Come Catch a Dream: A Heartwarming Picture Book about Ice Skating and Black Joy for Children

by Brittany J. Thurman, Islenia Mil (illustrator)

Nothing is impossible--not even being brave enough to ice skate again after a fall! With a poetic text and dazzling illustrations, Come Catch a Dream will appeal to every child chasing their dream, and fans of The Snowy Day, Jabari Jumps, and After the Fall.

A young Black child passes an ice rink every day walking home with Momma. Last year, the rink was tricky. It looked clear and smooth, but felt rough and rude after a fall. Brrr! Ouch! Even so, the child hasn't been able to stop thinking about that rink. The young skater is determined to do something for the first time: a spin on the ice. Because, as Momma says, nothing is impossible.

Award-winning author Brittany J. Thurman's rich use of language and rhythm makes for a text that is perfect for reading aloud, while illustrator Islenia Mil's vibrant artwork captures the anticipation and excitement of a winter day at the ice rink. For fans of Gaia Cornwall and Dan Santat.

Genres: Picture Books, Sports, Family, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

Published November 11, 2025

Reviews

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most things in life require practice, and this book shows why it's important not to give up but try again and again.

A child can't wait for Winter to come and the outdoor skating rink to open in the middle of the town. Of course, it's not dreaming about spinning on the ice because, honestly, that's not something the child has done, yet. The year before was the very first time the child had the chance to put on ice skates and it was was nearly impossible to even stay upright. But Mother says that nothing is impossible, and this child is determined to learn how to spin this year.

There is quite a bit of atmosphere in these pages with detailed scenes of the ice rink and the lovely silhouette of a city skyline in the background. The child's thoughts go from the rude and bumpy ice of the year before to the clear and smooth one before it. Each scene brings this imagery to life as it holds a poetic direction, while letting the child's journey of learning to skate unfold. It's clear that it's not easy, but the child never gives up. Readers will sympathize with the situation and root for the child, feeling the joy when it succeeds. This isn't an adventure but rather an atmospheric read, which allows the struggle of practice come through clearly as well as the joy of success.

The text fits nicely to the age group and holds a soothing flow. I wouldn't recommend it for group settings due to the more detailed illustrations as well as the gentler pacing. But it's a lovely book to cuddle up with in a smaller setting and works nicely even for a naptime read.

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

This features a high quality audiobook production with a musical soundtrack narrated by Zeno Robinson. This doesn’t have the usual musical and sound effect soundtrack running in the background.

This about a young boy with a dream and how he motivates himself to tackle that dream. This is well written and easily accessible to children. I would suggest the book over the audiobook. This is short with music in the beginning and end but lacks sound effects during the actual text. I find the sound effects really engage my grandkids.

Thank you to Brittany J. Thurman, HarperAudio Children’s, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own.

[Anitra Rowe Schulte · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Come Catch a Dream" is a picture book about a child who dares to dream of spinning on ice. In warm seasons, the dream calls - that of lacing up skates and stepping into the rink to spin. The child has been in the ice rink before, on a day when the ice was "rough, rocky, rude." That day, the dream didn't come true. But can it? "Nothing is impossible," Momma says. When the chance comes to try again, the child holds fast to Momma's words for a chance to catch this big, persistent dream. Wonderfully told, this story is a great fit for readers learning to skate, and for anyone who has fallen and seeks the bravery to try again.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

An endearing growth mindset story of a boy with a strong and playful voice that knows his passion and goes on a path to conquer the inevitable trials and fears that arise from tackling a skill... like ice skating. Kids will relate with the excitement, anticipation and fun illustrations, as well as the challenge and the importance of a supportive loving parent encouraging them to keep going, dream big until they truly feel like "nothing is impossible!"

[Adrianna Tennant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has such a beautiful and inspiring message about chasing your dreams. I really enjoyed the poetic writing and how it encourages readers to believe in themselves, even when things feel uncertain. The illustrations add so much emotion and help bring the story to life. This would be a great read-aloud to motivate students and remind them that their goals and dreams matter.

[Danielle Hammelef · Rating 3 out of 5]

The message of never giving up on your dreams is told in the voice of a child learning to skate. The child's mother is loving and supportive as she tells her child, "Nothing is impossible." The mother's words give the child courage to try again and again. The joy captured on the cover will pull readers into this inspirational story.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A rhyming poem about a kid who dreams of being able to spin on the ice rink. They have to practice and try after several falls, but they eventually do it. I liked the illustrations. A bit long for a ST.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This little boy looks forward to the ice rink opening again so he can prove to himself that he has the courage to skate and to spin on his skates. Readers see his mother offer encouragement and love. I love that Thurman shows the failures along the way before he actually does master the spin.

[Alyssa Mandell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book about a young boy having courage to learn how to ice skate. Best as a one-on-one story due to the small illustrations.

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

A child faces their fears and doesn't give up so that they can catch their dream: to spin on the ice rink.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are a shockingly small number of good story time books about ice skating, and I was hoping this one would answer the call but this is probably better suited as a lap-read, bedtime story.

[Elizabeth]

First time I've read a picture book where a kid said, "Bet." Insert eyeroll here.

[WhiteDF · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has been nominated for the 2027 KY Bluegrass award for preschool students.

[Brittany Thurman · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a child, I was afraid of everything. That fear led me to quit many new ventures before they could fully start. As an adult I’ve learned to press through what feels unfamiliar but I still think about my past. What would have happened if I used my failures as fuel? Reader, I hope you are inspired to step into your dreams, like Remi in Come Catch a Dream, and to always know you are worthy of reaching any goal.