Bright Dreams: The Brilliant Ideas of Nikola Tesla

by Tracy Dockray

Young Nikola Tesla got a shock when he rubbed his cat's fur. That small spark lit his imagination forever. Covering his early years to his eventual success in the world of electricity, Bright Dreams showcases Tesla's incredible journey of discovery and perseverance. Author-illustrator Tracy Dockray conveys Tesla's busy and imaginative world with collage-style artwork and informative sidebars.

Genres: Biography, Picture Books, Nonfiction, Historical

32 pages, Hardcover

Published August 1, 2020

Reviews

[Briar's Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fantabulous non-fiction book about a famous man, Nikola Tesla!

Nikola Tesla was always brought up in my physics classes but never discussed. We basically knew he did some physics and he did some cool things, but that was it. Even seeing non-fiction content in a picture book like this is delightful! I wish I would have had books like this back during my childhood years. Lucky for me, NetGalley has lots of fun children's books for me to get all nostalgic with and share with the world!

This book is all about science and the things Nikola Tesla discovered or played around with. Static from touching a cat was one interesting discovery, which just made me chuckle. Of course cats helped with science, it only makes sense! This distracted dreamer was always crafting up ideas, and eventually used his intelligence in incredible ways.

The illustrations are super cool and stand out. I really enjoyed them and want to see more fun books include ones like these!

Four out of five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Capstone Editions for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

[Blaine DeSantis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Capstone Editions for this free advance copy in return for an honest review. A very well done book. It is for ages 8-11, and is a really good story of the early years of Nikola Tesla filled with difficulties, challenges and successes. I enjoyed the illustrations and was particularly impressed with the story boxes of certain items, such as atoms, lightning, engineering and his early travels, the book also gives us a timeline of Tesla's life. It skips over a lot of his later life issues, but that is not really needed in this book, because the book is about his dreams. I give this a hearty THUMBS UP!! Definitely a book you should encourage your children to read, or to read to them.

[Ula · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 of 5 🌟 Entertainment mashed with science

Nikola Tesla was born in the Austrian Empire on the territory of nowadays Croatia, although he was Serbian (yes, European history is complicated!). He moved to the United States in the pursuit of his inventor’s career. The most brilliant of Nikola’s inventions we’re still using till this day — alternating current.

‘Bright Dreams’ is showing Tesla’s life from his childhood, through early career days to the pick of his fame and what came afterward. The book is composed of two synergic parts — Nikola Tesla life story and side notes with explanations of scientific facts used in the story. The work is heavily illustrated with plenty of details and real-life schemas and images of Tesla’s inventions. This short read gives lots of insights and facts about the inventor's life and legacy.

I’m not sure what age is this book targeted for, a story plot is quite simple and easy to read, and extended glossary is more detailed and written in a dry manner. I understand that as a memo for the reading parent who then can explain it to the little reader with the help of highly detailed illustrations. Although I like how precise schemas and inventions’ images are, I prefer more vivid and cheerful illustrations over the Victorian-like style used in the book.

Overall, ‘Bright Dreams’ is a perfect entry-level science book for every inventor-to-be and absolutely must-read for juvenile Tesla’s fans.

*Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the digital ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.*

[Amit Verma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read few other books about Tesla.
Everytime I read about him, I am amazed by his raw talent.
He achieved big feats but still could not reap benefits due to his simplicity and simple nature.
He gave away royalties to save his friends business.
This graphic novel describes his life from childhood and covers all major events in his life.
Writing is suitable for kids a above 8 years age.
Artwork is very good and explains life of Tesla very clearly and in an enjoyable way.
Few scientific facts are also explained in simplified way but are not boring or academic.
A wonderful read to know about pioneers of 20 th century who changed route of mankind's progress for better.
A perfect gift for science loving kids.
Thanks netgalley and publisher for review copy.

[Ellen Federico · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bright Dreams is a clever and intriguing story about Nikola Tesla. I wish we had a book like this back in grade school. It de-mystifies the properties of electricity through story, rich illustrations, and the compelling character of Nikola Tesla from boyhood, to brilliant inventor, to gentle old man, who loves pigeons. The sidebar definitions are also great little treasures of easy to understand "engineering" terms. But the real prize is learning about Nikola Tesla's life journey and what he sacrificed to see his ideas and dreams emerge. An incredible immigration tale is woven through the pages and illustrations of this elegant story and at the same time teaches the basics of harnessing power sources.

