The Dream Catcher

A poignant and uplifting tale of hope and resilience for fans of Last Stop on Market Street. A Spanish edition, El atrapasuenos, is also available for purchase.

Some people dream of perfect waves, fancy castles, or piloting a plane. Others dream of someone to laugh and play with all day long. Some just dream of having a meal for the next day.

And little Miguel? As he and Abuelito work in the hot Oaxacan sun, selling cold coconuts and macrame dream catchers to earn a few coins, Miguel has only one simple wish-to have his parents by his side. But how can he keep the faith when the truth is that dreams don't always come to pass?

Marcelo Verdad's poignant tale of hope and resilience shows how living in the here and now can be a journey every bit as beautiful as a dream.

"A gentle, contemplative tale that speaks beautifully to themes of empathy, family, community, and the power of dreams."--School Library Journal
"The simple yet engaging narrative is perfect for young readers, with illustrations that add warmth and depth to the story. This heartening read will inspire children to chase their dreams while cherishing the moments spent with loved ones."--Booklist
"Verdad shows artistic restraint, allowing the reader to intuit meaning and emotional depth by interpreting what this interaction and others like it mean. A moving story of appreciating what you have while still dreaming of a different future."--Horn Book
"It's a touching work with a childlike feel that considers how 'everything happens at the right time.'"--Publishers Weekly
Praise for The Worst Teddy Ever:

The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Blue Ribbon winner
Shortlisted for the 2023 Barnes & Noble Children's & YA Book Awards

* "Verdad's debut picture book is an absolute delight." --BCCB, starred review

"The plot is a fun, reassuring twist on several common themes. Great for bedtime or anytime." --Kirkus reviews

"The artwork in this debut picture book has that Todd Parr appeal of familiarity and achievability for toddlers and young children.... the message of teddy bears as nighttime protectors will be comforting to many a tiny reader." --Booklist

"Verdad's illustrations...have a playful feel that recalls Christian Robinson's child-centric style...adorable in their simplicity." --Horn Book

"A warm story for explaining that underlying answers aren't always obvious, and that readers can't know what others are going through. Good for read-alouds and SEL shelves." --School Library Journal

Marcelo Verdad is an author and illustrator from Mexico and the creator of The Worst Teddy Ever, which received a Blue Ribbon from The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books. He graduated from ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena and now dedicates his time to his students at an art academy in Los Angeles. Marcelo dreams of aliens, spaceships, perfect waves, and Oaxacan beaches. He enjoys chocolate milk and living in the present, and he hopes to grow up one day to be just like Miguelito. He invites you to visit him at marceloverdad.com or on Instagram @marceloverdad.

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