Isaac's Dreamcatcher

Jennifer Falkner is an Ottawa-based freelance writer and bookseller.

Isaac comes to class one day troubled by a night-mare. His sympathetic
teacher asks him to draw the monster from his dream. But that doesn’t
work; Isaac is still afraid that the paper won’t be able to contain
the monster. Later on, during nap time, Isaac’s teacher shows him how
to make a dreamcatcher, and then she explains how the dreamcatcher
works—how its web snares bad dreams and how good dreams linger on its
dangling feathers ready to be dreamed again. Included at the end of the
story are instructions that show young readers how to make their own
dreamcatcher out of pipe cleaners, string, beads, and some feathers.

For children suffering from nightmares, a story of another child having
similar experiences can be very helpful. Providing instructions for a
child to make his or her own charm against nightmares is an excellent
idea, as it might help the child to take control of the dreams.

Bonnie Farmer’s fine story is clearly written and Anouk
Pérusse-Bell’s illustrations are colorful and descriptive. Even the
instructions on the last page are easy to follow. Highly recommended.