Collected Dream Texts Bibliographies
|
Bibliography of Children's Dream Books
Compiled by Jill Gregory |
The Birthday Dream by Deborah Apy
The story of a child who falls asleep impatiently
awaiting his or her birthday party. The dream is an
engrossing fantasy illustrated with charming line
drawings. This booklet appeals to children's sense of
adventure and their love of ponies and birthday parties.
Elementary ages. This is notable as an example of a
storybook that can be personalized. The mother's
disinterest in the dream is disappointing but is balanced
by the child's delight in the excitement of the dream. 24
pages.
Softcover. Out of print.
The Berenstein Bears and the Bad Dream by Stan & Jan
Berenstein
One of a large series of booklets intended to teach
children about life. The sister and brother cubs have
nightmares after watching a scary movie. The parent bears
invite the cubs to tell their dreams; they attempt to
alleviate their fears and remind the cubs to note how
interesting the dreams are despite the scary content.
Unfortunately, the "all-wise" parents portray dreams as
things which seem to happen but don't; as jumbled-up
versions of what happened during that day and (as
implied in the title) as good or bad depending upon degree
of pleasantness. The lack of further interest in the dream
past the fears and the lack of follow-thru for
incorporating any of the connections to waking life
expereince is disappointing -
especially for an advice book. 29 pages. $1.95. Softcover.
In print?
The Donkey's Dream by Barbara Berger
A beautifully illustrated brief story imagining what
the donkey might have dreamt while carrying Mary to
Bethleham to give birth to Jesus. I like the idea of
offering a variety of images to symbolize the spiritual
energy riding on
his back. I also like the idea of suggesting that animals
may dream of human events and of spiritual matters. I
wonder about the implications of the donkey waking up when
physical contact is broken. Was that contact necessary for
him to dream(?) or is something being said about the birth
of Jesus causing "dreamers" to wake up?Jungian
orientation. 25 pages. $13.95.
Hardcover. In print.
The Dream Book by Margaret Wise Brown
A good bedtime story with a positive tone that
acknowledges the power of dreams to either "see" the
future or to manifest what is incubated in dream. A Dell
Picture Yearling Book, New York, 1950, 90. Softcover, 18
pgs. [ps - 1] $3.99.
In print.
Julian, Dream Doctor by Ann Cameron
By asking questions when his father is sleep-talking,
a young boy discovers what his dad most wants for his
birthday. Despite the difficulties encountered in
obtaining the gift and the fact that it is a very unusual
present, the boy honors this dream information and gives
the gift to his father. After dad rejects the gift out of
fear, mom allies with the son to encourage dad to see its
beauty. After a while, dad credits his son with helping
him resolve a lifelong nightmare and calls the boy "my
dream doctor." I highly recommend this book because it
portrays such a complete trust of dream wisdom; it
demonstrates finding a creative solution to a waking life
dilemma by turning to dream revelations; and it shows how
relating to dreams can be more productive than
participants imagine. Ms. Cameron has given us a real gift
in her captivating story which could inspire young
dreamers to career in the dream field. I especially like
the fact that it is about a black family, making it an
absolute rarity among dream books. Excellant black and
white illustrations by Ann Strugnell. Random House,
New York, 1990, Softcover, 62 pages. [Upper elementary]
$2.50. In print.
A Child's Library of Dreams by Sheri Clyde
This wonderful book receives my highest
recommendation! It invites 8 - 12 year old children to
incubate dreams, engage in waking fantasy with dream
material, and to become lucid and empowered in their
dreams. The author suggests borrowing a fun dream to
reduce intense fear of nightmares. The last page of the
book contains cut-outs for dream library cards. Plenty of
inspiring dream situations and good questions to involve
the child in the dream process. This book should
be reprinted! 69 pages. Softcover.
The Mud Pony retold by Caron Lee Cohen
This is a traditional Skidi Pawnee Indian tale of a
young boy who survives separation from his family and
tribe.
