PIERRE'S DREAM

A wonderful tumble into a landscape in which dreams and real life overlap, turning the village fool into a masterful performer, and a mere nap into a circus gala. When Pierre dozes off during a midday nap, he doesn’t expect to wake up in the middle of a traveling circus. He rationalizes all the weird animals and costumed performers by believing he is in a dream; therefore, it’s safe to take all kinds of death-defying risks. Pierre tames a lion, walks the tightrope with a pretty acrobat, rides horseback, and swings from the trapeze, all with perfect confidence, and all to the amazement of the other villagers, who know him only as a lazy fool. When evening comes, Pierre is so tired he falls asleep again, and when he wakes up, the circus is gone. Armstong (Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World, 1999, etc.) is an adept storyteller and Gaber’s pastoral illustrations have a mistiness that enhances the dreamy quality of this tale. (Picture book. 4-8)