DANIEL'S DREAM

In his debut picture book, Swiss chef Humm draws on aspects of his own childhood in a story to help kids dream bigger.

Daniel, a blond-haired boy with pale skin, is told to draw his dream house for class, so he goes all out, as he often does with things he loves. His classmates all stick to their one page, but Daniel’s illustration of his dream house covers the classroom walls. The furious teacher sends him to the principal, who then sends the boy home. “How can there be rules for dreams?” cries Daniel. Luckily, Mama Brigitte encourages him to dream big. Together, they cover an entire room in drawing paper—and Daniel has all the room he needs to approach the assignment his way. Humm’s story relates a single episode in a child’s life—the perfect length for a picture book. Kids who’ve felt singled out for their enthusiasm will see themselves in a positive light. The author’s gratitude for his supportive mother, also named Brigitte, is noted in the dedication and is clear in the tale itself, which offers a great representation of a positive adult influence. Pedott’s full-color illustrations, mostly two-page spreads, effectively reflect the big-picture message. The last pages even nod to the author’s real-life restaurant profession.

A colorful story for kids who approach everything with gusto.