Caldecott Honor, three time Coretta Scott King Award winner, and New York Times bestselling illustrator and her author cousin pay gorgeous homage to the street they grew up on and the loving community that made their childhood special.
Welcome to Dream Street—the best street in the world! It’s where love between generations rules, everyone is special, and the warmth of a neighborhood shines. Here is the perfect book for parents to use to introduce children to the importance of community.
Meet kids like Azaria, who loves to jump double-Dutch one leg at a time; Zion, whose dream is to become a librarian; and cousins Ede and Tari, who dream of creating a picture book together one day. Meet grown-ups like Mr. Sidney, a retired mail carrier who greets everyone with the words, “Don’t wait to have a great day. Create one!” and Ms. Sarah, whose voice is only a whisper but who has stories between the lines of her face that she’ll share when you come close.
Illuminating this vivid cast of characters are vibrant illustrations that make this neighborhood—based on Roxbury, a neighborhood in Boston where Holmes and Walker grew up—truly sing.
Author and illustrator’s note. Full-color collage illustrations were made with found and created papers, fabric, and acrylic paint.
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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