Bright Dreams is an excellent tool to inspire creativity, courage, and passion in children to reach for their dreams and never give up. I'm happy they named the Tesla car after this very special man.

[Erika Cowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a remarkable book of about one of the greatest minds ever.... Tesla I just loved it! Some times we, forget about the human being behind the brilliance. The illustrations are a winning combination with the mind bending information! This is a riveting exciting book that warms the heart with its touching human story , illustrated to perfection by ,Tracy Dockray. This visual masterpiece lifts the spirit and engages the imagination of all who aspire to create in the footsteps of a great thinker... this is a must have for every child’s book shelf and for the libraries around the world...after enjoying this admirable visual feast , one is inspired to reach for the stars and dare to work and imagine . This book helps us to understand the world around us and one of the greatest minds that ever lived.. I recommend it enthusiastically to young and old alike... THANKYOU FOR CREATING IT... It’s a glorious Treasure! Erika Dee Cowell

[Linda M · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Bright Dreams, The Brilliant Inventions of Nikola Tesla" is a fantastic children’s book with an exciting adventure for children to read about Nikola Tesla and his tenacity and keen mind to learn. Tesla’s contribution to science is huge. The colorful and detailed illustration take you back to Tesla’s generation and tell its own story with details and discoveries that provide more information for the young reader. The child that is inclined toward the STEMs will learn about the fundamentals of electricity and the path that a curious Tesla pursued. The discovery and comparison of AC versus DC electricity was informative and explained simply where the young reader could wrap his/her mind around. Beautiful, informative read...What a great way to learn about Tesla along with the basics of electricity. Tesla overcame much difficulty in life which also we found a valuable lesson. This book is perfect for home schooling and school libraries.

[Phillip Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nikola Tesla’s name and accomplishments have come into the spotlight recently. Though he was a brilliant inventor, he was not always taken seriously during his life, and people didn’t know what he could do.

Bright Dreams shares a short account of Tesla, from his birth through his development of AC power. The book is geared for children, and is easy for them to understand. Words that may be new for them are explained in side notes and a glossary. Colorful illustrations show what the text is saying and help young readers see the ideas of the book.

Technology and engineering are important fields today, and this book can give children information about what can be done in these fields. It may even help some of them get started towards a career.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read a few children's biographies of Tesla, but this was the first one that showed that sometimes he did win, and towards the end, he just lost. Very sad story of a brilliant mind, but interesting that, as this book claims, that it all started with him discovering and wondering about static electricity.



I didn't know he teamed up with Westinghouse, after he got burned by Edison.

Not quite a picture book, or even a graphic novel. Not quite for young children. Not quite sure how to classify it, other than it is an interesting look at an interesting life.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

[Roberta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent introduction to the life of Tesla, suitable for children. I love the illustrations, they really bring the story to life. I like the fact that the author hasn’t glossed over the difficulties that Tesla faced, or simplified the vocabulary. Important terms are explained in the main part of the book, and there is also a glossary at the back (along with suggested places to find more information). Whilst totally suitable for children, this book paints a more realistic portrait of an inventor than most. I’d definitely recommend this book to anyone with children who are interested in science or historical figures.

I was given a free copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

[Jan Geniesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a classic story of an underestimated kid overcoming challenges and setbacks to create something important. Every child can identify with this story, and at the same time learn how electricity works. We follow Nicola's compelling journey in the main panels, while the side panels provide context and information. The illustrations are especially clever in their collage like combination of warm, emotive drawings and historical etchings. Young readers will find it fascinating, but parents will enjoy it just as much.

[Etienne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5/5. For an older audience then the format of the book might make you think. Yes it's a small book with a lot of illustrations, but the content is kind of dense and the informations about electricity, engineering and others things are well explain but at the same time clearly not intent for 5 year old of course... I would say maybe more around 9-10 years old, always hard to guess, but just don't get fooled by the format. If not and interesting book, nothing mind blowing but worth reading!

[Robert Bratskeir · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring, accessible and lively telling of a visionary's life story. Dockray seamlessly weaves together the facts of Tesla's upbringing, education and business journey, and illustrates key moments with bold, moodily lit images that leave deep impressions. Her deft use of sidebars to explain and add context to technical terms manage to educate without getting in the way of the narrative. All kids, regardless of their interest in science, should enjoy this book.

[Theresa Grissom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book.

