Book of Dreams. (The Ringtail Family). Sylvie Michaud. Illustrated by Monique Michaud. North Vancouver, BC: Blackbarn Crafts (www.blackbarnpublishing.blogspot.com), 2011. 20 pp., stapled, $11.95. ISBN 978-0-9686441-3-3. Subject Heading: Raccoons - Juvenile Fiction. Preschool / Ages 3-4. Review by Inderjit Deogun. ** /4

excerpt:

Mama Ringtail, Papa Ringtail and Baby Ringtail were rocking on the porch swing enjoying the heat from the sun.

A huge, blue sky stretched out in front of them, only spotted here and there with white fluffy clouds.

Baby looked up and wondered out loud, �Why is every cloud a different shape?�

�Clouds are pictures in the sky that help us dream,� said Mama.

�Every cloud holds a different dream for your tomorrows,� said Papa.

�What kind of dreams?� asked Baby.

Baby Ringtail wonders, �Why is every cloud a different shape?� The answer is simple enough: �Clouds are pictures in the sky that help us dream.� Thus begins Baby Ringtail�s visions of the world around him.

      Monique Michaud�s lush illustrations beautifully capture the natural world. Her rich colour palette speaks to the majestic beauty of �shimmering oceans� and �golden butterflies.� In addition, Michaud�s depictions seem to urge readers to step outdoors and explore the world for themselves.

      Book of Dreams is a picture book showcasing the wonders of Mother Nature. However, Michaud�s text, though succinct, reads far above the intended age range. She provides not one but two answers to Baby Ringtail�s question which is sure to result in confusion. Young readers will also find it difficult to discern between the different types of clouds. Furthermore, Michaud�s leap from clouds to a rainbow at the end is not only abrupt but also detrimental to the story�s underlying concept.

Recommended with reservations.

Inderjit Deogun, of Mississauga, ON, is currently pursuing a career in publishing with a particular interest in children�s literature.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

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Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

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