One of the most unusual and at the same time captivating new books I have encountered in ARC (Advance Reading Copy) form has to be THE DREAMER by Pam Munoz Ryan with drawings by Peter Sis (Scholastic Press, 2010, $17,99). I read this in galley form so much of the proposed artwork is marked ART TO COME. However, missing those final pieces in no way detract from this powerful, powerful story.
This story combines many diverse elements like biography, poetry and magical realism as it slowly unfolds the life of an extremely uncommon boy. This curious child walks to the beat of a different drummer most assuredly. Paramount in his life however, is the menacing almost presence of his father. This wall of obstinacy counteracts all the creative aspects of this child’s life. The child acts and reacts as an almost terror stricken human. There are times and places though when his creative spirit takes control and our young child thrives and matures.
The child Neftali’s life is dominated by the harshness of his father but also is softened and nurtured by the care of his Mamadre, sister of his deceased mother, and supported by a caring older brother Rodolfo and a younger sister Luarita. The influences of these three individuals contributed immeasurably to Neftali’s development as one of Chile’s greatest poets, Pablo Neruda.
The life events of this amazing young child play significant roles in his development as poet. The arrangement of the story, the poetry and the art all combine into a reading experience one must savor for oneself. Some of the art was included in my reading copy, but this served only to make me want to see the final finished art to make my reading experience more complete.
This book should be classified as biography, but actually it is so much richer. The pages dealing with the hundreds of influences which affected this poet as a child are mesmerizing and almost bewitching. The author, Pam Munoz Ryan, weaves a spell of words on the reader. Peter Sis in his magnificent art adds another dimension to these brilliantly placed words. This book is a winner for all ages. Available April 2010.