Mark Ludy is an author and illustrator who lives here in Northern Colorado, not far from where I’ve lived for the last 2 years. While I had heard of him thanks to other parents, I didn’t really know much about him until he visited my son’s school. He spoke to the kids and did some workshops, and then held a family night where he again spoke and read from some of his books. He’s an amazing and inspiring speaker – telling stories, answering questions and encouraging kids to follow their dreams.
When I Was A Boy I Dreamed illustrates the dream theme. Written by Justin Matott and illustrated by Mr. Ludy, it tells of the boyhood dreams of an elderly man. He dreamed of living in a treehouse, exploring the jungle, stopping a robber in the old west. Hidden on each page is Squeakers the mouse, adding to the fun of each detailed page. At the end we find the man surrounded by mementos of his so-called dreams, leading the reader to wonder if any of it did really happen.
The follow-up, When I Was a Girl I Dreamed, was also written by Justin Matott, along with Margaret Baker, and illustrated by Mr. Ludy. The girl’s dreams are typically girlish (dancing, shopping) mixed with more inspiring dreams such as deep sea diving, traveling the world in a hot air balloon, and the ubiquitous you-can-be-anything dream of being President. Squeakers can again be found on every page, often well hidden. Again at the end we’re presented with potential proof of one or more of the dreams coming true.
Both books are told in a rhyming prose that easily flows. The illustrations are indeed works of art and children will inspect each one long after that page’s text has been read. Each page contains a new adventure, some within easy reach and others that are more difficult but still possible to attain. I highly recommend both books for the dreamer in your life.
Nancy encourages her kids to follow their dreams, even when they change from day to day. She writes about her boys, books and life in Colorado at Life With My Boys and Books.