Gideon's Dream: A Tale of New Beginnings

by Ken Dychtwald, Maddy Dychtwald, Dave Zaboski (Illustrator)

Gideon goes to work high up in the trees, day in and day out. But one day something remarkable happens—the leaf he is working on breaks free of the tree, taking Gideon on its flight. At first Gideon is terrified, but as he glides gracefully through the air, his fear turns into sheer joy. What a rush it is to fly! After he lands, Gideon just can't get the experience out of his head. He dreams of once again soaring through the air and feeling so free. Will Gideon's dreams of flying ever come true, or is it just too late? Written by some of America's most visionary thinkers, Gideon's Dream is the story of one remarkable transformation. This inspirational tale shows that growth and change are forever a part of life and that it's never too late to follow your dreams.

Genres: Picture Books

40 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2008

Reviews

[Samantha Penrose · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story with great illustrations about a caterpillar who has a wild ride on a falling leaf that stirs an insatiable need within him to fly.

[Terry]

Our daughter paged through this book before we even had a chance to read it. She loves butterflies, and was smitten with the expressive Gideon and Grace. There are lots of caterpillar-to-butterfly stories, and

[Villain E · Rating 3 out of 5]

Four authors pretty much guarantees that this is too wordy. But the art is fantastic.

Gideon is a grub who gets caught on a falling leaf. As it catches the wind, he finds he enjoys flying. He tells the other grubs about it and they try it too. Gideon gets wistful about flying. Eventually, Gideon builds himself a workshop (pupa) and turns himself into a butterfly.

[Eleanor Rigby · Rating 5 out of 5]

gideon knows what’s up

[Cherie Durbin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gideon the grub is going about his daily grind mopping leaves high in the trees when the wind picks up and takes him on a downward spiral. Though battered and bruised, Gideon can't wait to "fly" again! Will Gideon's dream come true?

Children will love Dave Zaboski's vivid illustrations and be inspired by Gideon's passion to let go of the leaf and make his dreams come true!

[Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated story about Gideon the caterpillar who got the taste of flying one day when he rode on a falling leaf. He becomes obsessed with flying, but feels that his dreams are silly. Until one day, when he awakes from his caccoon and is a butterfly, free to fly to his heart's content! Perfect book to help teach metamorphosis, and life cycles.

[R.J. · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a very heavy-handed parable on "new beginnings." The narrator's running commentary breaks up the flow of the story and spoils the sense of drama/tension. It reads like a book written by committee (which, presumably, it was since there are four created authors). A terrible, terrible book for children. A mildly aggravating story for adults.

[Jennie]

Gideon the caterpillar goes through metamorphis. He loves the feeling of flying and adventure. Perfect for 2nd graders studying butterfies. gr. K-4

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting look at the life cycle of a butterfly from their perspective.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used this book as a story for all ages and it was well received. It's about recognizing your calling and reaching for your dreams.