The Dream Shop

When Pip is unable to fall asleep one hot summer night, she remembers the fantasy dream world her cousin, Joseph, told her about. Instantly, she is transported to a supermarket of types where shoppers dressed in their pajamas select from the shelves what kind of dream they will be having that night. Pip and Joseph reunite and begin playing with a dragon that breathes fire in the girl's face. They must chase the dragon through the dream shop and catch him so he can be safely put back in his place. With enough excitement out of the way, the two go back home. The next morning, Joseph rides his bike to Pip's house to give her a special gift from the night before.The watercolor paintings are wonderful. The style gives them an almost dream-like quality that supports the material. However, the second 2-page spread features a close-up of the little girl in the center. Because of the binding the picture loses its effect and appears jumbled - the illustrator and/or editor should have anticipated this as well as making her nightgown a little longer and not quite so transparent. However, the text alternates between black and white because it is often laid over top of the illustrations making it quite difficult to read at times, especially for beginning readers. Still, the subject is entertaining and will help to prompt children's imaginations and discussions about dreams.Why 4 stars?:The concept was very well represented and it can spur many activities and discussions with even very young children. Older children may benefit from thinking about imagination in a new and different way. However, because the text can be hard to see at times, I had to take a star away.