Dare to Dream Big

This picture book poem expressed through rhyme invites children to explore and fully embody their personalities: “Dare to dream,/ Dare to fly higher.” Gutierrez urges readers to express daring as various opportunities present themselves. In one spread, readers are encouraged to “Dare to reach out/ and take a chance” (one child reaches a hand out to another); in another, “Dare to be your own best friend,” a young person enjoys alone time casting shadow puppets on a wall. Noakes employs a loose, inky line and washes of watercolor to create playful scenes, featuring children of varying skin tones diverting themselves in shouts and whispers: bending to a rogue sidewalk flower, marching for a cause, and stargazing. A concise and rhythmic provocation to dreaming and daring. Ages 4–up. [em](Jan.) [/em]