Every Dreaming Creature
on Goodreads (361)
What’s inside...
Every Dreaming Creature is an exploration of the various animals that inhabit our world and their dreams. Through vibrant illustrations and poetic text, the book takes readers on a journey into the imaginative dreamscapes of different creatures, highlighting the diversity and beauty of the animal kingdom. Perfect for bedtime or at any time, here is a visually stunning exploration of animal senses through dreams, from Caldecott Honoree and New York Times bestselling creator Brendan Wenzel. Welcome to a magical world of endless curiosity. You are a sleeping salamander. A dancing octopus. A speeding falcon...even a sneaking tiger and playful human child. As one dream slips into another, every page turn immerses you in the sensory wonder of the world and all its creatures, from the ocean depths to soaring skies, and everything in between. Each creature dreams and experiences life in a different way. Each is connected despite their differences. Poetic and universal in its gentle message of interconnectedness, Every Dreaming Creature yields deeper meaning with every read, offering new discoveries hidden within the acclaimed artist Brendan Wenzel’s dazzling, vibrant artwork.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
34 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the animals dream about in the book?
How do you feel when you see all the different animals and their dreams?
Which animal's dream did you like the most and why?
How do our dreams tell us about what we care about?
Do you think animals have hopes and wishes like us?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the dreams of the animals to their own dreams. Ask them to share a recent dream and discuss.
Ask open-ended questions to foster deeper thinking and connection to the book's themes of imagination and diversity.
While reading, point out the details in the illustrations and ask your child what those visuals suggest about each animal's dream.
After reading, engage in a creative activity, like drawing or writing a short story about their own dream world, inspired by the book.
Revisit the book several times, each time focusing on a different animal, to build empathy and understanding towards different creatures and their dreams.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Through its colorful illustrations and diverse animal characters, 'Every Dreaming Creature' teaches children the importance of empathy by showing how different creatures experience the world in unique ways.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding in everyday life by acknowledging and respecting the feelings and perspectives of their peers, which can foster more inclusive and supportive relationships.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Nature
Explanation: The book's vivid depiction of various natural habitats encourages children to see the beauty and value of the natural world around them.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to participate in outdoor activities, develop an interest in wildlife, and understand the importance of environmental conservation.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: Brendan Wenzel's use of mixed media art in 'Every Dreaming Creature' invites children to explore their own creativity and imagine the world through the eyes of different animals.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to use their imaginations more freely in their play and creative pursuits, which can enhance problem-solving skills and emotional expression.
Example Lesson: Diversity and Inclusion
Explanation: The book showcases a wide variety of animals, both common and exotic, which serves as a metaphor for the diversity of people in the world.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand and embrace individual differences among their peers, contributing to a more empathetic and inclusive community mindset.