Dreamers

Dreamers.

What a beautiful title for a series of illustrated stories about children who dared to dream and then dared to live their dream. The first two books in the series are about light and song, and I found that quite lovely too.

Richly illustrated with stark, contrasting colours, The Boy Who Played with Light and The Girl Who Loved to Sing are a visual treat.

Shadows lurk everywhere, even as the young Satyajit Ray hunts for the light. He tries to draw them out; he runs from them; he watches them from corners. Until he discovers the magic of light and darkness and the beauty they create together.

Satyajit Ray’s story was lovely, but to be honest, I enjoyed Teejan Bai’s story much more. Red, black and white come together to create powerful pictures, and I love the use of repetition.
Jhunjhuni!
Pagalpana!
Teejan sings!
‘Teejan sings’, especially, is such a powerful affirmation. How strange it is that singing can be an act of rebellion, an act of bravery! Teejan Bai’s tale left me with a lump in my throat and the conviction that beauty will shine, no matter what the odds. This one is a book I will read again. And I’m sure I will notice a little more detail each time I read it. I loved it.