GOOD DREAM DRAGON

When a child has trouble falling asleep, the Good Dream Dragon sweeps them away to Dreamland.

“Once upon a bedtime,” a child is ready for bed but not quite ready to sleep. Momma suggests warding off bad dreams by calling on the Good Dream Dragon. After unsuccessfully attempting to fall asleep, the child summons the creature, who appears. “If your good dreams aren’t coming to you,” she says, “I will bring you to them!” The dragon takes the little one to Dreamland, where the child experiences dreamy adventures like skipping cookies like stones and riding on a sound wave. When the child gets truly sleepy, the Dragon returns them to their bed for a peaceful rest. The concept of the Good Dream Dragon will reassure little ones who might have nighttime or bad-dream anxiety. Eagle-eyed readers might notice a dragon stuffed animal at the child’s side that closely resembles the titular character, a comforting image. Dreamland itself is, fittingly, safe and whimsical. The illustrations are soft with twilight purples and playful patchwork scenery. The idea of a protective dream guide is perfect for the preschool crowd, often newly aware of nighttime fears. Both Momma and the child are brown-skinned; the child is referred to with they/them pronouns. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Sweet and gentle, an ideal bedtime read.