*AD – the item in this review was gifted to our household for this post. All opinions, as always, are our own.
Most of our current bedtime stories have important lessons or fantasy themes, which have dominated the books that we currently have. There is nothing wrong with having books that are just for fun or having books that contain a lesson, but from time to time, it’s pretty lovely to get a book that has a real life story attached to it. Dream to Change the World is the story of John La Rose, a real person who positively changed the world.
Dream to Change the World starts off telling you about John La Rose as a child. He has a curiosity, a wonder about him, and wants to do something big with his life. As he learns, he is able to write down his dreams and what he learns in a journal, while still having interests in dancing and music. He sounds like every other child – one that wants to explore the world, that wants to dream and dance. It is so relatable. His family was encouraging, telling him that he would do something big some day, which is really good.
The book does end with just an encouraging message, however we then read the timeline in the back of the book. I think this is a real highlight of Dream to Change the World. This timeline showcased the radio show that he produced to give voices to black artists, a library that showcased black history, specifically, and so much more. These dreams were indeed big, and the project that he was able to make actually were done in London, so it was very relatable to the children, who had been to London themselves. It is worth mentioning that having a black child as the main character in our story books is something we do not see often. And having a time line on this real life person’s life, where he has made a meaningful impact, is truly inspiring to all, but especially those who are looking for a role model who looks like them.
Robin really fell in love with the pictures within Dream to Change the World. The water color pictures are super lovely, while Amelia enjoyed listening to the story and learning about how big dreams aren’t too big. The world can be changed, and you can start thinking about how to do that now.
It’s good to also have children listen to or read books with messages. We have a mix as most are pretty fun too. This sounds like a great book for kids.
We try to have a good mix ourselves!
I love books like this! I’ll definitely have to get this one for my youngest.
I hope they enjoy it!
Sounds like a great book emphasizing the importance of fantasy. I love reading to my kids and this is a good book to get for them
It is such an inspiring one.
It’s so important to encourage our children at an early age. It’s important that they know that no matter how old or young- they too can have an impact. Sounds like a wonderful book.
It really is important, and this book really helps.
I absolutely love the way this book focuses on the story of John La Rose and how he was able to create so much change in the world. This is such a great book for pretty much anyone to check out.
He really did and this story is great at introducing children to his life.
Thanks for sharing this book! I love seeing new books that are actually making a difference in the world.
It is so important to share lovely books like this one.
I like to see real pictures in books too. This is a great selection for a gift.
I love the timeline, so informational!
This sounds like a great book, I like to find inspiring stories for my boys
It is so inspiring!
WE love a good book and it is nice that this is actually about a real person that made a positive change. Deffo a good book to gift this festive season x
It is such a good gift!