amelie loves everything about bedtime: wrapping up in her favorite blanket, listening to bedtime stories, and most of all, dreaming. But finding her dreams is not always easy, and she often has to set out in search of them. As Amelie ventures into the surreal world that lingers behind her closed eyes, she overcomes cold toes, too-bright moonshine, tangled blankets, hidden shadows, and ticking clocks to finally uncover her favorite dreams. From illustrator and production designer Noah Klocek comes a breathtaking depiction of a half-asleep landscape sure to lure readers into a dreamland of their own.
Hardcover
First published November 13, 2018
About the author
Noah Klocek
7 books7 followersNoah Klocek is an artist and a writer who has worked in visual development, art direction, and production design for such studios as Industrial Light & Magic, PDI/DreamWorks, and Pixar Animation Studios. He is the illustrator and co-creator of Cloud Country. Noah Klocek lives in Berkeley, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
December 4, 2018
Sweet and clever
January 27, 2019
Such a compact little story about dreaming; the illustrations also reminded me strongly of Once Upon A Cloud.
June 13, 2024
A young girl named Amelie loves bedtime in this picture book from author/illustrator Noah Klocek, and she loves dreaming. Unfortunately it can sometimes be a little difficult to find the land of dreams, and she must set out across a surreal landscape full of fantastic places and experiences, in order to find it...
I requested Dreamland from my local library after seeing the cover somewhere online, and being intrigued by it, and by the story summary. Although I read many picture books, I had never heard of Klocek before, and went in with no fixed expectations. Unfortunately, I was not terribly impressed by either story or visuals here, finding the former rather muddled and the latter just not to my taste. As I was reading through the first time, I found myself wondering whether the whole thing, the whole journey to Dreamland, was itself a dream. It certainly had the incoherence of one. Of course, on my second read I realized that many of the steps in the "journey" were fantastical representations of things Amelie is experiencing in bed: the cold feet, the uncomfortable spots on the bed. This is a creative storytelling structure, but it doesn't come across very well, and I'm not sure children will understand that Amelie is still in her bed. The artwork likewise didn't speak to me, and although I can see some finding it cute, to me it look just a little too machine-generated. Don't mistake me—I have seen some digitally-created artwork that I love, but this wasn't that. Tastes vary, of course, so picture books readers looking for imaginative bedtime stories might still want to give it a try, but this was a miss for me.
I requested Dreamland from my local library after seeing the cover somewhere online, and being intrigued by it, and by the story summary. Although I read many picture books, I had never heard of Klocek before, and went in with no fixed expectations. Unfortunately, I was not terribly impressed by either story or visuals here, finding the former rather muddled and the latter just not to my taste. As I was reading through the first time, I found myself wondering whether the whole thing, the whole journey to Dreamland, was itself a dream. It certainly had the incoherence of one. Of course, on my second read I realized that many of the steps in the "journey" were fantastical representations of things Amelie is experiencing in bed: the cold feet, the uncomfortable spots on the bed. This is a creative storytelling structure, but it doesn't come across very well, and I'm not sure children will understand that Amelie is still in her bed. The artwork likewise didn't speak to me, and although I can see some finding it cute, to me it look just a little too machine-generated. Don't mistake me—I have seen some digitally-created artwork that I love, but this wasn't that. Tastes vary, of course, so picture books readers looking for imaginative bedtime stories might still want to give it a try, but this was a miss for me.
Read
September 16, 2021Dreamland is a story of a young girl on a journey to find her favorite dreams. She has to move through the cold, she went through being physically uncomfortable, moving pasted darkness without fear, connecting with scary creatures that lurk in the shadows, and she traveled far and wide to get to her favorite dreams. She was finally able to fall asleep to dream her favorite dreams.
I love how the illustrations connect with the words on each page. It allows the words to come to life. It is well developed. I love how it shows the process one might be in to find a happy thought, memory, or in this case, a dream. Klocek's design of having Amelie hold a moon as her guide was beautiful. It showed it was ok to need a light to guide our way.
Students could be fascinated by the illustrations connecting Amelie to the story. I am twenty-two, but I still found myself imagining myself as Amelie. A younger student could connect to the main character as well, if they struggle with finding good dreams to dream. It could bring them comfort and maybe a strategy to make falling asleep easier at night.
I love how the illustrations connect with the words on each page. It allows the words to come to life. It is well developed. I love how it shows the process one might be in to find a happy thought, memory, or in this case, a dream. Klocek's design of having Amelie hold a moon as her guide was beautiful. It showed it was ok to need a light to guide our way.
Students could be fascinated by the illustrations connecting Amelie to the story. I am twenty-two, but I still found myself imagining myself as Amelie. A younger student could connect to the main character as well, if they struggle with finding good dreams to dream. It could bring them comfort and maybe a strategy to make falling asleep easier at night.
April 30, 2019
Dreamland by Noah Klocek. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2018. $17. 9780763694265
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Amelie loves bedtime and all the things that goes with it, even her dreams. Especially her dreams. Sometimes it is not an easy thing to find her dreams. She loves what happens when she falls asleep and can escape into the world of her dreams.
I found this to be a great bedtime story to prepare young children for going to bed. Going to bed is nice for Amelie and young children can be encouraged to find their own dreams and to talk about them. My two youngest grandchildren and I had a great time reading the story, looking at all the pictures and then talking about dreams. They loved the story and loved the idea of “looking” for their dreams.
