Just a Dream 25th Anniversary Edition

by Chris Van Allsburg, Chris Van Allsburg (Illustrator)

Overview

In this picture book classic, travel with young Walter on a fantastical adventure as he journeys—by way of his bed—into a polluted dreamscape world that wakes him up to our collective and individual environmental responsibility.

Walter does not appreciate the beauty of nature, or understand his role in keeping the planet healthy . . . until a fantastic journey shows him the tragic fate that could befall Earth if humans like him are not more careful.

Chris Van Allsburg (The Polar Express) pairs pitch-perfect narrative with his full-color pastel illustrations, rendering this picture book a story that has stood the test of time.

"Two-time Caldecott Medalist Van Allsburg reaches a new pinnacle of excellence in both illustration and storytelling in his latest work." (Publishers Weekly)

This anniversary edition includes bonus downloadable audio, read by Chris Van Allsburg and a stunning new jacket!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780544422834
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	03/10/2015
Edition description:	Anniversary
Pages:	48
Sales rank:	503,199
Product dimensions:	8.60(w) x 11.30(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	4 - 7 Years

About the Author

Chris Van Allsburg is one of America’s most innovative picture book creators. He was awarded the Caldecott Medal for Jumanji and The Polar Express and received a Caldecott Honor for his very first book, The Garden of Abdul Gasazi. He has received the Regina Medal for lifetime achievement in children’s literature, a National Book Award, and a Society of Illustrators Lifetime Achievement Award, among other honors. He lives outside of Boston, Massachusetts. Visit him at chrisvanallsburg.com.

Chris Van Allsburg is one of America’s most innovative picture book creators. He was awarded the Caldecott Medal for Jumanji and The Polar Express and received a Caldecott Honor for his very first book, The Garden of Abdul Gasazi. He has received the Regina Medal for lifetime achievement in children’s literature, a National Book Award, and a Society of Illustrators Lifetime Achievement Award, among other honors. He lives outside of Boston, Massachusetts. Visit him at chrisvanallsburg.com.

Hometown:

Providence, Rhode Island

Date of Birth:

June 18, 1949

Place of Birth:

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Education:

University of Michigan College of Architecture & Design, 1972; Rhode Island School of Design, MFA, 1975

Website:

http://www.chrisvanallsburg.com

Editorial Reviews

"Not only are Just a Dream's illustrations some of the most striking Van Allsburg has ever created, but the text is his best yet. Van Allsburg has sacrificed none of the powerful, otherworldly spirit that suffuses his earlier works, and he has taken a step forward by bringing this spirit to bear on a vitally important issue. His fable builds to an urgent plea for action as it sends a rousing message of hope." — Publishers Weekly

"Having littered, scoffed at a friend's newly planted tree, and failed to sort his trash, Walter dreams of a future buried in garbage, with even the Grand Canyon hidden by smog. No enigmatic subtext here, just the unabashed message—and Van Allsburg's lucid, powerfully composed art doing what it's supposed to: making graphic Pogo's plaint that 'We have met the enemy and he is us.' " — Kirkus Reviews

From the Publisher

02/01/2016
Gr 2–5—The 25th-anniversary edition of Van Allsburg's plea for environmental awareness still strikes a chilling chord. A boy's flippant attitude toward the environment results in a night of dreams that offer a glimpse into a bleak, all-too-real future where trees are seen as fodder for toothpicks, where the ocean has been depleted of all but the tiniest fish, and where smog prevents anyone from seeing the Grand Canyon. Paired with the quiet, matter-of-fact text, Van Allsburg's striking visuals of pipes bellowing smoke and twisting, car-packed highways will leave readers with a sense of unease and even, at times, horror. Kids will also appreciate the free audio version of this story (available with an access code provided within the book) on the publisher's website, read by the author with accompanying sound effects and music.—Mahnaz Dar, School Library Journal

School Library Journal

Chris Van Allsburg does a faultless job presenting his still timely message regarding the importance of EVERYONE pitching in to care for Planet Earth. The production’s lively music and genuine sound effects are perfect for a young audience. Walter is a typical boy who is too busy to properly dispose of his doughnut bag. He also teases Rose, his neighbor, when she celebrates her birthday by planting a tree. But then he falls asleep and has a terrible dream of a hotel on Mount Everest, trees destroyed for toothpicks, and spewing smokestacks. Thankfully, these horrible images turn Walter around. Van Allsburg earnestly closes his clear, hopeful message as Walter conscientiously sorts his recycling and plants a tree for HIS birthday. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine

APRIL 2015 - AudioFile