Dream Boats

Where do children go when they close their eyes to sleep?

They step onto their dreamboats and sail toward adventure.

From Maiqui in the Andes floating through the constellations, to Aljuu paddling along the shores of Haida Gwaii with Eagle, Orca and Black Bear, to Ivan sailing into St. Petersburg, then sneaking between the bony legs of Baba Yaga, stories and memories lead them on.

Dream Boats takes readers into the dreams of children around the world, dreams that are filled with family and legends, culture and love. Written in lyrical prose by Dan Bar-el with gorgeous art by Kirsti Anne Wakelin, this is a book to be treasured by generations of dreamers.

Dan Bar-el is a children's author, educator and storyteller. His work includes a series of satirical chapter books including Pussycat, Pussycat, Where Have You Been?, Things Are Looking Grimm, Jill (winner of the 2008 Silver Birch Express award) as well as two funny picture books including Alphabetter (chosen by the BC government for the Ready, Set, Learn program - 50,000 copies sent to preschool children across the province) and Such a Prince (a 2009 Blue Spruce Honour Book). In the past, Dan trained and worked professionally as an actor, has written for theatre, as well as written and performed comedy across Canada. He has many years experience working with school age children and currently facilitates a unique storytelling program that he brings to preschools and daycares. Dan merrily travels around the country visiting schools and libraries, and when he's not doing that, he lives and thrives in Vancouver along with the most adorable kitten in the known universe. Learn dubious facts about him on the web at www.danbar-el.com.

Kirsti Anne Wakelin is a well-known freelance designer, writer and illustrator. She lives in Vancouver, BC.