At Flower Hill Elementary, Melissa King, affectionately known as “The Creative Librarian,” loves expanding her students’ horizons through topics ranging from computer science and environmental science to social-emotional learning. Her students know that one of her favorite author-illustrators is Peter H. Reynolds, so they were especially excited when she added two of his newest books to the library collection: When We Dream Big! and Our Treasures Within (co-authored with his twin brother, Paul Reynolds, and Pope Francis).

Whenever Melissa shares a book during library media lessons, she begins by introducing the author and illustrator before inviting students to study the cover and "share what they notice." When exploring the cover of When We Dream Big!, students immediately spotted the child "floating" or "sleepwalking" across a path of sparkling dots. They noticed the pink glasses, the white bird, and the stars. Some wondered if the dots were magical dream dust helping the child move forward. Melissa's students have learned that every word in a story matters and that every artistic choice, including color, is intentional.

As she reads aloud, Melissa encourages students to think deeply about the story through thoughtful questions and discussion. When the characters in When We Dream Big! first raised their hands to share what they wanted to be when they grew up, and later reflected on who they wanted to be, Melissa's students eagerly shared their own aspirations. The book's message connected beautifully with the Creative Library's motto: Where Falcons Imagine, Explore, Create, and Soar!

After the reading, students transformed their reflections into colorful feather designs inspired by the book. They added personal details, cut out their creations, and contributed them to a collaborative art installation. Melissa collected enough feathers to create two stunning Flower Hill Falcon wings. Each student then had the opportunity to pose for a photo in front of the wings, knowing their own feather was part of the artwork.

Sharing an uplifting and empowering book like When We Dream Big! was a wonderful way to close out the school year. As older students passed by the display, many stopped to admire it and asked if they could create and add feathers of their own. The project became more than an art activity. It became a celebration of dreams, identity, creativity, and the power of imagining who we can become.

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