Guided by his dreams and aided by the appearance of a
horse he incubated through desire, art and necessity, he
relocates his people and serves as a chief who
acknowledges his power is derived from his connection to
Mother Earth. His dreams of his horse taught him this
truth. The illustrations have a mystic yet earthy quality.
Painted by Begay, a Navaho artist, they
add authenticity to this retelling. 30 pages Softcover. In
print.
Dreams, Visions & Drugs by Daniel Cohen
Since only one chapter of eleven is devoted to
dreams, this book is at best supplemental reading.
Targeting junior and senior high school levels, the author
writes with the open mind and positive attitude that
fosters dream skill development and a satisfying
relationship to one's dream life. He does a great service
in placing dreams within the context of a wide range
of states of consciousness ready for the student to
explore. His slant is toward the historical and the
scientific.
Unfortunately,much of the material is now dated. 138
pages. Hardcover. Out of print.
The Dream Tree by Stephen Cosgrove
Patti the caterpillar wonders what it is like to be a
butterfly. One day she spins her cocoon, falls into a deep
sleep and "dreams the dreams of the Dream Tree." Since
that is all that is said about dreams, very little can be
deduced beyond the idea that dreaming and transforming are
linked. 28 pages. Softcover. $1.50. In print?
The Dream Stealer by Stephen Cosgrove
An elderly town librarian fears doom as he watches a
gnome slip from house to house stealing good dreams from
children and replacing them with nightmares. The librarian
and two children track the gnome but get captured by their
own fears. One child tells such a long story that the
gnome falls asleep, enabling the trio to free the good
dreams which are in the form of a rainbow. The last and
smallest dream returns to its rightful owner, the gnome.
The remorseful gnome vows to repay ten times what he had
stolen by guarding children's dreams from other dream
stealers. I like this book very much.
The concepts of the importance of dreams; the birthright
connection to one's own dreams, and the threat of having
that connection broken are essential components of
empowering young dreamers. The truth that those who would
break the dream connection are those who have lost their
own dreams - a situation seen as repairable - is something
I'm happy to see comunicated so clearly in a children's
book. The artwork is absolutely magnificent and merits the
high price tag. I regret only the distinction between good
and bad dreams. Upper elementary grades. 44 pages.
Hardcover. $16.95. In print.
The Harris Visits the Garden of Everything, by Shaun De
Warren
This is one of my favorite dream books - period! "The
Harris", an animal resembling a dog, wants to know about
everything and loves to play. While asleep, he meets a
dream character named "The Leeper" who takes him to
various places in the dream world and teaches him the
operating principles of the dream world. I'm amazed at how
many tips are packed into a few pages while being
expressed in a positive, clear way that tells a delightful
story! Colorful illustrations. Upper
elementary grades. 32 pgs. Hardcover. $12.95. In print?
Horses of Dreamland, by Lois Duncan
A rather disconcerting book in several ways. The
beginning appeals to girls' love of horses and shows how
wonderful it can be to go find and ride dream horses.
Then, when the reader's defenses are down, horrific
pictures are shown
of snarling wolves attacking the horse and rider. The girl
calls the wolves evil and the horse tramples them. When
she awakens, the horses are gone. As the lonliness sets
in, the books ends by describing how the horses dream of
children. The story lacks continuity and fosters fear of
dreams. It ignores the possibility of the dreamer focusing
upon reducing their own level of fear. It also reiterates
the second-rate solution of killing off the feared image
instead of integrating its wisdom and
energy. 26 pgs. Hardcover. Little, Brown & Company.1985.
In print.
The Dream Eater by Christian Garrison
Frightened by his repeated nightmares, a Japanese boy
named Yukio seeks advice from the adults in his village.
Since they are helpless with their nightmares too, their
advice is worthless. Then he meets a strange creature
called a baku who is in danger of drowning in a river.
Yukio rescues the baku who is extremely hungry. Nightmares
are its sole diet so Yukio brings him back to the village.
