THE DREAMER by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Bibliography
Ryan, Pam Muñoz. 2010. The Dreamer. Ill. by Peter Sís. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 9780439269704

Plot Summary
Neftalí is whimsical, likes to collect things, loves to read and write, and daydreams of great adventures at every possible moment. His father is overbearing and does not like the things that Neftalí loves. To Father, these things are pure nonsense, and he will do everything possible to ensure that his children become doctors or businessmen. Is Neftalí capable of holding on to his dreams and living his own life instead of crumpling under his father’s overbearing and forceful nature?

Critical Analysis
The Dreamer is beautiful and captivating. It is hard to describe. It is part poetry and part historical fiction with a whole lot of whimsy in between. The story centers on Neftalí and follows his story from childhood into adulthood. Neftalí is the sweetest kid that any parent could wish for. He is smart, loving, and kind. Then, there is Father. He is the opposite of Neftalí. Father is overbearing and tries to control everyone, Mamadre (Neftalí’s stepmother), brother Rodolfo, sister Laurita, and the town of Temuco. Readers can identify to the situation of being forced into being what someone else wants one to be.

In between the story of Neftalí and his family are Neftalí’s musings, his fantasy world. Neftalí has an interest in nature and life. The sound of rain dripping on his roof enthralls him, he collects rocks and bugs, and the rarely seen wildlife in Chile, such as the chucao bird, amazes him. Sometimes Neftalí’s musings come in the form of a narrative, other times it shows up in poetry, and sometimes a simply yet beautifully drawn illustration captures them. Two pages can be filled up with just the sound of something, such as the dripping of rain. A simple word or phrase that interests Neftalí may show up repeated or in big print. Sometimes, a picture of something fanciful appears, like Neftalí riding the back of a rhinoceros beetle. Or, the story may just describe a musing, such as Neftalí imagining a perfect goodbye between himself and his first love, Blanca. All methods of storytelling evoke emotion and keep the story interesting.

The book itself is a feast for the eyes and the imagination. All text and illustrations are printed in beautiful forest green. The illustrations are simple and either illustrate a part of the story, show one of Neftalí’s musings, or illustrate a poem that expands on an idea within the story. There is a love of nature throughout the story, and the green print and simple illustrations expand on this theme nicely.

A couple of cultural markers stand out to me. The chucao bird can be found in Chile. Like the story, it is small. The following website has a picture of it along with its call: http://neotropical.birds.cornell.edu/portal/species/overview?p_p_spp=411401. The plight of the Mapuche, the indigenous peoples of Chile, is incorporated into the story. The first chapter sets the place as Temuco, Chile. There is a nice picture of the country of Chile at the start of the first chapter. The story goes on to be very descriptive of the natural environment that surrounds the town of Temuco. Finally, the language itself sets the culture. Spanish words are encountered throughout the dialog and narration. Neftalí’s stepmother is addressed as Mamadre, which seems to be a mix between mamá and madre. There is also much formality between adults and children. However, this may be due more to the time period of the early 1900s than the culture itself.

I feel that this book is one unique and beautiful read. It is a lovely story that is thought provoking as well as inspirational. My only concern is whether young people will be drawn to this book. It is thick and has much depth. Young readers, such as ten and eleven-year-olds may need a little push to try it. However, I do think children will read it once they give it a try.

Awards Won & Review Excerpts
Pura Belpre Award, 2011

Booklist: "This book has all the feel of a classic, elegant and measured, but deeply rewarding and eminently readable."

Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices: "Ryan’s writing is beautiful, full of imagery suited to a story about a boy becoming a poet, while illustrations by Peter Sís feature a delicacy and strength suited to Neftalí’s character."

Kirkus Reviews: "The illustrator's trademark drawings deliver a feeling of boundless thought and imagination, suggesting, with whimsy and warmth, Neftalí's continual transformation of the everyday world into something transcendent."

Library Media Connection: "Well written and engaging, this book would be best suited for sophisticated readers who can empathize with Neftali's relationship with his father and his comfort in writing."

The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books: "While the considerable length contrasts with the fairly young-aimed text, the story is a readable blend of fiction and biography."

VOYA: "The Dreamer should readily appeal to both genders, as well as young and old alike."

Connections

• This book is fictional but based on Pablo Neruda’s childhood. Learn more about Pablo Neruda from these websites:

The Nobel Foundation. "The Nobel Prize in Literature 1971: Pablo Neruda."

http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/literature/laureates/1971/neruda-bio.html.

Academy of American Poets. “Pablo Neruda.”

http://www.poets.org/poet.php/prmPID/279.

Poetry Foundation. “Pablo Neruda.”

http://www.poetryfoundation.org/bio/pablo-neruda.

Guibert, Rita. "Pablo Neruda, The Art of Poetry No. 14."

http://www.theparisreview.org/interviews/4091/the-art-of-poetry-no-14-pablo-neruda.

• The Dreamer deals with many sophisticated issues such as overbearing parents, finding solace through an artistic outlet, and the mistreatment of indigenous peoples. Discuss these issues and any others that are presented within the story.

• The story is interspersed with thoughtful questions that are meant for reflection, such as, “ Which is sharper? The hatchet that cuts down dreams? Or the scythe that clears a path for another?” Take time out to reflect on a few of these.