Reviews

Dreams by Ezra Jack Keats

worldlibraries's review against another edition

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3.0

'Dreams,' by Ezra Jack Keats, is a title that would serve as an excellent 'window' to another way of living, or as a 'mirror' for children who live in urban settings. Children would be fascinated by the setting of two children who hang out of their city windows to have a conversation to discuss their day. Not every child lives in those type of buildings.

The main character in the story brings home a paper mouse he made at school and his friend asks 'what can it do?' Roberto, the maker of the mouse, can't think of anything and admits 'I don't know.'

But soon enough, the paper mouse proves useful. This would be a good metaphor for having a discussion with children about the lovely hidden qualities our friends have that we may not be able to see immediately, which come out in time when needed.

This is a small story. Other reviewers have pointed out how it is perfect for bedtime. A special feature of the book is the beautiful watercolors used to evoke summer heat, night and dreaming. I don't know if this art would bring children as much enjoyment as it does adults, but these watercolor representations are delightful.

sean67's review against another edition

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4.0

Once you enter the world of Ezra Jack Keats you may not want to leave.
His books reveal a beauty rarely seen in picture books, and this one is no exception to the rule.
Another fine read from Keats.

veryliterarykari's review against another edition

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5.0

Roberto, the main character, makes a paper mouse in school. His neighbor, Amy, asks if the mouse can do anything. Roberto has no answer, but during the night, the paper mouse proves to be an unlikely hero. This is a picture book, and the characters (in true Keats style) make the book multicultural. The pictures in the apartment windows are STUNNING!

calistareads's review against another edition

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4.0

I love the colors and art details in this story.  Ezra is amazing at his skills.  The story is simple and humorous.  Roberto has a mouse made of paper from school and he wonders what it can do.  One night when he can't sleep, he looks at his window and sees a cat trapped by a dog.  Roberto knocks the mouse off the window seal and it falls and the light makes this huge shadow cast by the paper mouse so that it scares away the dog. 

The artwork makes the story worth it.  It's a great bit of color, imagination and story telling.  I recommend it. 

Also, here is another book from 1974 - a very amazing year!

dlauron's review against another edition

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5.0

I enjoyed this story about a boy who sees something unusual while he's trying to fall asleep. Beautiful illustrations go along with the imaginative story.

inlibrisveritas's review

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3.0

A simple yet heartwarming little story.
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