Imagine

Imagine

Picture book
These days daydreaming of the sort that was more tolerated in my
youth is becoming harder for today's kids to come by. Some kids don't
have the time for it, being constantly scheduled for sports and
lessons and more "productive" activities. Others don't have the peace
and quiet for it. They watch tv, play video games, multi task, and
never enjoy the solitude essential for an inner life. You know what
this means? We need to bring then to this sacred space. Bart
Vivian's Imagine is a great way to start.
On the first page children are told that anything can happen
when they dream their own dreams. The rest of the book is divided
into two page spreads. Half, done in black and white show a child's
physical situation. The others, done in colors, show his or her
fantasy.
My very favorite starts with a girl drawing in chalk on a
sidewalk. The text says "Believe that you can overcome..." Flip the
page and she's clad in shining armor, wielding a sword, facing a
dragon. There is no doubt who's gonna walk away from that encounter.
The text says, "...all obstacles in your path." The knight is a
woman! Finally! A moment I've lived for!
If you want to help your children recapture the fine art of
daydreaming and creativity, Imagine is a mighty fine investment.


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