Have you heard the buzz about An Awesome Book! by Dallas Clayton? I heard about this book from two different avenues….via the online marketing/children’s product/mommy blog world that I delve into every week, as well as from my husband who saw a blurb about it via one of the design blogs he frequents. I knew we had to see it — I knew our kids would love it. I didn’t know how much our son would love it, though. It’s as though many of the pictures inside were drawn just for him.
The extremely detailed drawings cover small parts of certain pages, yet totally inhabit every square inch (and spill off of the edges) of other pages. G peers intently at each new page before him, squinting to see the tiny details and giggling and squealing when he sees things which are “right up his alley,” little things like power sockets and gears and rocket-power packs on the back of unicorns.
This book is a thick, illustration-rich, inspirational hardback all about dreams….dreaming….making sure you dream and keep dreaming, not just at night during sleep but also dream in general. After reading it, I bet that Dallas Clayton probably had his own 5-year-old son in mind when he wrote this book, using the newness and impressionability of a child as the inspiration for this book. As kids, we didn’t have any trouble dreaming, did we? This book is fun for kids, yes….but it’s a reminder to us adults, as well: It’s still okay to dream.
An Awesome Book! can be bought directly via the Very Awesome World website for only $15.
Win it! Dallas Clayton would love to give one of Muse Reviews’ readers a copy of An Awesome Book! of your very own! Just head over to Very Awesome World and look around a while. Read up on Clayton, watch his video promoting his book, or read some of his past poetry. Come back here and, in a comment, tell me something interesting, fun, or funny….or what else you’ve heard about his book! I’ll close the contest next Tuesday, April 21st, 2009 at 11pm EST. US entries only. Good luck!
Amber (3 years ago)
This book really does look awesome!
I learned that this is Clayton’s first book, but the quality is that of an experienced child author. I also was able to see the ENTIRE book online! Wow! I have never seen a place that does that before. I am keeping my eyes out for this one if I don’t win – thanks for highlighting it!
kim v (3 years ago)
Dallas Clayton lives in Los Angeles. Thanks for the giveaway!
kimspam66(at) yahoo(dot)com
Susan (3 years ago)
This is his first book.
Thanks!
MJ (3 years ago)
I learned ” I have a son who is five years old.
I enjoy making him happy most of all.”.
I teach kindergarten. This would be awesome to have in my classroom!!
mj.cowardATgmail.com
Clara S. (3 years ago)
I liked his poem entitled “Pure at Heart” because it perfectly sums up one of things that I love about my son – he’s still too young to care about what’s “cool” he just marches to he beat of his own drum and it’s wonderful. The book looks fantastic!
MRS.MOMMYY (3 years ago)
very nice for a first book
Staci A (3 years ago)
I really enjoy the website and reading about Dallas Clayton! I learned that he has a 5 year old son. I love the poem Young Wisdom-sounds like things that I’d overhear at my own house.
Alice Hansen (3 years ago)
I love his ‘about’ section – the fact that he’s most interested in making people happy is something that really comes across. And I loved the website – so fun!
Lauren (3 years ago)
I learned that this is Dallas Clayton’s first book. It was awesome that he shared the entire thing online! I would love to have this for my 2 sons – to encourage them to dream big!
Allykatt (3 years ago)
He has a 5 yr old son which is what started him writing for kids in the first place it seems. He likes to make kids (and adults) happy. What a neat site (dallasclayton.com)
Vicki Wurgler (3 years ago)
this is his first book, he likes to make people happy and he loves strangers
megan (3 years ago)
I was surprised to learn this is Dallas Clayton’s first book. Awesome job!
Jen (3 years ago)
Thanks for the intro to Dallas Clayton. I love his work. Oh, and something I gleaned from his site: The Awesome Book feels good on your face … and then there’s a demo.
beth shepherd (3 years ago)
Thank you for a great giveaway! I would love to win. I learned this is his first book. wow. Thank you!
tatertot374@sbcglobal.net
wendy wallach (3 years ago)
This is his first, and hopefully not last, book.
madamerkf at aol dot com
Kristie (3 years ago)
I actually read the book and it is so fun and imaginative! My kids would love it!
Kim (3 years ago)
I love that Dallas has a son of his own, means he writes better books!
Jessica (3 years ago)
Dallas Clayton loves strangers.
I like his poetry. I laughed when I read the No No More poem about how a man can go too far with his beard.
jenna (3 years ago)
I love the pictures and how it encourages the use of your imagination. Thanks!
Cindi (3 years ago)
Greetings, I have read great reviews about this marvelous book. Just read the
poem called “don’t worry” on Dallas Clayton’s Site and it brought tears to my eyes with the irony in it. Thanks for the chance to win this adorable book.
Cindi
jessica c (3 years ago)
I like the poem Pure at Heart
Alicia @ Experiencing Each Moment (3 years ago)
The train illustration is AWESOME!
Shasta (3 years ago)
What a great website! This book looks so, well, awesome! It’s so great because Awesome is one of my favorite words and it’s all over his site! My sons would love this book!
Noreen (3 years ago)
what a cool book and site. Dreaming is so important and his book encourages that
cindy (3 years ago)
I found your website through Ken Wilson. I love children’s books and this one looks amazing. My daughter graduates next week (as an elementary school teacher) and I would love to let her show this book to generations of kids through her career.
iManda (3 years ago)
i absolutely love the illustrations in this book. and my favorite line is “dreams can change the way things are and the way that things are not.” what a great way to empower little children with their own creativity and imagination!
Justin Royce (2 years ago)
I really like the book and how you can actually preview it before buying. Also, I love the little bit of trivia he announces about how many of his readers cry upon reading the book. I would really appreciate a copy of the book as times are tough, and spending money is non-existent. :[