John's Secret Dreams: The Life of John Lennon

By Doreen Rappaport

Book Overview

John Lennon's influence on music and culture is legendary. From a young age, he dreamed of fame and fortune. When he achieved it as one of the Beatles, he recognized the need for a deeper meaning. His inner search for happiness shaped his life and brought new dimension to the world of rock 'n' roll.

Doreen Rappaport and Bryan Collier present John Lennon's life through a combination of narrative and song lyrics, cut-paper collage and watercolor art-capturing the energy and the essence of a man whose vision and creative genius continue to inspire people today.Praise for the Big Words series: John's Secret Dreams"This beautiful and stirring tribute will surely send readers to bookshelves and the music stores to learn more about the man." -School Library JournalMartin's Big Words
-2002 Caldecott Honor Book
-2002 Coretta Scott King Honor Book
-Child Magazine Best Book of 2001
-New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Children's Book of 2001

* "A stunning, reverent tribute."
-School Library Journal, starred review

Abe's Honest Words
* "Exceptional art, along with Rappaport's and Lincoln's words, makes this a fine celebration of a man who needs little introduction."
-Booklist, starred review
Eleanor, Quiet No More
* "Once again Rappaport celebrates a noble, heroic life in powerful, succinct prose, with prominent, well-chosen, and judiciously placed quotes that both instruct and inspire...Celebrate women in history and in politics with this picture-book life."
-School Library Journal, starred review
Helen's Big World
* "Stirring and awe-inspiring."
-The Horn Book, starred review

To Dare Mighty Things
* " T]his lavish picture-book biography deftly captures the legendary man's bold, exuberant nature. . . . A truly inspiring tribute to a seemingly larger-than-life U.S. president."
-Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "Theodore Roosevelt's big ideas and big personality come together in this splendid picture-book biography."
-Booklist, starred review

* "Concisely written and yet poetic, this is a first purchase for every library."
-School Library Journal, starred review

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1484749626
• ISBN13: 9781484749623
• Release Date: May 2016
• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
• Length: 48 Pages
• Weight: 0.64 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 10.0" x 11.0"
• Age Range: 6 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Grades 1 to 3

Customer Reviews

Beautiful intro to Lennon's life and musical work

My 2 1/2-year-old daughter was given this book as a gift. Yes, she's a little young to understand it, but she's already a Beatles fan... I read the book to her and she asked questions about why John was sad growing up, and I sang her the printed song lyrics (I likely will burn her a CD with all the songs featured in the book). I know that she won't get all of it (I glossed over the last page; she doesn't need to know what murder is just yet), but it's a beautifully written & illustrated book that not only gives facts about John's career but also draws you in and makes you want to learn more; she will definitely grow with this book. In fact, I showed her footage of the Beatles performing in the Cavern and John Lennon's "Imagine" music video after she saw the drawings in the book. (My only - and very minor - gripe is that the author chose lyrics from Paul's section of "A Day in the Life".)

I Hope Someday You'll Join Us...

...and the world will live as one. These inspirational words from John Lennon from his 1971 mega hit, "Imagine" beautifully underscore this book. The gentle illustrations of John as a young boy to the man he became are sure to delight all ages. This is a wonderful way to introduce children to the Chief Beatle, the man who founded the World's Number One Band as well as to see what influences helped John create the poignant lyrics that he did. John's sad classic, "Mother" was about how his natural mother Julia turned him over to her older sister and brother-in-law to raise; "Imagine" was the vision that John had for a peaceful world where we all live as one. Please read this book and share it with somebody. It is not only a deeply moving book, it is one that will resonate in the heart and mind as well.

Not really secret, but definately dreams.

For children whose parents steeped them in the Beatles as mine did, this book of swimming, beautiful collages about the life of John Lennon is a wonderful treat. The story is essentially a highlight of the good and the not-so-good parts of John's life and the many poingant, moving, and splendedly beautiful things he had to say. It deals with the sadness of John's abandonment by his mother ("Mother, you had me, I never had you"), the jubilation of creating a rock'n'roll phemonenon that shook the world and his wild sense of the absurd (Goo Goo Ga'Joob!). The book is punctuated by lyrics from many Beatles songs and is, basically, very moving. Although a few aspects of John's life mentioned in the book, divorcing his wife to marry Yoko Ono for example, may take a bit of explaination for younger children they are certainly important parts of John's life. The message of the book is John's constant message to the world: "Yes" is the answer and Love is all you need.