Géraldine Collet, Author
Sébastien Chebret, Illustrator
Magination Press, Fiction, Feb. 15, 2018
Suitable for Ages: 4-8
Themes: Imagination, Dreaming, Play, Identity, Empathy
Opening: It’s a well-known fact that everybody has their own little world!
Synopsis: A little world is any place where a child’s imagination is free to blossom. When Pablo wants his own space, he climbs into his treehouse and listens to the birds singing. Marion likes to crawl into a tent in her living room and build castles with her cat. Frank and Melvin retreat to their grandfather’s workshop and invent things. Clara dreams of stars and galaxies. Martin wears his knight outfit and takes on dragons. Books carry Lili to far-away places. Marek and Simon play on a wall in a war zone and dream of a world without war.
Why I like this book:
Géraldine Collet book shows a diverse group of children in their own self-constructed little worlds as they explore and freely play, develop their own identities, and learn to understand others. It is ideal for kids who just want to play, have fun or dream about possibilities. Sébastien Chebret’s warm and colorful illustrations are both playful and pensive.
Collet’s book invites lively conversations between children and their parents. Parents will find her book nostalgic as they remember their favorite places to imagine, create, and dream. I think of my brothers heading to the creek and woods to explore the world, while I climbed to the tops of trees and sang my heart out. What a special way to listen and discover your child’s favorite places to dream and play. And it’s an opportunity to share your favorite memories together. When you listen, you encourage and your child to explore, experiment, imagine and pursue their different passions.
Resources: There is a “Note to Parents and Caregivers” by Julia Martin Burch, PhD, with more information on ways to encourage your child’s imagination and identity, while also fostering a sense of empathy for others.
Children's Books Heal 
Love that striking cover! My library doesn’t have it…but I’ll be suggesting it!
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Yes, the cover is something kids will enjoy studying. That’s me at the top. It was published Feb 15. Libraries take a while.
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Love all of the diversity portrayed on the cover & the message to imagine your own dreams. This looks like a wonderful new picture book.
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It is a book about play and imagination. Yes, the cover is great. All of the illustrations diverse. You’d love the last page.
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What a wonderful message for a book! And love the cover.
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Yes, I thought it was unique. And Sue shared two books today that mirrored my selection. Very unique book!
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This sounds like a fantastic book to encourage imagination to take flight and to get kids and parents talking. I look forward to checking this one out. Thanks for sharing, Patricia!
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Yes, I was happy to discover this book. It really focuses on giving kids the space to play and dream and create — unplugged.
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Great premise and opportunity to share diversity!
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I thought so too. I loved the diversity!
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Ooh I love this book! One thing I noticed the last few years of teaching was the need to encourage more imaginative and free play.
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That’s great that you did so with kids. Just remember how much fun we had playing and making things up?
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I was a singing tree climber, too, Pat! Small worlds. 😉 Thanks for sharing this new title.
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I loved to hide in trees and sing. This really is an important read in today’s world.
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Th cover image is striking. Is this one translated?
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The cover makes you want to read the book. No, it isn’t translated.
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Singing in the trees makes it sound like you might be part bird, P. Mom used to play paper dolls on the stairs to the roof in the building where she grew up. I like it under the covers in Mom’s bed. I do a lot of thinking (sleeping) in there….
Love and licks,
Cupcake
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I was a tree climber and loved to make up songs. Paper dolls sounds like fun too. I used to have many.
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It is a beautiful cover and one with an important message. I look forward to finding it. Thanks.
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It is a unique story with a great message about the importance of play for children.
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A perfect cover for an equally perfect sounding book. I love the concept. Thanks for sharing. I’ll be telling others about this one.
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Thank you Greg! I love that it encourages individuality!
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That cover is so adorable!! Oh my gosh I’m in love. This sounds so cute. Remembering your childhood (for me at least) is always, always something I enjoy. What an amazing idea to make a book out of it! Thank you so much for sharing!
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I know what you mean! Childhood memories are a good way to bring “joy” into your life. So, writing a book is a no brainer. I think that adults will love this book as much as kids. What fun sharing stories with your kids.
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Hi Patricia. The cover captivated me even before you began to explain the joys contained in this book. I love books that encourage discussion between adult and child – such a wonderful way for children to learn language, about the world and each other. I adore the thought of little you at the top of a tree, singing your lungs out. 🙂
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The cover does grab the readers attention. And, it is a perfect book for parents and kids to read together as it will encourage a lot of sharing and giggles. Yep, that was me. Top of the tree.
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I thought so! Wonderful. 🙂
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The cover is SO inviting! I always loved tiny cozy places for thinking about bigger things. Now, instead of a blanket fort I have a tiny study – with a big window to the world.
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Yes, the cover is a head turner. It’s important for kids to find a place to think and dream. I love your tiny study with a big window.
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