Dreamers

Award-winning author and illustrator Yuyi Morales’s lovely 2018 picture book tells the story of her immigrant experience—how she "made it to the other side" from Mexico, arriving in Texas in 1994 with her young son, Kelly, and having no knowledge of the English language. After discovering the library, "books became our language," opening up Yuyi and Kelly’s lives to the joys of reading, learning, and dreaming. Narrated by Adriana Sananes and backed by atmospheric guitar music, this iconographic-animated adaptation shines a spotlight on Morales’s poetic narrative and her outstanding mixed-media illustrations, which are comprised of pen drawings and other images reflective of acrylic, embroidery, photography, and traditional Mexican fabrics. Some Spanish words, such as amor, are sprinkled throughout, while the closing views of a child holding a book reinforce the messages about literacy and learning. Immediately following the main program is an essay read by Sananes in which the author-illustrator talks more about immigrating to the U.S. and her inspiration for the book’s words and eye-popping illustrations. Also featuring a read-along option, this entertaining program designed to acquaint young viewers with the immigrant experience is highly recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (S. Beauregard)