Dreams are things that come to you when you close your eyes.
Some are magical, some are fun, and some are a surprise.

As a mother settles her child into bed, she poses a simple, comforting question: what would you like to dream about? From there, the possibilities unfold with playful abandon. Perhaps fairies dressing in leaves, a tiny mouse steering an enormous digger, or a lizard with luscious locks lounging by the pool. Dreams can be big or small, grounded or gloriously absurd – a picnic at the beach, a flight through the sky, or even a gentle giant who can be resized if he feels a little too overwhelming.

There’s a rambunctious rhino and a kiwi on a bike.
Do you see how this all works? It can be whatever you like!

This fun yet gentle story invites children to approach sleep with anticipation rather than reluctance. It cleverly reframes bedtime as a creative act, where dreams are something to shape and enjoy.

And if conjuring the perfect dream proves tricky, the story offers a reassuring alternative: simply revisit the best moments of your day – a soothing reminder that comfort and calm are always within reach, and that even the smallest thoughts can keep bad dreams at bay.

Reviewed by Emily Ross
Age Guide 3+

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jessica Urlichs shot to stardom on social media with her honest and heartfelt poetry centering around her family and motherhood. Jessica met her husband in Australia where they lived together for many years and are now raising their children in New Zealand. She continues to connect with the world with her writing via Instagram.

Visit Jessica Urlich’s website here.

Follow Jessica Urlich on Instagram here.

Visit the publishers website here.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Alba is an award-winning Spanish illustrator from Barcelona, based in Auckland. In 2023 she won the Margaret Mahy’s Illustration Prize, giving her the opportunity to illustrate her first book 17 Kings and 42 Elephants by Margaret Mahy. Now she’s working on a few more children’s books with Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand, including the best-selling fantasy trilogy Dragonfall written by Sarina Clark, and How to Have Good Dreams by Jessica Urlichs

Visit Alba Gil Celdrán’s website here.

Follow Alba Gil Celdrán on Instagram