LitPick Review
Celeste is a little Parisian red squirrel who dreams of becoming an artist in the children’s picture book Little Squirrel, Big Dreams by April Leo. She lives on the banks of the Seine, in Paris, France, with her friends Marc, a pigeon, and Marie, a mouse. Celeste loves running along the river bank and seeing all the artists drawing and painting. She especially likes to watch her favorite artist, Jean-Jacques, give his grandchildren art lessons. These lessons are what inspire Celeste to become an artist.
However, it is difficult for a squirrel to become an artist, and sometimes Celeste finds herself wanting to give up. Luckily, her friends Marc and Marie are always there to encourage her. With perseverance and the help of her friends, Celeste eventually achieves her dream and becomes an artist just like Jean-Jacques.
Opinion:
Little Squirrel, Big Dreams by April Leo has a simple but delightful storyline that young children will easily understand. I would recommend it as a read aloud book for 3 to 7 year olds, especially children who have a budding interest in art.
Celeste, the main character, inspires kids with the message that if they persevere and work hard to achieve their goals, they can make their dreams come true. Her friends, Marc and Marie, teach the value of friendship when times get tough.
I like that this story has a specific, unique setting: on the banks of the Seine in Paris. The cute, brightly colored full page illustrations by Mike Motz go hand-in-hand with the text and make it very easy for children to follow along with the story. The pictures also introduce some important landmarks of Paris like the Eiffel Tower and the Notre-Dame Cathedral.
I really like how Celeste's "sketches" are included at the beginning and end of the book to show children what imperfect, in-progress art looks like. Finally, in the front of the book, children are invited to write their dream, encouraging them to make a connection between themselves and Celeste.
