Kara’s Dreams
Little Kara had big dreams. But she had seen others around her defeated by the obstacles thrown at them, and she was fearful she might endure the same fate and never attain her dreams.
Was she good enough?
Was she strong enough?
Would she be able to overcome hardships?
Kara, a young tree in the forest, decides to ask a wise, mature tree for advice. The mentoring helps Kara realize that she has everything within her to reach her dreams; she just needs to adjust to her surroundings and believe in herself.
This wonderful children’s story represents the debut book by Ritu Anand of Sarasota, Florida. The tale is augmented by Veen Redwood’s rich, beautiful illustrations.
Kara’s Dreams is a tale of faith, growth, and resilience. Any child will love the story and pictures.
ISBN: 978-1-955088-08-4
Kirkus Review:
An engaging nature tale that emphasizes themes of resilience, bravery, and respect for the elements.
A fearful young tree finds courage in this picture book.
Kara worries that “Wind could smash her, Water could drench her, Earth could swallow her, And Night…could freeze her” before she has the chance to grow older and taller. When she voices her concerns to tall Utsa, who is over 200 years old, the wise tree relates a story about her daughter, Aa-hum, and the girl’s cousin Viheen, who got caught in a hurricane. The two trees reacted differently: Viheen “smirked at Water” while Aa-hum “took it as if she were taking a shower.” Viheen “shook his roots” and “sneered at Night” while Aa-hum “dug her roots” and “huddled with Night.” Aa-hum still stands “one hundred years and many storms later,” but Viheen was destroyed. Inspired by the tale, Kara aims to stay strong. That night, she boldly withstands a storm. She “smiled and bowed as Wind passed by” and as “Water slammed…Kara’s roots drank all they could.” Kara awakens the following morning to a bright day: “I will hum through storms. I will dance to tunes.” Utilizing lyrical language, Anand offers a lovely, thought-provoking sentiment about appreciating one’s surroundings and persevering through unpredictable, scary circumstances. Kara’s realizations and spirit will inspire readers facing challenges in their own lives. Redwood’s lush, pleasant illustrations portray expressive, anthropomorphic trees and beautiful forest backdrops in mostly dark hues. Some feature artistic details like human figures swirling in the sky.
An engaging nature tale that emphasizes themes of resilience, bravery, and respect for the elements.
AWARDS
Kara’s Dreams is honored to receive the prestigious Mom’s Choice Award.
Gold Award Recipient
