Everyone needs somewhere to dream. The stunning new book from one of the most original and interesting voices in children's literature.

Rex has gone to stay with his godfather, Sparky. Rex doesn't say much but that's OK because Sparky is always on hand with a cup of tea to enjoy on the sofa, set up outside like an outdoor living room. Rex has his sketchbook, and he draws how he feels even if he doesn't talk about it. And in Sparky's garden, hidden under the canopy of the willow tree, is the Dream House: a lovingly created space just for Rex, to dream, to play, to think, to be. A place he's loved all his childhood. But to go inside now Rex must summon his strength for revisiting the ghosts of his past . . .

An evocative sketchbook novella revealing a boy's inner world, accessing his feelings through drawing and reconnecting with the people who love him, told through Laura Dockrill's vivid storytelling. Fully illustrated throughout by Gwen Millward.

Everyone needs somewhere to dream. The stunning new book from one of the most original and interesting voices in children's literature.

About the Author

Laura Dockrill is a performance poet and novelist. She is author of the YA novel Lorali, the Darcy Burdock series (Random House), and My Mum is Growing Down (Faber). In 2020 her first adult title, What Have I Done? discussed her own experience with post-partum psychosis. Laura lives in London with her husband and young son. @LauraDockrill

Gwen was brought up in Wales. Originally she had her heart set on becoming a naturalist as she loved studying insects and drawing them. She graduated with a First in illustration from Edinburgh.
Gwen's first picture book was Guess What I Found In Dragon Wood by Tim Knapman. Gwen has illustrated Stories from Bug Garden (Candlewick), Tiger Lily, which she wrote and illustrated, and Flat Cat, written by Hiawyn Oram. She lives in Bristol with her young son.

Reviews
Little gem . . . Grief and joy in abundance, I found it incredibly moving -- Kiran Millwood Hargrave
Laura is one of the most original and interesting voices in children's literature and I always look forward to reading any new book she writes. -- Francesca Simon
An extraordinary, tender offering from @lauraleedockrill about grief, love and loss, beautifully illustrated by @gwenmillward -- Sophie Dahl * Instagram *
A beautiful, honest and powerful story exploring the loss of a parent. This difficult topic is handled bravely, with originality and warmth. Rex's story will break your heart then mend it. -- Tamsin Winter

So beautiful, so powerfully moving, the ever-inventive Laura Dockrill has done it again with The Dream House - an incredibly honest, child-centred story about a boy's struggle with terrible grief (and guilt) after losing his dad.
Beautifully presented with Gwen Millward's soft, evocative, powerful illustrations [. . .] this has all the marks of a future classic.

-- Joanne Owen * LoveReading4Kids *
Loved The Dream House, I was in bits by the end. It's not easy to write about grief and Laura does it so beautifully; it bristles with colour and texture. -- Polly Dunbar
The Dream House is stunning. -- Caroline Horn * Readingzone *



Book Information
ISBN 9781848129450
Author Laura Dockrill
Format Hardback
Page Count 112
Imprint Piccadilly Press
Publisher Bonnier Books Ltd
Weight(grams) 165g
Dimensions(mm) 187mm * 135mm * 14mm