This was a great biographical picture book. Nikola Telsa was a fascinating inventor that I didn't know a whole lot about before reading this book. Besides the biographical story itself, this book has side notes explaining scientific information mentioned in the story. It also includes a glossary, interesting author's note about Telsa and a timeline. I will definitely purchase this for my biography section of my elementary library.

[Jim Darby · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who drives a Tesla I found it fascinating from beginning to end. And especially a definite read for every child whose parents drive them around in a Tesla. A great book for a wide range of readers. The combination of story telling about the life of someone who has influenced how we live combined with side bars of science education was a great layout for each page. Bravo!

[Bill Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book for any kid. Science, history, heroics, and just a darn good story. Tracy Dockray makes it funny and fantastic. I hope she takes on more biographies and paints her special magic of sweet, funny, and inspiring story telling in every one of them.

[Christyfagan08 · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic book! It has history, inspiration, and explains electricity and how it is used. As an adult, you may learn something, too!

Based on a true story, it is a very interesting and fun read for kids and the adults.

[Susan Skerritt]

Such a great way to learn about electricity and Nikola Tesla. Can't wait for the copy I've ordered to come for my 8 year-old niece!

[Hillary Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous book about Tesla and incredible illustrations to boot! Wonderful for kids aged 7-10. Even I learned things I hadn't known about Tesla!

[Nancy]

Novel idea for a young persons book and perfect way to learn about a topic all children are interested in and have asked their parent at least once about . Gorgeous illustrations. Bravo

[Eileen O'Kane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful informative book for the young reader with stunning illustrations, highly recommend

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read that story about how Tesla's cat helped spark his interest in electricity, I knew his story would make a great picture book biography. This one covers much of his life, from childhood inspiration to working with Edison and eventually seeing his inventions light up the world. Detailed sidebars explain the mechanics of direct current versus alternating current, different branches of engineering, etc. That's a lot for young readers to digest, so I think the sidebars are helpful, but I wonder if focusing more on a narrower timeframe might have helped simplify the narrative. We read a lot about Edison, so I'm glad to see Tesla's inventions also getting their time in the spotlight.

(I received a digital ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was a kid growing up we didn't really talk about Nikola Tesla. I'm not really sure why and honestly didn't find out until I was an adult about how much he had contributed to the discovery and use of electricity. This book opens up that lesser known bit of history so that today's kids can know more about the true story. I found it really interesting and think it will appeal to lower elementary kids who are interested in science.

Thank you to the publisher for fulfilling my review request via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kimberly Wright Oelkers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little known facts are the basis for this interesting book about one of my heroes, Nikola Tesla. It is clear Tracy Dockray has been researching this incredible scientist's work for many years. The illustrations are inviting with the use of light background tones so so the drawings stand out. I will definitely be using this biography to teach perseverance and promoting your idea to as many audiences as possible. Thank goodness for social media. Just imagine what Mr. Tesla would be able to do with it!

[Amit Misra · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book narrates the life, struggles and achievements of Nicola Tesla, one of the greatest physicists who ever walked on this planet. Yet, he remains largely an unsung hero. Ask anyone down the road, and most likely they have heard of Edison. But Tesla? Nope. This is in spite of the fact that the world would not be what it is today had this man not been there. But I am perhaps underestimating him. It is not his existence or his work that makes him outstanding. Of course, you might argue that if not him then somebody else would have invented the alternating current. But if you just throw a cursory glance at what he went through, what he was made to go through, how he persevered, struggled, fought, then all his heroism shines in full glory — something that would definitely put the brightest stars to shame. No, I am not exaggerating. Honestly speaking, I cannot show similar endurance to so much hostility.

The first impression I formed of the book was that it was written by a science writer or educator with help from an illustrator. I was wrong. All the work — description, narration, and illustration — everything is done by artist Tracy Dockray. This seemingly simple act itself deserves heavy applause. It must have definitely involved reading and browsing a lot, and talking to several people before such a creative piece of work could be brought out. It might have been easier for a scientist, but the extra trouble taken by an artist itself shows her concern and appreciation of the physicist and science in general.

As you might have already guessed, the book is made up of graphical illustrations in bright colours, with text presented in the form of comic strip. But note that there are neither silly comic characters nor caricatures. All figures are graphical illustrations which would appeal to children, especially those in the age group 8 – 11 years.

