Dear You, Dream Big!

Gorgeous, inspiring book letting children of color know that they can grow up to be anything they want. The prose is rhythmic and the illustrations make great use of color. Fantastic, inspiring book for kids.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

"Anything and everything is possible."

A story of hope, perseverance, and reverence to past heroes, this is a beautiful story. Recommend for anyone looking for inspiration to continue. Wonderful illustrations and artwork.

As author Baptiste Paul says, "To every Black and Brown child ... 'DREAM BIG.'"

Excellent book. Very moving. Informative and entertaining. Great read for all students. I cannot wait to get this in my library and read it aloud.

This was a cute book with good illustrations. It had a positive message to motivate children,, especially of color, to not give up and to dream big.

The path may not always be direct but you can achieve GREAT things! Be anything! Don't let others tear you down.
It will not always be EASY! Speak your voice!
A story that needs to be told over and over! Believe in YOU!

A small but empowering children's book. The art style is beautiful, with gorgeous full page illustrations. The artwork follows characters who we are introduced to as they explore their passions and grow into successful adults. A fun and encouraging read for young children.

An inspiring and empowering picture book that encourages black and brown children to dream big!
The illustrations were beautiful!

An inspiring, empowering, and lyrical short that is sure to touch the minds and hearts of parents and kids everywhere

I had many dreams for my future when I was a kid, and lucky me, some have come true. Some were practical (for example, becoming an elementary school teacher), while others, not so much (for example, like eating only junk food all day long 😅). Regardless, I have always been fortunate enough to have been supported in achieving my dreams as I was growing up.

Which is why books like DEAR YOU, DREAM BIG! (written by Baptiste Paul, illustrated by Toni D. Chambers, published by Charlesbridge) are so important for young readers— especially for Black and Brown children. This uplifting book lovingly encourages children to dream big even when the world we live in is full of barriers created to stop Black and Brown people in fulfilling their dreams, goals, and maximum potential. Even when history has shown that systems have been created and upheld to empower certain voices and silence theirs, young readers are reminded throughout the book to keep dreaming big because anything and everything is possible!

DEAR YOU, DREAM BIG! is an important book. For racialized young readers, especially Black and Brown, this book not only reminds them of their potential to achieve their biggest dreams, but it also reminds them of the intelligence, brilliance, accomplishments, and sacrifices of their ancestors. Concepts like racism, systemic oppression, and racial identity are the underlying themes of this book, and opportunities for teaching these are plentiful with this book. In this sense then, while the author and illustrator may have dedicated their loving message with this book to Black and Brown children, this book is for EVERYONE to learn, unlearn, and re-learn.

This book made me smile from the beginning. I love the positivity and can't wait to share it with my students. Everyone deserves to hear the phrase, "Dear you, dream big!" The illustrations added to the story and made me feel for the characters in a short amount of time.

Dear You, Dream Big! by Baptiste Paul is a great book for addition to any family, classroom or school collection. This book serves as encouragement for all children of color to stretch and reach for their big dream despite challenges and historic actions that worked against them. Definitely going to add to my fall purchasing list!

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book. These opinions are completely my own.

A much-needed book that allows children to not only see themselves in the story but also be told they matter. History was built on the backs of slaves and yet that is never taught. Every child is equal and they need to hear it every day.

Dear You, Dream Big! by Baptiste Paul is a powerful and uplifting children's book that serves as a heartfelt affirmation for Black and Brown children everywhere. Through poetic prose and vibrant illustrations, Paul delivers a message of empowerment and resilience, encouraging young readers to dream big and pursue their passions, no matter their obstacles.

The book opens with a bold declaration: "ANYTHING and EVERYTHING is possible!" From there, Paul explores the endless possibilities that lie ahead for the reader, whether they aspire to be artists, scientists, or even presidents. With each page turn, Paul's lyrical verses remind us that dreams know no bounds and that every child has the potential to achieve greatness.

What sets Dear You, Dream Big! apart is its celebration of Black creativity, leadership, and innovation. Through diverse representation and affirming language, Paul ensures that Black and Brown children see themselves reflected in the book's pages and feel empowered to embrace their identities and talents.

The illustrations, which are vibrant and dynamic, complement Paul's text beautifully, bringing his words to life with energy and emotion. Each illustration reinforces the book's message of resilience and possibility, creating a visual feast for the eyes that will captivate young readers.

While Dear You, Dream Big! is undoubtedly a celebration of Black pride and achievement, its message of empowerment is universal and resonant for children of all backgrounds. By encouraging readers to reject those who seek to silence or exclude them, Paul inspires children to stand tall, embrace their uniqueness, and passionately pursue their dreams.

Overall, Dear You, Dream Big! is a lyrical anthem of hope and possibility that will inspire and uplift readers of all ages. This book will become a beloved classic for generations with its powerful message and captivating artwork.

This book will inspire the young people in your life to be whatever they want to be. They need to know that other people's goals for their life, will sometimes box them in.

Don't allow others to define their dreams!

I highly recommend this book for your children's (grandchildren's) personal library.