Family Choice Gold Award Winner Readers Favorite Award Moonbeam Award for Best Series 2018 Mom's Choice Awards Gold Award Recipient #1 New Release and Amazon Best Seller Have you ever dreamed of accomplishing something, despite being told it was impossible? Meet the animals who live in the savanna of East Africa. Caterpillar, Tadpole and Flamingo are big dreamers who seemingly have the odds stacked against them. But soon, they'll discover that by believing in themselves, they can truly accomplish anything. Packed with positive affirmations, young readers will delight in watching these lovable animals overcome obstacles, celebrate their own uniqueness, and achieve their dreams. Dream Big's inspirational message makes it a perfect gift for dreamers of all ages. PreS-Gr 1—A combination of nature stories and the exhortation to wish for and dream one's own destiny. In long-ago East Africa, a baboon meets a caterpillar who yearns to fly, a tadpole who longs to hop, and a flamingo chick who wishes she were beautiful. Though it seems impossible, they wish upon stars and believe in themselves and presto! The caterpillar crawls out of its cocoon with wings, the tadpole becomes a frog, and the flamingo grows elegant pink feathers. The misanthropic baboon and his termite friend ultimately find their destiny by learning to appreciate others. Kronenberg has a laudable mission in wanting people to discover their bliss. This work is part of her program for achieving it. The author's website and the book's back matter include ideas, activities, and songs to further her vision, which states that all people are made of stardust and if one wishes upon a magic star called "Catch-M," dreams will come true. While smiling, being part of a community, and thinking positively are proven links to happiness, Kronenberg's scripted program feels like a curriculum, and the story is not original or well told enough to overcome that limitation. Dehennin's serviceable digital paintings reflect the action; the colors are especially vibrant. VERDICT An additional purchase for large collections.—Lisa Lehmuller, Paul Cuffee Maritime Charter School, Providence PreS-Gr 1―A combination of nature stories and the exhortation to wish for and dream one's own destiny. In long-ago East Africa, a baboon meets a caterpillar who yearns to fly, a tadpole who longs to hop, and a flamingo chick who wishes she were beautiful. Though it seems impossible, they wish upon stars and believe in themselves and presto! The caterpillar crawls out of its cocoon with wings, the tadpole becomes a frog, and the flamingo grows elegant pink feathers. The misanthropic baboon and his termite friend ultimately find their destiny by learning to appreciate others. Kronenberg has a laudable mission in wanting people to discover their bliss. This work is part of her program for achieving it. The author's website and the book's back matter include ideas, activities, and songs to further her vision, which states that all people are made of stardust and if one wishes upon a magic star called "Catch-M," dreams will come true. While smiling, being part of a community, and thinking positively are proven links to happiness, Kronenberg's scripted program feels like a curriculum, and the story is not original or well told enough to overcome that limitation. Dehennin's serviceable digital paintings reflect the action; the colors are especially vibrant. VERDICT An additional purchase for large collections.―Lisa Lehmuller, Paul Cuffee Maritime Charter School, Providence --From School Library Journal PreS-Gr 1―A combination of nature stories and the exhortation to wish for and dream one's own destiny. In long-ago East Africa, a baboon meets a caterpillar who yearns to fly, a tadpole who longs to hop, and a flamingo chick who wishes she were beautiful. Though it seems impossible, they wish upon stars and believe in themselves and presto! The caterpillar crawls out of its cocoon with wings, the tadpole becomes a frog, and the flamingo grows elegant pink feathers. The misanthropic baboon and his termite friend ultimately find their destiny by learning to appreciate others. Kronenberg has a laudable mission in wanting people to discover their bliss. This work is part of her program for achieving it. The author's website and the book's back matter include ideas, activities, and songs to further her vision, which states that all people are made of stardust and if one wishes upon a magic star called "Catch-M," dreams will come true. While smiling, being part of a community, and thinking positively are proven links to happiness, Kronenberg's scripted program feels like a curriculum, and the story is not original or well told enough to overcome that limitation. Dehennin's serviceable digital paintings reflect the action; the colors are especially vibrant. VERDICT An additional purchase for large collections.―Lisa Lehmuller, Paul Cuffee Maritime Charter School, Providence --From School Library Journal K