Publishers Weekly
★ 08/02/2021
Each spread in this powerful evocation of a warm, closely knit Black neighborhood offers a short sketch-in-language of one of its inhabitants by Elam Walker (Nana Akua Goes to School) and a vivid, brilliant collage portrait by Holmes (What Do You Do with a Voice Like That?)—cousins who, they explain in a note, grew up in such a neighborhood themselves. Belle, who wants to be a lepidopterist, catches butterflies in a jar but always lets them go: “Everything has a right to be free.” Zion, who’s always reading, whispers to the librarian, “Can boys be librarians?” (“Of course they can!” she whispers back.) Grown-ups live on Dream Street, too: Dessa Rae dozes with her grandbaby Little Song; her magnolias “make your eyes feel heavy, as if they want to close.” From elders like Mr. Sidney, the retired mail carrier dressed “to the nines,” to small children such as young Benjamin, who listens to the big kids playing after his bedtime, everybody knows everybody else, their lives are intertwined, and positive messages abound: “Don’t wait to have a great day,” says Mr. Sidney—“Create one!” A buoyant celebration of community nourishment, extolling the virtues of supporting children in dreaming freely and fully. Ages 4–8. Agent (for Elam Walker and Holmes): Regina Brooks, Serendipity Literary. (Sept.)
From the Publisher
Praise for Dream Street:
"Dreams for Black children manifest in striking art as the very idea of street is reimagined." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"Beautiful and uplifting." —Booklist, starred review
“A buoyant celebration of community nourishment, extolling the virtues of supporting children in dreaming freely and fully.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
“A stunning work of art that dismantles stereotypes about Black communities and portrays a place where love abounds.” —The Horn Book, starred review
Praise for Tricia Elam Walker's Nana Akua Goes to School:
“A picture book . . . that captures a complex vulnerability that every child feels at one point or another.” —The Wall Street Journal
“This lovely story explores the perennial fear of being different, while showcasing the great love between a grandparent and grandchild” —School Library Journal, starred review
“An open-hearted tribute to children with immigrant parents or grandparents.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"This beautiful picture book offers a helpful perspective on cultural differences within a heartening family story." —Booklist, starred review
"Walker writes convincingly about how difference can cause unease among children, and her story offers a compelling portrait of a grandmother whose pride and poise put that concern to rest.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Offers viewers both the comfort of the familiar and, for those unfamiliar with West African arts, a tantalizing introduction to interpreting symbols. Most importantly, this calls for readers and listeners to have faith in youngsters to embrace a new concept with an open mind and enthusiastic spirit.” —The Bulletin
“Lucky for readers and for Zura, her grandmother has a fascinating cultural tradition that, in her first book for kids, Tricia Elam Walker presents with extraordinary grace and nimbleness…. [An] eye-opening picture book.” —Shelf Awareness
School Library Journal
★ 09/01/2021
K-Gr 3—Meet the residents of Dream Street—the best street in the world—in this uplifting, joyful picture book that celebrates the power of possibility. Each spread introduces readers to one of the Dream Street locals, such as Mr. Sidney, a man reading the newspaper on his stoop while "dressed to the nines." Azaria, meanwhile, is the undisputed Double Dutch queen of the neighborhood, while Zion travels the world through his library books. The collage illustrations, made with found and created papers, fabric, and acrylic paints, capture the individuality and personality of each Dream Street dweller, all of whom are Black. The story's conclusion emphasizes the world of opportunity and adventure that awaits the children of the neighborhood. Reallife cousins Walker and Holmes provide a note about the inspirations behind the story. VERDICT This celebratory series of vignettes that becomes so much more than the sum of its parts overflows with Black joy and is an invaluable addition to all collections.—Olivia Gorecke, Cape May Cty. Lib., Ocean View, NJ
Kirkus Reviews
★ 2021-07-14
In an already-special neighborhood, a very special street ensures that a community is able to thrive.
Dream Street is an appropriately named space for Black kids to play and grow with the nourishment and support of their elders. From the chalk drawings and hopscotch boards to the garden behind Dessa Rae’s house or Ede’s treasure trove at the top of the hill, the neighborhood very much teems with life and the aspirations of these young people. Holmes’ brilliantly hued collage work and Walker’s detailed genealogy of the street show how Ms. Sarah the Hat Lady, the dapper retiree Mr. Sidney, Ms. Barbara the friendly librarian, and several other adults have all paved the way for Dream Street to be an avenue of communal enrichment and thoughtful preparation for everything that awaits these kids. The book is more a collection of character studies than a story, and each double-page spread is devoted to one person or, sometimes, a group. Walker’s text sits opposite Holmes’ portraits, which occupy as much space as they need. The five Phillips boys, all named for jazz musicians, stand close together for a single-page vertical composition in their Sunday suits; Dessa Rae’s portrait extends across the gutter, allowing her to stretch out in a chaise longue with grandbaby Little Song pillowed on her chest. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Dreams for Black children manifest in striking art as the very idea of street is reimagined. (author & illustrator's note) (Picture book. 4-10)
