no more bad DREAMS children’s book review

This post was originally shared May 23, 2011.

 Little M has been having bad dream after bad dream.  Some weeks she wakes up at least once every night.  It is terrible for her. . .and exhausting for me!  We found these wonderful children’s books and worked some activities around them.  I thought I would show you the review before I reveal the cool things we did!

The Dream Jar

by Lindan Lee Johnson  illustarted by Serena Curmi

I love, love, love this book.  I was immediately drawn to the pictures.  The illustrations are fun and unique.  They are colorful and playful.  This is the type of book that I imagine pulling art from to hang on the wall.  The story has so many wonderful characteristics.  First, the little girl is told that it is her fabulous imagination that causes the dreams.  (I know Little M’s vividly creative stories follow her into bedtime.)  It is the older sister who so skillfully helps cure the bad dreams.  (I love sibling cooperation.)

The answer to her problem is shifting her imagination. . .she holds the key. (Yeah!)  As if all of that is not enough, this book leads to an awesome little project!!!!  Make sure to see our take on The Dream Jar!

There’s a Nightmare in My Closet

By Mercer Mayer

This book takes a silly look at the bad dream problem.  The main character figures out how to keep his nightmare from getting out of control.  Once he takes action, the nightmare turns into a very sad and vulnerable mess.

I love the kind-hearted solution to keeping nightmares at bay (and tucked in tight). We made our own Nightmare Bed.

Moonpowder

by John Rocco

Moonpowder is another winner.  The art is beyond gorgeous and the story is captivating.  It is a wonderful take on a little boy’s reluctance to sleep because of the lack of sweet dreams.  Eli Treebuckle (the main character) is the “fixer of all things fixable”, his dreams are no exception.

John Rocco is my new favorite writer/illustrator, and I can’t wait to get back to the library to see just what else he has written. Check out our sweet dream collector.

Click here to see DREAM LESSON PLAN.  Do you have a favorite DREAM book?

This post contains affiliate links. As always, all opinions are mine. Read the fine print.