Chasing My Dreams
illustrations by
What’s inside...
'Chasing My Dreams' is a children’s picture book that follows Itzel, a young girl who dreams about her future career possibilities such as engineering and pediatrics. The book combines soft rhyming text and vibrant illustrations to inspire and motivate young readers to learn, be determined, and dream big. It also highlights the importance of Latino representation and promotes STEM careers, making it a perfect addition to any library for young children to explore the world of possibilities.
Age
4-10
Length
33 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the main character's dreams change throughout the story, and what do you think inspired those changes?
What challenges did the main character face while chasing their dreams, and how did they overcome them?
Can you think of a time when you had a dream or goal like the character? What did you do to achieve it?
How did the other characters in the book support the main character's dreams?
What is one dream you have right now, and what steps could you take to chase it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate to the main character by sharing personal stories of your own dreams and the steps you've taken towards achieving them.
Ask your child to draw or write about their own dream after reading the book, discussing the steps needed to achieve it just like the character did.
While discussing the book's challenges, relate them to real-life situations to help your child understand resilience and perseverance.
Celebrate the support system in the story. Discuss the importance of having people who believe in us and how we can be supportive of others in return.
Use the discussion to set a small, achievable goal related to your child’s dream, encouraging them to plan and take actionable steps forward.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist, Mia, faces various challenges as she pursues her dream of becoming a ballet dancer, but she never gives up, showing resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: Children will learn the importance of persistence in achieving their goals, whether it's completing a difficult school project or mastering a new skill in sports or arts.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Mia learns to understand and support her friends when they face their own struggles, which strengthens their friendships and mutual respect.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be considerate of others' feelings and situations, fostering a supportive and understanding environment among peers.
Example Lesson: Self-confidence
Explanation: Throughout her journey, Mia gradually builds her self-esteem by overcoming obstacles and receiving encouragement from her mentors and peers.
Real-World Application: Children will see the value of believing in themselves and their abilities, boosting their confidence to face various challenges in life.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Mia collaborates with other dancers to create a successful performance, learning that teamwork can lead to greater achievements than working alone.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights the importance of cooperation and working collectively towards a common goal, applicable in school projects, sports teams, and family activities.
Example Lesson: Time Management
Explanation: Mia balances her school responsibilities and her dance rehearsals, demonstrating effective time management.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply these skills to balance their academic responsibilities with extracurricular activities, helping them manage their time efficiently from an early age.