Ellen-Anita, Librarian
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
January 25, 2019
For more reviews, check out my blog: Craft-Cycle
A simply gorgeous book, perfect for bedtime.
I loved the concept of this book. The text is so simple, yet poetic, and I love the sleep-themed world created in the illustrations.
The story itself is so simple, but the execution is lovely. Great visuals that are calming and beautiful.
I also liked the active role the female lead had in the story. She doesn't just passively sit around, she goes out and gets what she wants. Wonderful message and a great twist on the idea of relaxing to go to sleep/ going on an adventure in pursuit of sleep and dreams.
Such a beautiful, beautiful book.
A simply gorgeous book, perfect for bedtime.
I loved the concept of this book. The text is so simple, yet poetic, and I love the sleep-themed world created in the illustrations.
The story itself is so simple, but the execution is lovely. Great visuals that are calming and beautiful.
I also liked the active role the female lead had in the story. She doesn't just passively sit around, she goes out and gets what she wants. Wonderful message and a great twist on the idea of relaxing to go to sleep/ going on an adventure in pursuit of sleep and dreams.
Such a beautiful, beautiful book.
Read
September 9, 2021Dreamland is about a girl named Amelie who loves bedtime, especially dreaming. But she has a hard time finding her favorite dreams. So she goes on an adventure to find it.
The pictures are captivating and keeps your imagination going. Following the little girl while on her adventure makes you think about your dreams and figure out your favorite dream.
I would read this to my students when I need them to calm down or if I want them to use their imagination. It is a very calming book and will keep the students engaged.
The pictures are captivating and keeps your imagination going. Following the little girl while on her adventure makes you think about your dreams and figure out your favorite dream.
I would read this to my students when I need them to calm down or if I want them to use their imagination. It is a very calming book and will keep the students engaged.
February 14, 2019
As a sleep-deprived person who also needs to go through toils and trials to reach dreamland, I really liked this book. I loved how the obstacles were all things that prevent kids (and grown-ups) from sleeping: cold drafts, tangled bedding, creepy shapes and distracting noises. And I LOVED the illustrations. They were gorgeous!
May 26, 2019
This book was really cute, especially the illustrations and how they play with light. They use moonlight for everything, but in a really warm way, so you can almost tell how cozy it is. Although we never see what Amelie's dreams are, I think this would be a good book to use to discuss dreams, since Amelie spends the whole book trying to find hers.
December 14, 2018
Beautiful illustrations accompany short, simple pieces of text that cover almost everything a small child experiences as they try to fall asleep. As a result, it's the perfect read at bedtime book that will help send little ones on their way to dreamland.
December 21, 2018
A warm fuzzy story about how it is hard for fall asleep. This would make an EXCELLENT one-on-one bedtime story. This could work for a storytime setting but for a smaller group so they can see the details in the small illustrations.
March 6, 2019
I thought this was such a neat take on getting those 'hard to get to sleep' kids to trust the process of falling asleep! Maybe it's because the little girl totally reminds me of my own, but I loved the story, the concepts, and the artwork.
February 13, 2020
A beautiful book of a young girl that loves bedtime because it means that she will be dreaming soon. She loves to dream.
Children will enjoy exploring each page spread to see what there is to see in the girl's dreams. Not recommended for storytime. Better shared one-on-one.
Children will enjoy exploring each page spread to see what there is to see in the girl's dreams. Not recommended for storytime. Better shared one-on-one.
November 23, 2018
Cute bedtime story about finding your reams.
November 26, 2018
I really loved the pictures so vibrant and just beautiful textures
November 29, 2018
The illustrations in this were stunning. It might be a bit too abstract/detailed for my storytime audiences, but I think it would be magical one-on-one. So whimsical and I love the colors!
December 12, 2018
Meh...didn't really affect me one way or the other.
December 19, 2018
Beautifully illustrated bedtime adventure
December 22, 2018
A little girl has to search for her dreams after she falls asleep.
January 2, 2019
Cute story with fun illustrations.
January 21, 2019
Amelie loves bedtime. But every night she has to go out in search of her dream until she falls asleep.
January 21, 2019
Usually kids don't want to go to bed. I like this story about a kid who wants to go to bed but has a hard time falling asleep. Lovely imagery as well.
January 25, 2019
A young child dreams at night of adventure. The picture are beautiful. Preschool and up
February 5, 2019
Beautiful illustrations and story. I don't know that it would work for a storytime, since its a little abstract and preschoolers may not understand. Good for a one-on-one bedtime story.
February 21, 2019
Wonderful illustrations
Highly recommend doing a moon 🌙 & Stars ⭐️ craft to go along with this story
Would love feedback to know what age range this is best suited for...
Highly recommend doing a moon 🌙 & Stars ⭐️ craft to go along with this story
Would love feedback to know what age range this is best suited for...
March 21, 2019
The pictures are beautiful, but I’m not sure my 3yo really understands what’s happening. He has only asked for this one a couple of times.
April 3, 2019
Cute book about the struggles of falling asleep
April 16, 2019
I want to read this book over and over! The story is sweet and makes you want to have happy dreams. I really like the pictures too. It is the perfect book for bedtime. (Ally, 4th grade)
May 8, 2020
This book is so cute and I absolutely love the art style. The story flows well!
May 24, 2021
Beauuuutiful illustrations.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews