$13.39 (Hardcover)
Poems to Dream Together/Poemas para soñar juntos 
By Francisco X. Alarcón
Illustrated by Paula S. Barragán
9781584302339
A young boy dreams that "all humans / and all living / beings / come together / as one big family / of the Earth." So begins this delightful bilingual collection of poems by Francisco X. Alarcón. As we travel through the boy's colorful universe, we learn about his family and community working together and caring for each other and the world in which they live. Neighbors help repair adobe homes. The boy and his family share old photographs, tend their garden, and pamper Mamá who "works day and night." Tribute is paid to those who toil in the fields, and to César Chávez. Most of all, we see how dreams can take many forms, from the fantastic imaginary ones that occur while we sleep to the realistic ones that guide our lives and give us inspiration for the endless possibilities of the future.
Partly based on Alarcón's own dreams and family memories of growing up in Mexico and California, and vibrantly illustrated by Paula Barragán, these joyous, universal poems will inspire all readers to dream their own dreams for a better, compassionate, and loving world.
"Close your eyes / and now get ready / to hop on a dream."
Video Interview with author Francisco Alarcón
Booktalk with author Francisco Alarcón
- Awards
-
ALA Notable Children's Book
American Library Association (ALA)
Best of the Best Books
Chicago Public Library
Children's Books of the Year
Bank Street College
Bookmania Pick
Chicago Public Library
Jane Addams Children's Book Award Honor
Jane Addams Peace Association
- Interest Level
- Grades 2 - 7
- Reading Level
- Grade 2
- Themes
- Bilingual, Dreams & Aspirations, Environment/Nature, Family Traditions, Latino/Hispanic/Mexican Interest, Poetry
Francisco X. Alarcón is a renowned poet and educator and a three-time winner of the Pura Belpré Author Award Honor for his bilingual Magical Cycle of the Seasons series of poetry for children. His many other honors include the American Book Award, the PEN Oakland Josephine Miles Award, the Chicano Literary Prize, and finalist for state poet laureate of California. Alarcón is also the author of several poetry collections for adults and textbooks for teaching Spanish. He lives in Davis, California, where he teaches and directs the Spanish for Native Speakers Program at the University of California.
Paula S. Barragán is a native of Quito, Ecuador. She received her degree in graphic design and illustration from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. In addition to being a painter, Barragán is a printmaker and carpet designer. Her fine art pieces have been shown at galleries in the United States and South America. Barragán currently lives in Quito. This is her first picture book.










