Written & Illustrated by: Akiko Miyakoshi

For ages: 4-8 years

Language: English

Topics Covered: Longing, Adventure, Imagination, Courage. 

Summary: 

I can’t believe another month has gone by so quickly and we’re celebrating #thefictionfeast already! Since I Dream of a Journey takes place in a hotel, it got me thinking about the breakfast that guests get when they stay.  So I made double chocolate scones!

In this dreamy story, our narrator is a hotelkeeper who yearns to go on an adventure of his own.  When he finishes the day and gets into bed, he fantasizes about the adventures that could be having if only he worked up the courage to leave.  Sights, sounds, beautiful scenery and memories could be gathered firsthand instead of just hearing about them from hotel guests.  This book is simultaneously about the grit and daring required to embark on a solo expedition as well as being satisfied with the life you currently have.

We can all relate in the desire to just hop on a plane, train, or boat and see the world but it also takes a special individual to gather these beautiful stories and memories while providing food and shelter to travelers.  I Dream of a Journey is great for opening up conversations about travel, courage, and how to cultivate a sense of adventure.

This book was generously sent to us by Kids Can Press, but all opinions are our own!

Akiko Miyakoshi was born in Saitama, on the island of Honshu in Japan. She began creating picture books while studying visual communication design at Musashino Art University. Her first picture book, The Storm, won the Nissan Children’s Storybook and Picture Book Grand Prix.
In 2009, after living in Berlin, Germany, she launched her career creating picture books for young children. Her anticipated follow-up, The Tea Party in the Woods, was her first book translated into English and was received with critical acclaim. She has since been featured in solo exhibitions in Tokyo and has published numerous picture books, which have been translated into French, Spanish and Chinese. She currently lives and works in Tokyo, Japan.