No one has nightmares again. A charming story with
intricate illustrations, this book is useless for
educating and empowering young dreamers. 29 pgs.
Hardcover.Bradbury Press, Scarsdale, New York,1978.
Distributed by Weekly Reader Children's Book Club. In
Print.
How To Get Rid of Bad Dreams by Nancy Hazbry and Roy Condy
This book promises to help children deal with their
nightmares. The goal is to be creative and powerful in
finding solutions to unpleasant and difficult dream
dilemmas. Several situations and possible solutions are
presented. The book closes by saying if you have several
nightmares at once and can't figure out what to do, hop in
bed with adults and have sweet dreams. I like very much
the empowering effect of this approach although genuine
tips would have been a welcome accompaniment. Scholastic,
Inc., Softcover. 30 pgs. $3.95, 1983. In print.
Mathilda the Dream Bear by Nicholas Heller
A bear named Mathilda flies in thru the keyhole
bringing wonderful dreams to the sleeping animals. Then
she and the bird incubate a mutual dream in which they fly
into outer space. My only reservation about this story is
the implication that dreamers need to fall asleep together
to mutual dream. Greenwillow Books, New York. 1989. 30
pgs. (ps - 3)
Hardcover. $12.95. In print.
The Weaving of a Dream by Marilee Heyer
A widowed master weaver feels that to save her life,
she must weave the design of a painting of a beautiful
palace
into a brocade. After three years of hard work and
suffering, it is complete and her joy unbounded. Then the
wind blows it
away and she asks each of her three sons in turn to
retrieve it for her. Faced with great risks and pain, the
first two sons fail.
The youngest son locates it far away with fairies. They do
not want to part with it so one fairy weaves herself into
the fabric.
The son returns to his dying mother who is rejuvenated by
the cloth. The old woman is astonished to see a fairy in
the fabric.
When the cloth is laid on the ground in the sun, it
magically apreads and becomes the palace. The fairy
marries the young
son. and they live there with the weaver happily. The
other two sons spend themselves into remorse and poverty.
This seems
to describe the process of incubation and the importance
of following your passion thru difficulties. The book has
incredibly
beautiful artwork. Puffin Books of Penguin Books, New
York. Softcover, $4.95. 30 pgs. [upper elementary]. In
print.
Go Away, Bad Dreams! by Susan Hill
By far this book is my least favorite.dream book for
kids. The toxic message is that to be grown-up enough to
sleep overnite at a friend's house, a boy named Tom must
employ his inner watchdog to keep all dreams away so that
nightmares are never experienced! The book ends with
everyone finding this quite satisfactory. I make a point
of complaining to owners and managers about this one.
Random House, New York, (1984). Softcover. 30 pgs. 1.95.
In print.
Dreams by Larry Kettlekamp
This is the dream book most available in school and
public libraries for junior high school ages. It provides
an introductory overview to the field emphasizing
historical and scientific information. Unfortunately the
scientific material is out-dated. To my knowledge, no
further editions have been released. A neutral to positive
attitude pervades Kettlekamp's adequate text. William
Morrow & Co, Inc., New York.1968. 94 pgs. Hardcover. Out
of print.
Remember The Secret by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
I have mixed feelings about this book. My attention
wanders. The thin story line upon which are hung too many
lecture/sermons; the art that looks to me like a
commercial, and the lack of optional, non-religious
frameworks push my religious propaganda buttons. That said
I think this book has an important role for bereaved
children and it does have good information about dreams. I
like the realistic style of writing. [gr. 4 - 8].
Celestial Arts, Berkeley, CA., Softcover.1982. 30
pgs. In print.
Matthew's Dream by Leo Lionni
Matthew is a mouse whose visit to a museum inspires a
dream of walking joyfully with a lady love through a
beautiful painting listening to wonderful music. This
dream helps him discover that his passion in life is to be
a painter. He transforms the dreariness of his life by
surrounding himself with his canvasses of bright happy
colors and playful shapes.