Though the length of the book is very short at 32 pages, the time your children take to go through it depends on how they make use of it. They may finish it within half an hour, or may be over several days. However, I would suggest that instead of giving it to your children to read, it would be better if you sit together with your children, turning pages, reading, narrating and explaining things to them. First the story part — how Nicola got electric shock, what was the world like before he was born and so on. Children would keep asking questions and doubts, especially about the technical terms. These could be explained with the help of the side notes — what is direct current, what is alternating current, who was Edison and so on. The narration is sometimes poetic, and these would help in imparting real life lessons to your children. At the end of the book you will find a glossary of selected scientific terms, a chronological timeline of Tesla’s life, bibliography and resources for further reading.

I could not find any flaws. Though it does not mention or promise anything of the sort, in all sincerity I suggest several other scientist biographies in the same style to follow this book. Very good work.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a delightful book, I learned about Nikola Tesla. He loved to read books. When he was older, he went to “college”to study engineering but dropped out. He wanted to do experiments and learn what he wanted to learn. Regardless of setbacks, he decided to go to the United States to meet and work with Edison. Edison agreed to hire him saying if he could do what he offered to do, he would give him a $50,000 bonus. Tesla did but Edison didn’t keep his promise. What did Tesla invent? What did Edison do to Tesla and his invention? Tesla went on to creating his own company. What happened to Tesla and his inventions after Edison?

An exquisitely written historical nonfiction book about an inventor I never heard of. He was an important inventor that deserves attention as it shows what a person that was inspired could learn and invent. I’m so glad hat I had the chance to learn about this fascinating inventor.

Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from NetGalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.

[Jennifer Hottinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bright Dreams: The Brilliant Ideas of Nikola Tesala by Tracy Dockray is an interesting biography of Tesla, who loved solving equations and figuring things out on his own. His brother passed away and Nikola missed him horribly. While navigating his life without his brother, he found books appealing. He was often found in his room reading beyond bedtime. Tesla's father wanted him to follow in his footsteps and become a priest, but Tesla wanted to go to engineering school. Luckily, his father allowed it and Tesla went on to create the alternator, generator, and had many other patents.

The format of this picture book is beyond amazing! Throughout the pages, the reader learns more about Nikola Tesla, but also learns the science behind it in sidebar science explanations. Excellent approach to give knowledge of Tesla, but also science. I highly recommend this book and will be adding it to my classroom! #NetGalley #BrightdreamsthebrilliantideasofNikolaTesla #engineering #inventors #nonfictionpicturebooks #bookrecommendations #teachers

[Kathy Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book for young readers who want to know more of electricity and the man who invented the ways we use it. Nikola Tesla recognized the limits of direct current and spent much of his time trying to figure out how to work around this problem. He came up with alternating current which is the means used to get electricity into our homes. He was not always successful and died in poverty.

I do not agree with giving dead people diagnosis of today when that may change in the future. So Tesla liked to be alone with the pigeons. I am sure lots of high strung, intelligent people would prefer pigeons to people as pigeons are not cruel.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bright Dreams: The Brilliant Ideas of Nikola Tesla by Tracy Dockray is a great book for children that introduces scientific vocabulary and principles alongside the story of Tesla's life.
This book is packed with information and will teach kids about a number of things, and the engaging way the information is woven into the narrative will make it fun for young readers. Tesla's struggles, persistence, and resiliency is inspiring and teaches a number of values such as having a good work ethic and pursuing your dreams.
The illustrations were interesting, but I would have preferred it if they were a bit more consistent.
Many thanks to Capstone Publishing and NetGalley for the advance copy!

[Vonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nikola Tesla grew up in modern day Croatia. As a child, Nikola had a cat. He learned that when he pet his cat, sometimes he would get shocked. This spurred a lifelong interest in electricity and engineering.

Throughout his life, Nikola suffered through many hardships. These included the death of his older brother when they were children, being tricked and lied to by Thomas Edison, an inability to socialize well, difficulty finding steady work, and trouble keeping his business afloat. If your child is sensitive about death, you may want to skip this book. It includes an illustration of the family at the funeral.

Tesla’s most important inventions included AC electrical current, alternator, x-rays, remote controlled vehicles and the Tesla electric car motor.

The illustrations are eye catching. It seemed several artistic styles were used. I’d say this book is best suited for older elementary grades. There are a lot of topics that could be discussed with students such as lying, stealing, perseverance, rejection, autism, experimenting, testing theories, etc.

I received an ARC copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.