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‘Dream Big’ Book Review

'Dream Big' Book Review

I have always been an avid reader, and I have passed my love of reading on to my two children. My kindergartener daughter has been reading on her own for the past year now, and I am always looking for new books for her. I especially like positive books that teach an important lesson. When recently offered the chance to review a copy of Dream Big written by Kat Kronenberg and illustrated by Stephani Dehennin in exchange for my honest opinion, I eagerly accepted the opportunity to add a new title to my home library. The 48-page paperback book currently costs $10.68 on Amazon with a list price of $15.95. The book will be released for sale on January 10, 2017 but is currently available for pre-order.

Author

Born and raised in Texas, author Kat Kronenberg wants people all around the world to watch their wildest dreams come true and live out the motto: ”Believe YOU CAN! Smile. Be you and jump for joy as you do!” Currently residing in Austin, Texas with her husband, Kat is the proud parent of two amazing boys, two beautiful adopted nieces, two extraordinary grandchildren, and three four-legged friends. Dream Big is her first children’s book, which she wrote in response to the devastating losses of her brother, sister, and both parents. While grieving, she learned that “big belly smiles” of belief in oneself and possibilities can provide the courage needed to press on and even chase the impossible.

Synopsis

Dream Big begins with Baboon in the wilds of East Africa. He overhears as, one by one, Caterpillar, Tadpole, and Flamingo gaze up at the night sky and wish upon a star for their wildest dreams. Baboon at first scoffs at the impossible. But as Caterpillar turns into a winged butterfly, Tadpole into a dancing frog, and Flamingo into a beautiful pink bird, Baboon realizes that a transformative power exists among the stars, the animals, and the biggest dreams.

Cover of 'Dream Big' Inside Pages of 'Dream Big' 1

Evaluation

Recommended for little readers between the ages of 4 and 6 in preschool through first grade, Dream Big imparts the important message of following your dreams and believing in the seemingly impossible. My kindergartener daughter who has been reading on her own for a little over a year can read most of the text on her own with only a little help, so I agree with the recommended age recommendation. My toddler son also enjoy listening to me and his big sister read the book aloud, and I really love the message of the story, so both younger and older readers can enjoy the book as well.

I absolutely love the gorgeous illustrations from Stephani Dehennin in Dream Big. The pictures are full of colors but offer a softness that I find really pleasing. The beautiful illustrations fit the story perfectly and help bring the text to life. Both my kids also enjoy looking at the illustrations. My toddler son especially loves pointing at all the animal throughout the pages.

In addition to inspiring readers to identify and pursue their dreams no matter how big or seemingly impossible, Dream Big also includes a supplemental resource section at the end of the story. Parents and teachers can use the activity ideas to expand on the story. The book is therefore ideal for story time or reading lessons. Overall I am quite pleased with this sweet and powerful book. Dream Big truly is the perfect heart-warming gift of encouragement for anyone starting a new phase in life.

Inside Pages of 'Dream Big' 2 Inside Pages of 'Dream Big' 3

Final Verdict

If you are searching for a book to inspire a young reader, I highly recommend Dream Big written by Kat Kronenberg and illustrated by Stephani Dehennin. Recommended for little readers between the ages of 4 and 6 in preschool through first grade, the book imparts the important message of following your dreams and believing in the seemingly impossible. The illustrations are soft and beautiful and help bring the story to life. Definitely check out Dream Big if you want to inspire your child to identify and pursue their dreams no matter how big or seemingly impossible!

Purchase Dream Big on Amazon via my affiliate link.

Image Credits

‘Dream Big’ Book Review © 2016 Heather Johnson
Cover of ‘Dream Big’ © 2016 Heather Johnson
Inside Pages of ‘Dream Big’ 1 © 2016 Heather Johnson
Inside Pages of ‘Dream Big’ 2 © 2016 Heather Johnson
Inside Pages of ‘Dream Big’ 3 © 2016 Heather Johnson

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