The Dream House

By (author) Dockrill, Laura; Illustrated by Millward Gwen
Short description/annotation
Rex doesn''t say much but that''s OK because Sparky is always on hand with a cup of tea to enjoy on the sofa, set up outside like an outdoor living room. And in Sparky''s garden, hidden under the canopy of the willow tree, is the Dream House: a lovingly created space just for Rex, to dream, to play, to think, to be.
Description
Everyone needs somewhere to dream. The stunning new book from one of the most original and interesting voices in children''s literature. Rex has gone to stay with his godfather, Sparky. Rex doesn''t say much but that''s OK because Sparky is always on hand with a cup of tea to enjoy on the sofa, set up outside like an outdoor living room. Rex has his sketchbook, and he draws how he feels even if he doesn''t talk about it. And in Sparky''s garden, hidden under the canopy of the willow tree, is the Dream House: a lovingly created space just for Rex, to dream, to play, to think, to be. A place he''s loved all his childhood. But to go inside now Rex must summon his strength for revisiting the ghosts of his past . . . An evocative sketchbook novella revealing a boy''s inner world, accessing his feelings through drawing and reconnecting with the people who love him, told through Laura Dockrill''s vivid storytelling. Fully illustrated throughout by Gwen Millward.
Review quote
Little gem . . . Grief and joy in abundance, I found it incredibly moving
Review quote
It looks so slight. Its illustrations promise something gentle and delicate. So I have a feeling that this book may be mistaken as a quick and easy read - and it''s not. It''s something much more memorable, strange... almost grown up. And written in such a beautiful, original style! It''s sophisticated, poetic, exquisitely sensitive to nature and sorrow and turmoil and desperation. And rich in metaphors... "The grass is long and happy." ...though it should probably come with a WARNING: "Now and then, you may not quite understand. That''s because this is a book about a boy who can''t quite understand himself.
Review quote
A beautiful, honest and powerful story exploring the loss of a parent. This difficult topic is handled bravely, with originality and warmth. Rex''s story will break your heart then mend it.
Review quote
Loved The Dream House, I was in bits by the end. It''s not easy to write about grief and Laura does it so beautifully; it bristles with colour and texture.
Review quote
Laura is one of the most original and interesting voices in children''s literature and I always look forward to reading any new book she writes.
Review quote
It''s one of those rare books that looks and feels special before you even turn the first page. Laura''s writing and Gwen''s illustrations are a perfect, harmonious marriage of styles.
Review quote
A beautiful little book
Review quote
I''ve just finished it, what a book!
Review quote
Excellent
Review quote
The Dream House is stunning.
Review quote
A really touching and thoughtful book
Review quote
A fantastic book for KS3 book group discussion, The Dream House is also bound to spark creative writing ideas in English lessons. A refreshing read that will be long remembered.
Review quote
So beautiful, so powerfully moving, the ever-inventive Laura Dockrill has done it again with The Dream House - an incredibly honest, child-centred story about a boy''s struggle with terrible grief (and guilt) after losing his dad. Beautifully presented with Gwen Millward''s soft, evocative, powerful illustrations - including Rex''s sketchbook drawings that provide poignant insights to his pain - this has all the marks of a future classic. Rex doesn''t talk much now his dad''s gone, an