'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Tuesday 29 September 2020

Review: The Puffin Book of Big Dreams

The Puffin Book of Big Dreams: Stories to Spark Your Imagination was created to celebrate Puffin’s 80th birthday. 

New and much-loved stories and poems, and short stories by children sharing dreams about what they long to become, makes up this amazing collection.

Every page encourages children to use their imagination to soar high; to become what they dream of being. And that a little bit of mess can inspire the most unexpected ideas.

Diverse in every way – culture, language and themes, gather together in clusters under six banners of Dreams: Dream Wild, Dream Bold, Dream Far, Dream Brave, Dream Kind and Dream Forever.



Stories include myths and legends, inventions, contraptions, time-travel space travel, among so many. Excerpts from popular and favourite books tantalise in a way that kids will want to read the whole book. That is a secret gift that comes with the stories.

The Introduction is as interesting to read as all the entries. The first four Puffin books were factual, aimed at children evacuated to the country because of WW2. It wasn’t until 1941 that the first fiction books for children were published.

With over 60 entries, this impressive book will surprise and satisfy even the most reluctant reader. It has such a variety of reading, that welcomes dips and long sessions.

This book is a celebration not only of Puffin’s 80th birthday, but a journey through styles and authors, poets and dreamers, and of children’s literature and all the treasures it offers.

Title: The Puffin Book of Big Dreams
Author: Various
Illustrator: Various
Publisher: Penguin, $32.99
Publication Date: 15 September 2020
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780241438206
For ages: 6+ 
Type: Junior Fiction