Gideon's Dream: A Tale of New Beginnings    by Ken Dychtwald & et al Order:  USA  Can HarperCollins, 2008 (2008) Hardcover Read an Excerpt     Reviewed by Hilary Daninhirsch This picture book, by Ken Dychtwald, Ph.D., Maddy Dychtwald, Dave and Grace Zaboski, offers a lesson in self-esteem for young children, as well as pointing out that we are all changing and growing, and that experience leads to more experiences. The star of the picture book is Gideon, a little slug who is in a rut. One day, he has an accidental adventure: he is resting on a leaf that falls off a tree, and Gideon falls with it. Initially terrified, Gideon realizes what a thrill it was to free-fall. Soon, other slugs in the forest are doing the same thing. Gideon cannot look at the world in the same way again. His experience prompts him to dream about flying, something he can't stop thinking about. Of course, Gideon was always on the road to becoming a butterfly, even if he didn't know it at the time. When he becomes a butterfly, his metamorphosis is more than just physical - it symbolizes his changing inside, his development of confidence, and his realization that the world offers so much to experience. The authors are self-help motivational speakers who are founders of an organization called Age Wave. The illustrations are highly detailed and cheerful. Gideon's Dream should initiate discussions with children about matters pertaining to self-esteem. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews