Dedicated Review
By Luisa LafLeur, The Children’s Book Review
Published: March 29, 2013
Little Farmer Big Dreams
By Thomas P. Clemmens; Illustrated by Sarah Ann LoCascio
Paperback: 24 pages
Age Range: 4-8
Publisher: CreateSpace (February 9, 2013)
What to expect: Spring, Gardening, Nature, Family,
After a long, cold winter the first signs of spring bring a sense of awakening and new beginnings. Tulip buds begin to poke out of the ground, the temperature starts to rise ever so slightly, the days get longer and the sun seems to shine a little brighter. And yet, the days between the end of winter and the beginning of spring can be so temperamental—just when it seems like spring has arrived a cold front moves in to remind you that winter will have its last laugh. It is during these changeable days that we’re introduced to young Tom, an adventurous boy with a dream.
“As I reach the middle of the field, I notice that the warm, moist air smells faintly of something blooming, perhaps some daffodils that I can’t see…The entire world seems to be coming back to life, and I am filled with a sense of excitement and wonder.”
Little Farmer Big Dreams is an endearing tale about Tom’s love of nature and his quest to grow the “most humongous pumpkins ever.” Tom’s parents are quite happy to have his help planting their vegetable garden but they aren’t that keen on having his pumpkin vines crowd out the other plants. In a compromise, Tom agrees to grow smaller pumpkins if he can also grow some potatoes. Tom’s dreams of growing large pumpkins may have to take a backseat to his newfound interest in potatoes but in the process, he learns that nature has a way of surprising us, sometimes when we least expect it.
Tom’s exuberance and tenacity are character traits that will be recognized and admired by everyone, and perhaps most especially by young readers of ages 6-8. This fast-moving tale touches on various themes including renewal, regrowth and unexpected challenges. The clever illustrations bring the characters and the pastoral setting to life.
Little Farmer Big Dreams is a wholesome story that will resonate with young readers and their parents and caregivers alike.
For more information, visit: http://www.EpicDreamer.com
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