This is a cute bedtime poem of children riding dream animals into their dreams. The illustrations are stunning and really add to the poem and the story.

"There are animals from long ago / And twice as far away. / Their maps are made of starlight / And can't be seen by day. / These creatures are the reason / dreamers get where dreamers go. / Dreamland is too far to run / And sleepy feet, too slow." And so begins this lovely bedtime book, in which a series of dream animals help children on their way to their dreams, sharing in the pleasures of elfland, of a tea party with mermaids, and of a circus almost entirely run by animals. As the narrator concludes at the close of the book, "Whatever dream you visit / When night replaces day, / Your furred, or finned, or feathered friend / Will surely know the way."

I've been meaning to pick Dream Animals up since I first saw its lovely cover, and I am glad I finally have! The rhymed text offers a gentle, contemplative reading experience, while the gorgeous artwork captures the enchantment of dreams, in all their many forms. My favorite dream journey (naturally), involved the red fox escorting a young girl to her fairy dance. I understand that Emily Winfield Martin first gained notice selling her artwork on Etsy, and had built up a loyal following before publishing this, her first children's book. I wasn't familiar with her work before encountering this picture-book, but I will certainly be seeking out more of it. Recommended to anyone looking for good bedtime books for young fairy-tale lovers, and to anyone who enjoys beautiful picture-books. ( )

A wonderful tale of what happens to children when they sleep. The incredibly beautiful images highlight the story of dream animals who appear and take the child to a magical place far above the clouds. Each child is assigned a specific dream animal of their choosing. How I love this book. Beginning with a lovely cover that included spot UV lamination to make the images pop off the page, and draw the reader into the wonderful pages.

Rarely have I found a book this lush, this stunning! ( )

Absolutely gorgeous illustrations, with a beautiful story to match. I love the idea of dream animals picking you up as you fall asleep, like a fantastical taxi service (because "Dreamland is too far to run, and sleepy feet, too slow").

An elegantly illustrated bedtime story. ( )