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2025 Pura Belpré Children’s Illustration Award

“A child seemingly separated from his parents cultivates dreams for himself and others in this heart-tugging intergenerational picture book from Verdad. When Miguel Ángel and his grandfather, Abuelito, prepare for their day, they chat about the coins they’ve saved in a jar “to buy an airplane… one with two seats so you can fly with me.” Before heading to the beach to sell their wares—cold coconuts and dream catchers—young Miguel notes how the work of weaving makes him feel close to his parents. … En route, Miguel wonders whether the dream catchers help people secure their varied hopes. Asked whether dreams come true, Abuelito lovingly but realistically responds: “Not always…. But if your heart and actions walk the same path, good things can happen.””

– Publishers Weekly

El Atrapasueños (The Dream Catcher)

Written by Marcelo Verdad
Illustrated by Marcelo Verdad
Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Algunas personas sueñan con olas perfectas, castillos lujosos o pilotear un avión. Otras sueñan con alguien con quien reír y jugar el día entero. Algunas solo sueñan con tener comida para el día siguiente.

¿Y el pequeño Miguel? Mientras él y su abuelito trabajan bajo el ardiente sol oaxaqueño vendiendo cocos y atrapasueños para ganarse unas monedas, Miguel solo conserva un simple deseo: tener a sus padres a su lado. Pero ¿cómo puede seguir confiando cuando la verdad es que los sueños no siempre se hacen realidad?

Look for the English version, The Dream Catcher.

Primary ISBN:
Publication Date: May 2024
Available As: Paperback
Picture Book, Age 04 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , ,

Setting: Mexico (Oaxaca)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Home Country

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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