Come Catch A Dream by Brittany J. Thurman

Yesterday's read allowed me to dream of snowflakes, so I'm going to continue my Winter dreaming and head right into a book about ice skating. This one was released last November, which means it's available right away. I had to smile at the cheerful child on the cover. This child's excitement and joy just radiates from the page, doesn't it? 

Let's open it up and see what these pages hold in store.

COME CATCH A DREAM

by Brittany J. Thurman

Illustrated by Islenia Mil

Greenwillow Books

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

Nothing is impossible--not even being brave enough to ice skate again after a fall! With a poetic text and dazzling illustrations, Come Catch a Dream will appeal to every child chasing their dream, and fans of The Snowy Day, Jabari Jumps, and After the Fall.

A young Black child passes an ice rink every day walking home with Momma. Last year, the rink was tricky. It looked clear and smooth, but felt rough and rude after a fall. Brrr! Ouch! Even so, the child hasn't been able to stop thinking about that rink. The young skater is determined to do something for the first time: a spin on the ice. Because, as Momma says, nothing is impossible.

Award-winning author Brittany J. Thurman's rich use of language and rhythm makes for a text that is perfect for reading aloud, while illustrator Islenia Mil's vibrant artwork captures the anticipation and excitement of a winter day at the ice rink. For fans of Gaia Cornwall and Dan Santat.

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER     /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Most things in life require practice, and this book shows why it's important not to give up but try again and again.

A child can't wait for Winter to come and the outdoor skating rink to open in the middle of the town. Of course, it's not dreaming about spinning on the ice because, honestly, that's not something the child has done, yet. The year before was the very first time the child had the chance to put on ice skates and it was was nearly impossible to even stay upright. But Mother says that nothing is impossible, and this child is determined to learn how to spin this year.

There is quite a bit of atmosphere in these pages with detailed scenes of the ice rink and the lovely silhouette of a city skyline in the background. The child's thoughts go from the rude and bumpy ice of the year before to the clear and smooth one before it. Each scene brings this imagery to life as it holds a poetic direction, while letting the child's journey of learning to skate unfold. It's clear that it's not easy, but the child never gives up. Readers will sympathize with the situation and root for the child, feeling the joy when it succeeds. This isn't an adventure but rather an atmospheric read, which allows the struggle of practice come through clearly as well as the joy of success.

The text fits nicely to the age group and holds a soothing flow. I wouldn't recommend it for group settings due to the more detailed illustrations as well as the gentler pacing. But it's a lovely book to cuddle up with in a smaller setting and works nicely even for a naptime read.

And here they are...

Brittany J. Thurman is the author of the picture books Fly and Forever and Always and the middle grade mystery Opal Watson, Private Eye, and the coauthor of the middle grade novels Fearless: Boulevard of Dreams and Fearless: The Takeover, both written with Mandy Gonzalez. She is a former children’s specialist, dedicated to ensuring children’s literature truthfully reflects the world in which we live. Brittany holds an MFA in dramatic writing from Carnegie Mellon University and a BA in theater from Kingston University, London, England. She is an avid traveler and has lived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but now resides in her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.

Islenia Mil, an Afro-Latina illustrator, blends captivating composition, intricate line work, rich textures, and vibrant hues to craft meaningful narratives. Raised in both the vibrant culture of Santo Domingo and the dynamic energy of New York City, she transports viewers into realms of imagination. She is also the illustrator of Lighthouse Ladies: Shining a Spotlight on Hardy Heroines by Kris Coronado. Islenia Mil lives in New York City.