Tracey Dembo (text) and Lucia Masciullo (illustrator), An A to Z of Dreaming Differently, Penguin Australia, August 2023, 32 pp., RRP $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9780143778905
This whimsically illustrated picture book is trying to uplift, encourage and empower young people using the very familiar form of an A-to-Z book.
Filled with uplifting mantras and a diverse cast of characters, this book clearly has an agenda. The author is trying to convey to young readers their capacity for learning, growth, resilience and strength. Each letter highlights a word or words that draw the readers’ attention to a different wellbeing concept. Starting with A for attitude, B for bold and brave, right through to Z which stands for zooming towards your dreams. Children will encounter other growth mindset concepts such as, kindness, using your voice, setting boundaries by saying “NO” and learning to ask questions.
The illustrations hit a great balance between calming and active. They meet the tone and purpose of the text. They are also quite diverse, both in representation of people, but also in setting. Readers are shown a variety of situations where they can live out their dreams.
There are so many A-to-Z books for children, that I think I’m predisposed to be cynical about a new one. I forget that most kids haven’t read as widely as a 40-year-old librarian like me, so the format is not old-hat to them. And having a structure like A to Z for a book with no narrative is really smart.
My only other comment is that, as I read this book, I wished that it rhymed. I know it is so difficult for writers to get right and it makes it tricky for translation and thus international rights. It’s better to not try to rhyme than to try and get it wrong, however for some reason there is a pace and cadence to this book that just made me want it to rhyme.
Overall, this is a sweet, gentle book that could be added to a primary school wellbeing collection or to a home library.
Reviewed by Cherie Bell
