Imagine
PreSchool-Grade 2-Children are encouraged to dream big in this ambitious attempt to capitalize on the possibilities of the imagination. A double-page spread shows a youngster in a realistic situation, illustrated with a black-and-white sketch; when the page is turned, a full-color painting depicts that child's dream. For example, a girl staring at a toy ballerina turns into a real dancer. A boy looking at a fire truck imagines that he is a firefighter climbing down a ladder with a child in his arms. The black-and-white sketches are similar in style to the work of Chris Van Allsburg. The tidy treatment of boxed text opposite a full-page illustration works well. Unfortunately, the bland narrative offers little support to the carefully crafted pictures. Perhaps those looking for affirmation books will be captivated by "Believe that no fear...is too BIG to face" or "Believe that you can overcome...all obstacles in your path," but most librarians will want to wait until this artist develops his talent as a writer or collaborates with someone who crafts words to match his artwork.Jody McCoy, The Bush School, Seattle, WACopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.