Reviews & Interviews
The Dreamer is a magical story of child-like faith. Parents will enjoy this inspiring story just as much as their little kiddos. It is a story of hope and belief that dreams can come true.
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Children will enjoy the rhyme-like format of the story and the repetition throughout the book. They will love to draw or write their dreams in the space provided, which is an excellent reason to get a paperback copy for your child instead.
War is a strange concept for most children, but through this book, they will learn about a different type of life in a war-ridden country and how there can still be hope and dreams even in the most dire circumstances.
“Dreamer: The Girl Who Dreamed the War Over” is a touching narrative set amidst the harrowing backdrop of war-torn Ukraine. Through the dreams of young Torria, authors Tzuri King and Julie G. Fox masterfully juxtapose the grim realities of conflict with the luminous world of a child’s imagination. The story is enriched by Torria’s grandmother’s evocative poems, reflecting both the vulnerability and strength of the human spirit.
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The book is visually enchanting, with vivid illustrations that mirror the narrative’s emotional depth. King and Fox’s unique approach, speaking directly to the readers, adds a personal touch, enhancing the book’s engagement factor. Their integration of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Global Goal 16, into the fabric of the story is commendable, emphasizing the values of peace and justice.
In essence, “Dreamer” is more than a children’s tale. It’s a poignant reminder of the power of dreams, the resilience of hope, and the importance of peace in tumultuous times. This book is a beacon of inspiration, making it a must-read for both young minds and the young at heart.
Reviewed by
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Courtnee Turner Hoyle,
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Nino Lobiladze,
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Diana Lopez,
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Emily-Jane Hills Orford, and
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Pikasho Deka
for Readers' Favorite
I found myself thinking about this book long after I had finished reading it.
The author is extremely talented, and her prose is evocative and thought-provoking. It captures both the heartwarming and tragic aspects of the story beautifully.
This book will bring children face to face with the harsh realities of war and its effects on innocent civilians in a way that is both gentle and relatable. The story begins with the young Torria listening to her grandmother read from inside a bomb shelter. The reader is quickly drawn into Torria's world and that of her family as they try to survive in a war-torn country.
The repetition of Granny reading a bedtime story, tucking her in, and promising the war would be over soon really emphasises the hardship others are experiencing around the world.
The tone of the book is hopeful, conveying a sense of optimism that the war will end soon as well as a conviction that dreams can come true if one works hard enough. It's easy for children to feel powerless when they hear about global issues like war—but this book makes it clear that they can do something about it. This message is vital for children, who are just beginning to understand their own power as independent thinkers and agents for change. It reminds us that no matter what we face in life, we can always hope for something better. This story will appeal to children around the world and encourage them to strive for universal peace
The book ends with a special place for readers to write down their own dreams and goals, enabling them to be more intentional about working towards them.
I highly recommend this book as a source of inspiration and education for children worldwide!
A beautiful heartwarming story for children and parents!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 March 2023
It is an empowering story about resilience during difficult times and about a wonderful bond between a little girl and her grandmother. Grandmother, through the stories she reads, manages to redirect focus of a little girl from what's happening around them, that little girl could not cope with otherwise. It is written in a very delicate and safe way, where children get a brief idea about the situation and parents will understand a deeper message behind. The book connects the world of imagination and reality and navigates the reader to believe that imagination and hope is the most powerful tool to make your wishes come true. For a child, such message has a very important meaning.
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I highly recommend this book!
Also, I really like the unusual and humouristic copyright page, which further plays with imagination and ideas how this books should not be used. Brilliant!
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Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 March 2023
What a wonderful story , so touching about a family living in a bomb shelter . I'm sure it will bring great comfort to lots of children , and the knowledge that it is okay to dare to dream . I loved it .
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Evoke Fine Art
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful, moving story for children
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Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 March 2023
My girls really love this story. It makes us all smile and the message of hope and love is very strong throughout.
Interview With Author Julia Fuxman
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Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written over 50 children's titles, with all the profits donated to children refugees. I was a teen refugee many years ago myself. I started writing for children 8 years ago during the Syrian refugee crisis and am currently supporting Ukrainian refugees with The Dreamer: The Girl Who Dreamed the War Over and Katya's Sunflowers, both of which won awards recently. The latest book, The Dreamer, was cowritten with an amazing author, adventurer and a solo traveller, Tzuri King.
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What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Dreamer: The Girl Who Dreamed the War Over was inspired by the current war in Ukraine. My family comes from the beautiful Ukrainian city of Odesa. However, I was raised in Moscow, Russia. The current crisis hit my family really hard. It has already been dispersed all over the world for many years. However, now, our families in Ukraine are going through unimaginable hardship as well as the rest of the Ukrainian children.
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