Ready to Dream - Hardcover

Grade 2–4—During a trip to Australia with her mother, Ally, a young artist, meets an Aboriginal woman who is also an artist. As the child goes off on adventures, she draws the things she sees and then shows her work to Pauline. The woman tries to teach Ally that art is not a straight reporting of the facts, nor should it be limited to paper. Heart, mind, and imagination—as well as the lessons that nature teaches—must also figure into the renderings. When Ally uses her own arms as a canvas to draw lorikeet feathers, she closes her eyes and feels as though she's flying. As her visit ends, Pauline declares, "Now you're ready to dream." Done by an Aboriginal artist in strong, deep colors, the acrylic paintings combine primitive depictions of the characters with striking views of the Australian landscape. The reds, browns, and yellows of the desert scenes contrast effectively with the dark blues and greens of the water and sky. The stylized images are decorated with detailed patterns that employ vibrant color combinations. Though the story might be a bit too vague for some children, this handsome book could be used to introduce Aboriginal dream paintings, or as inspiration for young artists to open their eyes and expand their horizons.—Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI
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