
Reach for this book when your child starts showing signs of a rich inner life, or perhaps when they seem a bit preoccupied with the 'what ifs' that keep them from the task at hand. It is a perfect choice for the dreamer who needs to see their active imagination as a superpower rather than a distraction. The story follows Ernst, a small crocodile who is constantly wondering about the possibilities of the world: what if the sun stayed up all night, or what if he could fly like a bird? While his friends are busy doing, Ernst is busy thinking, but he eventually finds a way to share those dreams with others. It is a gentle, affirming read for preschoolers and early elementary students that celebrates curiosity and the beauty of a creative mind. Parents will appreciate how it validates a child's unique perspective and encourages them to use their imagination to solve problems and create art.
There are no traumatic topics here. The book addresses the feeling of being 'different' or 'distracted' in a metaphorical way. The resolution is hopeful and secular, focusing on self-expression as a bridge between one's inner world and the external community.
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Sign in to write a reviewThe 'daydreamer' child who is often told to 'focus' or 'hurry up.' It is perfect for a 4 to 6-year-old who has a high degree of empathy and spends a lot of time in pretend play or asks complex, abstract questions.
No specific preparation is needed. The book can be read cold. The collage-style illustrations are dense and merit a slow pace to allow the child to 'read' the images alongside the text. A parent might reach for this after feeling frustrated that their child is 'dawdling' or 'not paying attention,' only to realize the child was actually engaged in deep creative thought.
Toddlers will enjoy the animal characters and the bright, textured art. Older children (ages 6-8) will resonate with the internal experience of Ernst and can discuss the concept of perspective and how one's thoughts can be turned into art.
Unlike many books that encourage children to 'fit in,' Ernst celebrates the divergent thinker. Elisa Kleven's signature collage art perfectly mirrors the layered, pieced-together nature of a child's imagination.
Ernst is a young crocodile who is a natural philosopher. While his brother and friends engage in typical childhood play, Ernst is often lost in thought, asking hypothetical questions about the world around him. He wonders about the physical world (what if the sun didn't set?) and the whimsical (what if his bed were a boat?). His brother, Sol, is more pragmatic, but the story reaches a lovely conclusion when Ernst uses his vibrant imagination to create something tangible: a painting that brings his 'what ifs' to life for everyone to see.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.