About this book

The bestselling creator of The Dot inspires readers of every age to find their own unique path to happiness.

In his Scholastic debut, picture book and creativity guru Peter Reynolds brings us a universally poignant celebration of the colourful spectrum of what it means to dream and the many ways to find happy!

While the world tells us to sit still, to follow the rules, and to colour inside the lines, Happy Dreamer celebrates all those moments in between, when the mind and spirit soar and we are free to become our own true dreamer maximus! In Peter’s signature voice and style, this empowering picture book reminds children of how much their dreams matter, and while life will have ups and downs, he enlists readers to stay true to who they are, to tap into their most creative inner selves, and to never ever forget to dream big!

This inspirational book is a perfect gift for graduations, new babies, milestone moments, and any happy occasion throughout the year.

Reviews

Praise for Happy Dreamer

"Empowering. . . As an exploration of emotions, impulses, and creativity, the book would help children identify why they feel the way they do,
and help others understand why people may respond to events differently." -- Booklist

"Like a roller-coaster ride, Reynolds' text and illustrations capture the energetic side of creativity and the gloom of cleaning up the messes that come with it while providing a wide vocabulary to describe emotional brilliance and resilience . . . A sweet gift to praise spirited individuality, this choice encourages readers to dream big." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Reynolds returns to familiar inspirational territory as he celebrates individuality, self-expression, and the joys of being a dreamer...
He offers a liberating validation of dreaming as restorative, comforting, and powerful, while giving kids full license to be themselves."-- Publishers Weekly

"Celebratory...The digital illustrations feature loose linework and soft, swirling pastels. As in many of Reynolds's books, the text is hand lettered....A lovely graduation gift."-- School Library Journal

"Delightful...Unraveling messy thought processes enthusiastically, Reynolds' prose soars. Even the end papers, like pint-size graffiti, have colorful affirmations that children will enjoy decoding . . . Out-of-the-box thinkers will know they are not alone and all will be inspired to become unique 'dreamers maximus.'"-- School Library Connection


Praise for The Dot

* "Simplicity itself, like the dot in the title, this small book carries a big message." -- Booklist, starred review

* "In this engaging, inspiring tale, Reynolds (illustrator of the Judy Moody series) demonstrates the power of a little encouragement. . . . Reynolds pulls off exactly what his young heroine does, creating an impressive work from deceptively simple beginnings." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

* "With art that seems perfectly suited to the mood and the message of the text, Reynolds inspires with a gentle and generous mantra: 'Just make a mark.'" -- School Library Journal, starred review

" . . . it may speak to formerly artistic young readers who are selling their own abilities short." -- Kirkus


Praise for Ish

*"Ish. . .encourages readers to see the world anew." -- School Library Journal, starred review

Extras

Download the Classroom Kit!