About this book

She glanced down... her ten toes reminded her to keep moving in the right direction: forward. Always forward.

It's Dream Big Week at school! Everyone is excited to share their dreams for the future -- except Charley. She has no idea what she wants for her future. But on her walk home, Charley learns that even if she doesn't know exactly what she wants to be when she grows up, she knows what KIND of person she wants to be.

From our most celebrated, bestselling creator Peter H. Reynolds, this inspirational tale serves as a reminder to readers of all ages that while we might not have all the answers to life's biggest questions, the important thing is to trust yourself and keep moving with an open heart and open mind -- always forward.

Reviews

Praise for When You Dream Big:

''Reynolds conveys a message of perseverance, reassuring readers that it’s OK not to have all the answers...The story is sure to spark similar activities or dialogue among classrooms participating in their own Dream Big Week–type celebration...A rousing story to kickstart conversations about growth and determination.'-- Kirkus Reviews

Praise for The Gift of Words:

"The positive words and messages offer a vision of generosity, love, hope, and peace befitting the ideals of the holiday season, while Reynolds' spare cartoon illustrations brim with cheer and goodwill... Collect this one for the holiday bookshelf." -- Kirkus Reviews

Praise for All We Need Is Love and a Really Soft Pillow!:

An Amazon Best Book of 2023

Praise for The Reflection in Me by Marc Colagiovanni, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds:

"Just what all 'perfectly perfect' kids need in order to boost their self-esteem every day." -- Kirkus Reviews

Praise for When Things Aren't Going Right, Go Left by Marc Colagiovanni, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds:

"Resilience and optimism win the day -- and the long game -- in an encouraging fable about finding one's way." -- Publishers Weekly

Praise for Our Table:

An Amazon Best Children's Book of 2021

* "In Reynolds' established tradition, this story is simple and full of heart, celebrating the wonder and possibility of being human and being in relationship... Sweet and timely for today's families." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "Reynolds tells the story simply and illustrates it expressively... A reminder of what really matters." -- Booklist, starred review

Praise for Be You!:

"What is remarkable about the book is that even though the instructions and the brief sentences explaining them are at times vague, the illustrations expand on them in ways readers will find endearing and uplifting... Both beautiful and inspiring as graduation gift or guide to life." -- Kirkus Reviews

Praise for Say Something!:

"A motivational must-have for every collection." -- School Library Journal

"This book's encouragement to kids to find their voices can also be used to start a conversation about how they can make a difference in their world." -- Kirkus Reviews

Praise for The Word Collector:

"Peter H. Reynolds always manages to walk a delicate line with his books -- make that a couple lines: weighty but not weighed down. Universal yet kid-centric. No easy feat." -- Travis Jonker, School Library Journal

"Capture[s] the beauty of words and the wonder of sharing them with others... enchanting." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Packs a powerful punch... capture[s] both the joy of learning and the power of kindness." -- School Library Journal

Praise for Happy Dreamer:

"The message of acceptance and patience comes through clearly, and the exhortation to 'carve your own path' and 'show the world who you are' will be appreciated by anyone who has ever felt misunderstood." -- Booklist

"Celebrates individuality, self-expression, and the joys of being a dreamer... a liberating validation of dreaming as restorative, comforting, and powerful, while giving kids full license to be themselves." -- Publishers Weekly

"A sweet gift to praise spirited individuality, this choice encourages readers to dream big. Let those sparkles fly!" -- Kirkus Reviews