Dreaming, Just Like You

Dreaming Just Like You, a new offering from Terri Tatchell and illustrated by Maria Flo, is a deceptively simple picture book that delves into a complex theme: the shared nature of consciousness and imagination between humans and the animal kingdom. This work succeeds in being both a comforting read and a significant conversation starter for young readers.

The book is structured around a central conceit: while animals have their expected, utilitarian dreams, they also experience “other dreams slip in,” which mirrors the unexpected, emotional, and cultural aspects of human dreaming. The opening establishes this beautifully, noting that animals think dreaming is “something just for them. They don’t know we do too!” This immediately positions the young reader as the knowledgeable one, an observer privy to a universal secret.

The strength of the narrative lies in the skillful selection of animal examples and their contrasting dreamscapes. Consider the spider. Logically, the spider dreams “of spinning webs and catching buzzy flies.” However, the surprising, aspirational counter-dream is “of soaring through the skies.” This pairing speaks volumes about the desire for freedom and movement that transcends species. Similarly, the chicken, whose day-to-day existence is centered on “pecking things, like corn and tiny bugs,” dreams of “snuggles and big hugs.” These examples introduce concepts like aspiration and emotional connection, ideas often reserved only for human characters, into the lives of everyday creatures.

I was particularly impressed by the choice of the hippo. The expected hippo dream is about “late-night runs around the jungle trees.” Yet, the unexpected, tender dream is “of band-aids on skinned knees.” This is a brilliant narrative move, using a very human experience, the common childhood injury and subsequent comfort, to bridge the gap between the majestic, wild animal and the vulnerable, relatable child reader. It’s a small, poignant detail that elevates the entire book.

The use of rhyme maintains a smooth, rhythmic pace, perfect for the pre-k and early elementary audience. The text reminds the reader that these shared dreams “float through the air,” suggesting a collective, imaginative atmosphere that binds all living things. The artwork (as depicted on pages 3 and 18) seems to capture this ethereal quality, contrasting the earthy reality of the animals with bright, sweeping colors and fantastic elements like a night-time Ferris wheel.

Dreaming Just Like You is a thoughtful, high-quality picture book that encourages children to reflect on the inner lives of others. It’s an essential addition to any library or classroom seeking to foster empathy and an appreciation for the vast, interconnected world of living things. It closes with a simple, profound challenge to the reader: “But are you sure? What if… their dreams are more like yours?” This is the question that will linger long after the cover is closed.