Darryl’s Dream Book Review

Added this book to our picture book collection and added a copy to my shop @thedopekidfest !!

DARRYL’S DREAM is an inspiring story written by the legendary rapper, Darryl “DMC” McBride of the ground breaking Hip Hop group, RUN DMC.

SUMMARY:

The story follows Darryl, a young student that receives an A on his poem assignment. He is very proud and excited so he decides to enter the school talent show to recite his poem.

However, he encounters a classmate that is not so kind and exclaims Darryl has no talent. Distraught by this encounter, Darryl decides he will no longer participate in the talent show. He is still feeling bad about how he was treated and when he gets home, he tells his Mother he wishes he was someone else. His Mother gives him wonderful words of encouragement.

Darryl heads to bed and dreams of fulfilling his wish of being someone else. Through this enlightening and funny dream, Darryl realizes he is good enough. The next day at school, Darryl sees the same student that was mean to him bullying another kid.

Does Darryl stand up for this kid? Does he find his voice and participate in the talent show? Does Darryl fulfill his dream?

Pick up a copy here and find out!

REVIEW:

This story is very relatable especially for kids that may lack a little bit of confidence. It is an empowering story to be yourself, stuck up for yourself and others. I really like that the story makes the reader go through a range of emotions. The reader will experience happy times, sad moments, some laughs, and lots of pride. The illustrations are wonderful and whimsical, which I really enjoyed. Personally, I do not use words like “dumb” or “stupid” in my home. Stupid is the “s word” to my kids, so words like that are not in their vernacular so I had to skip these words in the story. This is a personal choice and does not diminish the story. Whatever word I say, provides validation for my children to say those words, so I just skipped them. Despite those words, I really enjoyed the book and loved how it all rapped (pun intended) together at the end.