PreS-Gr 2 Adults sometimes forget that children often feel powerless; they have so many rules to follow at home and at school, and they must hurry, hurry, hurry. In this book, a little girl feels the burden of these rules while simultaneously experiencing the loneliness and cruelty of childhood in a large, impersonal city. She longs to leave her life behind and take her best frienda black cat named Amadeus who is completely unaffected by society's rules. She daydreams of an amazing ocean adventure aboard a small wooden dinghy in which she will collect stars from magic sea woods, explore hidden mermaid caves, and battle horrible sea monsters. As she creates a fantastical tale in which she is the heroine, she meets a boy who joins her on the imaginary adventure. The story ends back in the city, with the little girl smiling at her new pal and realizing that with a friend by her side, she can "take on the whole world." Originally published in Belgium and Holland, this debut work is a lovely blend of whimsical art and yummy, childlike language ("the clouds&30;taste like whipped cream"), reminding adults of the distant, sweet dreams of childhood and stimulating children to dream about their own voyages. VERDICT A beautifully illustrated work that celebrates the imagination of children and the power of friendship. Sally James, South Hillsborough Elementary School, Hillsborough, CA