Davy's Dream

While this is an inspiring story to encourage kids to "follow their dreams," what attracts me back to this book are the illustrations.As a native of Washington State, I spent my youth attending summer camp on Orcas Island, in the San Juan Islands, near the Canadian border. While at camp, we sometimes experienced "Killer Whale" sightings, which the counselors used to enjoy frightening us with. We spent many lazy days on the beach, or boating to neighboring islands, where we would campout, hike, go clamming and crabbing on the beach or build rafts. Although we didn't spend any time in a sailboat at camp, I spent a good deal of time sailing with my older brother on Lake Washington during those carefree days of summer.Paul Owen Lewis' paintings in "Davy's Dream," with the predominance of greens and blues, contrasted against the black and white of the orcas, vividly captures the essence of the San Juan Islands and the dreamlike state one can experience in this breathtaking environment. To his credit, Lewis lets his pictures tell Davy's dream for several pages, without the help of words.I guess I just want to say that this book rings true to my experiences as a youth in the Pacific Northwest.Whenever I read this book aloud to students in my elementary school library, they always listen with awe and then line up to check it out.

Davy's Dream, written by my brother, Paul Owen Lewis, has inspired many school children over the years. It takes Davy on a journey of believing in what he knows to be true, in spite of the nay-sayers in his life. Your children will love the illustrations and even notice Paul's cat, Guenivere on every page! Your whole family will enjoy the amazing things that happen to Davy and especially if you are Keiko fans. Enjoy!

Davy dares to pursue his dream of sailing among the orca. He turns a deaf ear to pessimistic adults and sets out. But -- his dream is illusive and avoids him. A quick "refit" and he makes contact with the whales. Well drawn / illustrated, a story from and for the heart. [ I had the privilege of hearing the author tell about making the book -- his first -- to an audience of elementary school students. ] A great story of inspiration, better than the Little Engine that Could's "I think I can" -- this one says "I'll go do it!"