I dreamed of you by Sharna Carter. Illus. by Gabby Grant

The story of a mother’s love, dreaming dreams which resulted in a baby, one to be loved and looked over, cuddled and held, from the time when the baby was a wish when candles were blown out, to the time when tiny fingers and red ruby cheeks giggled at mum from the cradle. Rhyming stanzas tell the story, of the dreams held by mum as she anticipates then holds her baby.

Each page turned reveals another of the dreams mum had when expecting her baby. From dreaming of them skipping together and holding hands, to making sand castles, blowing bubbles and dancing to a song. Each activity mentioned is one mum and her growing baby do together, showing the child’s development to a time when friends are made and another stage  of development begins.

At the end of the book, a pregnant mum is seen, happy that her dreams are materialising, as the baby comes and is installed in a baby carrier, close to mum’s heart. All of her dreams have come true. Children may note that it is only about the mother and her baby, leading perhaps to discussions about single parent families.

Soft illustrations cover each page, reinforcing a story of love and anticipation. Children will enjoy following the baby’s development and noting the baby’s stages through the illustrations. They will be able to discuss the various stages they have gone through and note what is still to come.

Themes: Family, Mothers, Babies, Stages of development, Anticipation.

Fran Knight