Dreamweaver

Dreamweaver is one of the most beautiful books I have had the pleasure of reading recently. Claire Freedman, most famous for being the author of the 'Aliens love Underpants' series, has created a text that is just perfect for bedtime - which is exactly what it's purpose is. The story is all about the Dreamweaver, a magical fairy who flies around the world with her sack of dreams, trying to drift sleepy animals in the world of sleep. As a stand-alone read aloud book, this is just wonderful as the pictures help make it so beautiful. My year 1 children enjoyed spotting things within the picture and making connections with the dreamweaver. The girls within my class certainly enjoyed it and it was refreshing to read a book with a female lead character to them. Although maybe not the first book the boys would have picked, I do think they enjoyed listening to it. The rhyming couplets used throughout help the text flow from page to page and the language use is amazing. This in itself would make a wonderful English lesson as children could explore the use of imagery within. My children also liked being able to connect to the dreamweaver on a personal level as she used phrases their own parents used at bedtime. I think this book could be used to create a wonderful reading corner project in a school or community library and would be great to read as a 'bedtime story' event to try and inspire parents into a regular bedtime reading routine. I also found myself thinking that lots of wonderful art and music work could be planned and completed through using the book. Primarily aimed at the younger children in a primary setting, I could see this picture book being used well in KS2 also. Very enjoyable. Picture book / Ages 4+ / Reviewed by Kyle Matravers, teacher.

Suggested Reading Age 5+