Good dream dragon

Unable to sleep, a child summons the help of the "Good Dream Dragon" in this fairy tale--like story of nighttime hijinks. When thoughts of cupcakes and counting sheep fail to result in shut-eye, the child--depicted with light brown skin and described using the pronouns they and them--calls for the dragon, which arrives with "majestic SHWISSHHHH and a fantastic SHWOOSHHHH" and promises to carry the child to sweet dreams. Dawson's flat-styled digital illustrations show the pair journeying across starry skies and arriving at butterfly- and flower-filled Dreamland, where they sip from a giant teapot of ginger tea and skip cookies like stones. Surfing a lullaby "sound wave," the protagonist arrives in a town made of books, reading until drowsiness signals that it's time to return home so they--feeling newly courageous after the interstellar adventure--can "find their own good dreams." With a final allusion to bravery, Davis lightly inserts emotion into what's otherwise a pleasantly straightforward bedtime aid. Ages 3--7. (Oct.)

When a child has trouble falling asleep, the Good Dream Dragon sweeps them away to Dreamland. "Once upon a bedtime," a child is ready for bed but not quite ready to sleep. Momma suggests warding off bad dreams by calling on the Good Dream Dragon. After unsuccessfully attempting to fall asleep, the child summons the creature, who appears. "If your good dreams aren't coming to you," she says, "I will bring you to them!" The dragon takes the little one to Dreamland, where the child experiences dreamy adventures like skipping cookies like stones and riding on a sound wave. When the child gets truly sleepy, the Dragon returns them to their bed for a peaceful rest. The concept of the Good Dream Dragon will reassure little ones who might have nighttime or bad-dream anxiety. Eagle-eyed readers might notice a dragon stuffed animal at the child's side that closely resembles the titular character, a comforting image. Dreamland itself is, fittingly, safe and whimsical. The illustrations are soft with twilight purples and playful patchwork scenery. The idea of a protective dream guide is perfect for the preschool crowd, often newly aware of nighttime fears. Both Momma and the child are brown-skinned; the child is referred to with they/them pronouns.(This book was reviewed digitally.) Sweet and gentle, an ideal bedtime read. (Picture book. 3-5) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.