He finds financial success as an artist and falls in love
with the mouse of his dream. His largest picture he titles
"My Dream". The illustrations are Lionni's collages which
suit the story perfectly. The reader learns that dreams
can predict the future, guide career choices, inspire
creativity, be fun and interesting experiences and be the
worthy subject of museum quality art.
Alfred A. Knopf, New York,1991. 28 pgs. $15. Hardcover.
[K - 3]. In print.
The Dream Book by Olga Litowinsky and Bebe Willoughby
This book is also readily available in libraries. It
targets junior and senior high school ages.The authors
present the material from a psycho-dynamic viewpoint
focusing on dream samples accompanied by the dreamwork.
The ideas of Freud, Jung, Fromm, and Perls are discussed.
I am pleased that the Senoi concepts are mentioned. Since
this was written before the bulk of the eclectic modern
day dreamwork movement, we must be happy that the movement
per s is acknowledged at this early date. Written with an
open-minded attitude the tone ranges from neutral to
positive. Coward, McCann & Geohegan, Inc., New York 1978.
124 pgs. Hardcover. Out of print.
Into This Night We Are Rising by Jonathan London
This book portrays the dreamworld as a place where
children can meet to fly and play together with each other
and with wild or mythical animal friends. It is a place
where music can come from all directions at once and
animals can talk.
"The radient night is ours" proclaims the text. Suggesting
to children (or to adults) that their dreamworld belongs
to them
is a most empowering way for dreamers to perceive, connect
with and explore their dreaming. My only reservation about
this book is that it presents a one-sided picture of the
dreamworld as a wonderful place "where dragons are for
riding on and there is no word called 'fear' ". Nearly
everyone no matter what age will report fearful
experiences or feelings in both dreams and waking life. It
would be more realistic and helpful to have suggested ways
to handle fear. I especially like the illustrations by G.
Brian Karas whose use of color has created an almost
textural darkness that invites the reader to look closely
to discover what delightful images or activities are
hidden there. Viking, Penguin Books USA, Inc., New York
1993.
29 pgs. Hardcover. $13.99. [ps - 3]. In print.
There's A Nightmare In My Closet by Mercer Mayer
Along with Maurice Sendak's classic Where The Wild
Things Are, this is one of the best known classic dream
books for kids. This nightmare monster does not go away
when the boy shoots him. Instead he starts crying. So the
boy tucks him in bed with him, shutting the closet door
where another monster resides. The problem is resolved for
now. Charming drawings and generally empowering for the
young reader. The monsters are ugly but likable. Dial
Books for Young Readers,
New York,1968. $11.95. 28 pgs. [ps - 1]. In print.
Aekyung's Dream by Min Paek
A young girl newly immigrated to the United States
from Korea is experiencing culture shock and difficulty
learning the new language. In addition, her classmates
tease her for being different. Quite discouraged, she
dreams one night of the fifteenth century wise Korean
leader, King Sejong, and his attendents who help her find
the strength to make this difficult transition. I
appreciate the point being made of the power of
integrative dream imagery. This book is unusual in
that it is written in both English and Korean. The
illustrations of bold color and simple design work well.
Children's Book Press, San Francisco, 1978 original
edition, 1988 revised edition. Hardcover $12.95. 23 pgs.
[Upper elementary]. In print.
Dogsong by Gary Paulson
A Newbery Honor Book, Dogsong is the story of a young
Eskimo boy, Russell, coming of age in a culture whose
modern ways dissatisfy him. By trusting his precognitive
dream, his intuition and the guidance an elderly village
shaman named Oogruk, Russell embarks on the adventure of a
lifetime and returns to his village knowing who he is and
ready to lead his own life. I appreciate how the author
presents the relationship between dream and waking life as
"life folding into the dream and the dream folding into
life." I highly recommend this book for its wonderful
regard for dreams despite the fact that it is yet another
example of positive connection to dreams being the domain
of native traditional people and as such, perhaps more
limited in its ability to inspire modern young dreamers
who lack that heritage. Puffin Books, a division of
Penguin Books, USA Inc., 1985 Bradbury Press, 1987
Puffin., NY. Softcover $4.50, 177 pgs. [7 gr - high
school]. In print.
