The Dream Catcher
by Marcelo Verdad (Author)
For fans of Last Stop on Market Street, an uplifting story about a boy who stays true to his biggest dream while finding the magic in every moment.
Some people dream of perfect waves, fancy castles, or piloting a plane. Others dream of someone to laugh and play with all day long. Some just dream of having a meal for the next day.
And little Miguel? As he and Abuelito work in the hot Oaxacan sun, selling cold coconuts and macrame dream catchers to earn a few coins, Miguel has only one simple wish—to have his parents by his side. But how can he keep the faith when the truth is that dreams don’t always come to pass?
Marcelo Verdad’s poignant tale of hope and resilience shows how living in the here and now can be a journey every bit as beautiful as a dream.
A Spanish edition, El atrapasueños, is also available for purchase.
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Publishers Weekly
A child seemingly separated from his parents cultivates dreams for himself and others in this heart-tugging intergenerational picture book from Verdad (The Worst Teddy Ever). When Miguel Ángel and his grandfather, Abuelito, prepare for their day, they chat about the coins they've saved in a jar "to buy an airplane... one with two seats so you can fly with me." Before heading to the beach to sell their wares--cold coconuts and dream catchers--young Miguel notes how the work of weaving makes him feel close to his parents. As the two depart for the day, acrylic paint, paper, and digital collage illustrations employ squat, shape-based forms alongside patterns and changing light. En route, Miguel wonders whether the dream catchers help people secure their varied hopes ("someone to laugh and play with all day long... changing the world and filling it with color... having a meal for the next day"). Asked whether dreams come true, Abuelito lovingly but realistically responds: "Not always.... But if your heart and actions walk the same path, good things can happen." Simultaneously, though, the text hints, the here-and-now can be a dream--and a reward--of its own: "Selling my coconuts next to you and seeing you smile is all I dream of. I like it here and now because we're together." It's a touching work with a childlike feel that considers how "everything happens at the right time." Characters cue as Latinx. Simultaneously publishing in English and Spanish. Ages 4-8. (May)
Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
Praise for The Worst Teddy Ever:
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Blue Ribbon winnerShortlisted for the 2023 Barnes & Noble Children's & YA Book Awards * Verdad's debut picture book is an absolute delight. —BCCB, starred reviewThe plot is a fun, reassuring twist on several common themes. Great for bedtime or anytime. —Kirkus reviews The artwork in this debut picture book has that Todd Parr appeal of familiarity and achievability for toddlers and young children.... the message of teddy bears as nighttime protectors will be comforting to many a tiny reader. —Booklist Verdad's illustrations...have a playful feel that recalls Christian Robinson's child-centric style...adorable in their simplicity. —Horn Book A warm story for explaining that underlying answers aren't always obvious, and that readers can't know what others are going through. Good for read-alouds and SEL shelves. —School Library Journal
Marcelo Verdad es un autor e ilustrador mexicano que ama la leche con chocolate y las cosas pequeñitas. Se graduó de la escuela de diseño ArtCenter College of Design y trabaja como instructor para niños en una academia de arte en Los Ángeles, California. Marcelo crea un lenguaje visual accesible para los niños, donde involucra el juego en su proceso artístico utilizando técnicas y materiales básicos como figuras simples, recortes de papel y crayones. Al final, edita sus composiciones digitalmente hasta que siente que una gran sonrisa se apodera de su rostro. La sonrisa es una parte crucial y seria del proceso. Muy seria. Marcelo te invita a que los visites a él y a Teddy en marceloverdad.com.
Marcelo Verdad is an author and illustrator from México who likes to tell stories from unconventional perspectives. He graduated from ArtCenter College of Design, where he came upon the Children's Book Illustration class and immediately fell in love with kids' books. He is a member of SCBWI, and was one of the recipients of the Mentorship Award at SCBWI's 2019 Summer Conference. The Worst Teddy Ever is his picture book debut. He lives in Los Angeles, California.
JUV010000 - Juvenile Fiction | Bedtime & Dreams
JUV039070 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Homelessness & Poverty
JUV011030 - Juvenile Fiction | People & Places | United States - Hispanic & Latino
JUV030100 - Juvenile Fiction | People & Places | Mexico
Dreams
Mexicans
Dream catchers
