The Dream House

Overview

Everyone needs somewhere to dream. The stunning new book from one of the most original and interesting voices in children's literature.

Rex has gone to stay with his godfather, Sparky. Rex doesn't say much but that's OK because Sparky is always on hand with a cup of tea to enjoy on the sofa, set up outside like an outdoor living room. Rex has his sketchbook, and he draws how he feels even if he doesn't talk about it. And in Sparky's garden, hidden under the canopy of the willow tree, is the Dream House: a lovingly created space just for Rex, to dream, to play, to think, to be. A place he's loved all his childhood. But to go inside now Rex must summon his strength for revisiting the ghosts of his past . . .

An evocative sketchbook novella revealing a boy's inner world, accessing his feelings through drawing and reconnecting with the people who love him, told through Laura Dockrill's vivid storytelling. Fully illustrated throughout by Gwen Millward.

Reviews

An extraordinary, tender offering from @lauraleedockrill about grief, love and loss, beautifully illustrated by @gwenmillward -- Sophie Dahl, author, Madame Badobedah

Written in such a beautiful, original style! It's sophisticated, poetic, exquisitely sensitive to nature and sorrow and turmoil and desperation. -- Geraldine McCaughrean, author, Where the World Ends

It's not easy to write about grief and Laura does it so beautifully; it bristles with colour and texture. -- Polly Dunbar, author, Penguin

 

Author Biography

Laura Dockrill is a performance poet and novelist. She is author of many books for children, including YA novels Big Bones, Lorali and Aurabel, the Darcy Burdock series and Butterfly Brain. In 2020 she publisher her first adult title, What Have I Done?, discussing her experience with post-partum psychosis. Laura lives in London with her husband and son.

Gwen Millward was brought up in Wales. Originally she had her heart set on being a naturalist as she loved studying insects and drawing them, but she graduated from Edinburgh with a First in illustration. Gwen's first picture book was Guess What I Found in Dragon Wood by Tim Knapman. She has written and illustrated Tiger Lily and Flat Cat by Hiawyn Oram, and Butterfly Brain by Laura Dockrill.