Sometimes I Dream Horses by Jeanne Whitehouse Peterson
A young girl madly in love with horses loves to go to
sleep because she can enjoy horses in her dreams. While
visiting her Grandma's home, her dreams come true. By
asking questions she deepens her understanding of dreams
and of people's relationship to them. I highly recommend
this book because it smashes stereotypes and provides a
great sense of permission. The grandmother and a man named
George role model adults who have a healthy attitude and
comfortable relationship with their dreams. Perfect for
bedtime, since the story is relaxing and the pencil
drawings convey stability, warmth and love. Harper & Row,
New York, 1987. Hardcover. [early elementary]. 31 pgs. In
print?
H.P. Lovecraft's Dreamlands: Cthulhu Roleplaying Beyond
the Wall of Sleep by Sandy Peterson, et al eds
Chaosium Inc., [Softcover].(Includes a map) (The book
is a supplement for use with"Call of Cthulhu") For teens
and adults whose tastes run to fantasy, sci-fi, and
dungeon and dragon type of entertainment, this book is
perfect. It is a role-playing game with elaborate
instructions and most bizarre pictures. Chaosium, Albany,
CA ,1988. 136 pgs. Softcover. In print?
Silver Dreams by Joyce Petschek
Joyce blends mysticism, visions, dreams and myth into
a series of tales told with a storyteller's skill.
Targeting high school ages to adults, she creates
engrossing worlds in art and words. Celestial Arts,
Berkeley, CA, Softcover. 112 pgs.
1990. $19.95. In print?
Turn and Smile by Paula Phelan
The only children's dream book that I have which was
written by a SF Bay Area dreamworker. So it should be good
and it is! Paula presents four dreams addressing the four
most common childhood nightmare themes. Several dream
world truths are discovered and a variety of dreamwork
methods employed. The writing style puts the reader inside
of the mind of each dreamer. The results are inspiring and
entertaining. Self-published, Community Printers. 28 pgs
Softcover. Not distributed. Contact author about remaining
copies.
Tales for Jung Folk by Richard Roberts
This collection of original fairytales brings to life
the principles of Jungian psychology. Here we are welcomed
to
the "Dream Castle" where we can learn about our strengths
and weaknesses if we allow our dreams to speak to us.
Concepts
such as the shadow, the archetypes and the collective
unconscious are illustrated with the simplicity of fables.
My favorite page is the striking illustration for "The
Mask That Wore the Man". Check it out. Vernal Equinox
Press, San Anselmo, CA,
Softcover. 107 pgs. [gr 7 to adult]. $9.95. In print?
Naughty Nicky by Tony Ross
A misbehaving boy is taught a valuable lesson in a
dream. An enigmatic little man appears who gives him a
large sampling of his own medicine. This motivates Nicky
to drop using his ruse of claiming that he heard something
different (to his advantage of course) than what was said.
Dramatic colorful pictures perfectly correspond to the
text. Holt, Rinehart and Winston, New York, 23 pgs.
Hardcover. [early elementary] Distributed by Weekly
Reader Children's Book Club.
$11.95. In print?
The Night Flight by Joanne Ryder
Almost able to feed the park goldfish from her hand,
a little girl named Anna dreams of exploring the park with
a lion friend who shows her his special private place. He
explains that the park is even more special when he is
with her in her dreams. The next morning, Anna enjoys
finally hand-feeding the fish The pictures of her
floating and flying are delightful. Puffin Books of
Penguin Books, New York, 1985, 89. Softcover. 32 pgs.
$3.95. [early elementary.] In print.
In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak
A personal favorite of mine for its creativity,
illustrations, rhythmic writing, silliness, and the
elements of surprise. A little boy named Mickey has a most
interesting dream which I'll leave to readers to unfold.
This book is already a classic!
Puffin Books of Penguin Books, UK. 1971,73. Softcover. 35
pgs. [ps and early elementary]. In print.
Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Max is being very wild and naughty. Sent to his room,
he dreams of a land where wild animal-like monsters dwell.
He experiences controlling them as their king and of
releasing more energy with them during a rumpus. He
realizes that he loves his mother more than the wild
things. Eventually he leaves them behind, and wakes up -
happy to find his dinner warm
on his night stand. This is a well-known classic. Harper &
Row, New York, 1963. [ps - 1] Hardcover. 37 pgs. In print.
Fanciful Nights by Tomek, Hanna and Milton
What I liked best about this book is the fascinating
surrealistic illustrations. The book implies the truthful
message that anything can happen in a dream. What I liked
least is the ending which announces that symbols and dream
experiences mean only that you are dreaming and nothing
more! The writing style of rhymes works quite well here.
Celestial Arts, Berkeley, CA., 1988. 26 pgs. Softcover.
$9.95. [elementary ages]. In print.
Dream Feather by Viento Stan-Padilla
An excellant corrolary to another native American
tale (The Mud Pony), this book tells the story of a young
boy who goes on a vision quest for hidden knowledge while
guided by his special symbol, a feather. He learns much,
experiences ecstasy and returns knowing his true name,
"Dream Feather". Book Publishing Co., Summertown, TN,
1980. Softcover.
[upper elementary]. 50 pgs. $9.95. In print.
Humphrey's Bear by Jan Wahl
A young boy dreams of his teddy bear being large and
alive when he overhears his parents considering whether
he is "too old" to sleep with the beloved stuffed animal.
He awakens in the night calling for his bear. His father
gives it to him while recalling his own childhood bear
dreams. This book leaves me wondering whether or not the
father (or mother) removed the bear from his bed while he
slept or as he awakened and then reconsidered their
decision? Was it there and the father picked it up and
held it, recalling his former affection? Had it fallen on
the floor and the father was returning to the
boy's side? How trustworthy are these parents? I do like
the artwork since it appears that the night darkness has
merged with the symbols. Henry Holt and Co., New York,
1987. Softcover. 30 pgs. $4.95. [ps - 1]. In print?
Flavia and the Dream Maker by Flavia Weedn
An unhappy girl dreams and talks to the moon. Her
friend, Jack, turns out to be a dream maker. He teaches
her many things about dreams and life. She eventually
loves and accepts her lifestyle, herself and her name.
Flavia uses the word "dream" to mean hoping and striving
for a goal or to mean the goal itself. She equally uses
the word to refer to experiences during sleep. This book
is too preachy for me and the enthusiasm for dreaming is
overdone - something I never thought I'd
say about a book. The artwork is unique. Innocent Age
Ltd., LA, CA. Hardcover. Also in cassette.1988.[upper
elementary].
47 pgs. In print?
Nightmare Help For Children From Children by Anne Sayre
Wiseman
Fortunately Ten Speed Press picked up Anne's
self-published effort and gave it better distribution. If
you had to choose only one book, this is the book to buy
for children and (believe it or not) for adults working
with children. It is packed with examples of dreams,
childrens' dreamwork (both in dialogue form and as written
solutions), drawings, comments, discussion starters, and
facts about children, dreams and the process of using
imagery for well-being. Ten Speed Press,
Berkeley, CA. 1986,89. Softcover, 109 pages [k-to adult]
$9.95. In print.
========================================================
You may contact Jill Gregory at:
Novato Center For Dreams, PO Box 866 Novato
CA 94948 / (415) 897-7955
or the online site
http://members.aol.com/dreammzzz/index.htm
.
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